“I’ll never forget listening to an informational session about the Intensive Outpatient Clinic (IOC) during my first year at the University of Utah,” says Dr. Emily J. Salisbury, Director of the Utah Criminal Justice Center (UCJC). “I knew in my bones they were having a positive impact on criminal justice outcomes for patients.”
Now, new research from UCJC confirms what she sensed: the IOC model works.
Compared to a matched control group, patients enrolled in the clinic’s program had:
- 71% fewer arrests
- 50% fewer days in jail
- 73% reduction in maximum crime severity
These results come from a recent public safety evaluation conducted by UCJC (Principal Investigator: Kort Prince, Ph.D.) as part of the Innovative Finance for Translational Research portfolio. The IOC program focuses on individuals often considered “high utilizers” of emergency rooms, some of whom have criminal justice involvement. These are people whose behavioral and physical health needs are not being met by traditional systems. The IOC provides coordinated, ongoing outpatient support through a collaborative team approach, that evidence now shows, also reduces criminal justice entanglement. Essentially, the IOC model is an effective way to deflect people with chronic medical conditions from jail.
“This population is typically not violent or high-risk for recidivism, but they are expensive to both the healthcare and criminal justice systems,” Salisbury explained. “The IOC helps stabilize people before they spiral—and that’s better for everyone.”
The evaluation is now being followed by a return-on-investment (ROI) analysis led by Dr. Fernando Wilson in the Department of Population Health Sciences, which will assess the financial impact of this treatment-first approach.
“It’s not just about numbers—it’s about people, systems, and long-term solutions,” Salisbury said.
The findings offer a compelling case for investing in prevention-focused, cross-sector models that deliver public safety alongside better health outcomes. With continued collaboration between UCJC, UHealth, and research leadership, this work has the potential to shape policy and improve lives—both in Utah and far beyond.