Utah Code § 17-72-401: County jails -- Sheriff as keeper -- Contracting with private contractor.

(1) The county jail shall be kept by the sheriff and shall be used for:

(a) the detention of an individual committed to jail to secure the individual's attendance as a witness in a criminal case;

(b) the detention of prisoners charged with crime and committed for trial;

(c) the confinement of prisoners committed for contempt, or upon civil process, or by other authority of law; and

(d) the confinement of inmates sentenced to imprisonment upon conviction of crime.

(2) If the county executive contracts with a private contractor to manage, maintain, operate, or construct county jail facilities, the sheriff shall perform whatever obligations are imposed upon the sheriff by that contract.