Last week, Weber County announced the Weber County Community Reentry Coalition will be holding a “Reentry Simulation” Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2026.

Weber County Public Relations Manager Jessika Clark told the Standard-Examiner in an email Friday the program is about providing insight on what incarcerated individuals go through as they return to society.

“The Reentry Simulation, presented by the Weber County Community Reentry Coalition, is an interactive experience that provides participants with a unique opportunity to better understand the barriers individuals face as they transition from incarceration back into the community,” she said.

Laura Andelin, Weber County Sheriff’s Office Justice Programs supervisor, said that this isn’t the first time the county has held such a simulation.

Weber County hosted its first Reentry Simulation through bringing out a national expert in reentry and peer support in September 2021,” she said. “The Department of Workforce Services Vocational Rehabilitation Office has hosted several simulations, primarily for its internal staff members. The Utah Department of Corrections has also hosted several simulation events. Supported by the Weber County Community Reentry Coalition, Weber County Sheriff’s Office hosted its first simulation series in February 2026.”

She added that this latest simulation came out of a desire to further educate civic leaders.

“The Sheriff’s Office has identified a need to educate the community and its staff about the complex nature of reentry and various factors involved in a person’s efforts to reintegrate into society after a period of incarceration,” she said.

Clark said participants will get a glimpse into the trials of reentering society.

“Participants can expect to ‘walk in the shoes’ of formerly incarcerated individuals, navigating the often-overwhelming obstacles they face as they reintegrate into the community,” she said. “They may work with case managers and peer support to help navigate these obstacles such as transportation, paying for living expenses and treatment fees, landing a job and applying for identification documents.”

She said the simulation is geared more towards local leaders, community stakeholders and Weber County Sheriff’s Office staff and is open on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be five sessions open to 40 participants each over the three-day period.