The Idaho State Prison System Summary
The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) manages the state prison system. This department oversees a network of correctional facilities and provides various programs aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration.
The IDOC also manages several community reentry centers and probation and parole offices. The department is headed by a Director, who is appointed by the Governor of Idaho. The Director oversees various divisions such as Prisons, Probation and Parole, Education and Treatment, and Management Services.
As of 2024, the Idaho Department of Correction operates a total of 9 state prisons, including:
- Idaho State Correctional Institution (ISCI)
- Idaho Correctional Institution – Orofino (ICIO)
- Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI)
- South Boise Women’s Correctional Center (SBWCC)
- South Idaho Correctional Institution (SICI)
- Idaho Correctional Center (ICC)
- North Idaho Correctional Institution (NICI)
- Idaho State Correctional Center (ISCC)
- East Boise Community Reentry Center (EBCRC)
Idaho State’s Incarceration Rate
As of the latest data, Idaho’s incarceration rate is approximately 460 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average. This rate reflects the number of individuals incarcerated in state prisons.
Locating a Prisoner in the Idaho Prison System
To locate an inmate within the Idaho prison system, one can use the IDOC Offender Search tool available on the IDOC website:
Family Visitation Rules
Family visitation is an integral part of the Idaho prison system, promoting family bonds and aiding in inmates’ rehabilitation. General visitation rules include:
- Scheduling: Visits must be scheduled in advance.
- Approval: Visitors must be on the approved visitation list.
- Identification: A valid photo ID is required for all visitors.
- Dress Code: Appropriate attire is mandatory, avoiding revealing or offensive clothing.
- Conduct: Visitors must adhere to facility rules and maintain appropriate behavior during visits.
- Specific visitation schedules and additional rules can be found on the IDOC website.
Classification of Prison Security Levels
Idaho’s prisons are classified into different security levels based on the risk and needs of the inmates. The primary levels are:
- Minimum Security: For inmates with low risk and good behavior.
- Medium Security: For inmates who require more supervision than minimum security.
- Maximum Security: For inmates who pose a higher risk and need strict supervision.
- Close Custody is for inmates needing the highest level of security and control, often in solitary confinement or special housing units.
Factors Determining Parole
- Nature and severity of the offense
- Inmate’s behavior and rehabilitation progress
- Risk assessment scores
- Victim impact statements
- Inmate’s plans for housing and employment post-release
Educational, Vocational, and Rehabilitative Programs
IDOC offers a variety of educational and vocational programs aimed at reducing recidivism and aiding reentry into society including:
Educational Programs Include:
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)
- General Educational Development (GED
- College courses offered through partnerships with local community colleges
Vocational Training Programs Include:
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Computer Skills
Rehabilitative Programs Include:
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Therapeutic Community Programs
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs
- Mental Health Services
- Counseling and therapy
- Medication management
- Cognitive-Behavioral Programs
- Thinking for a Change (T4C)
- Aggression Replacement Training
Idaho Prison News: Third Person Arrested in Idaho Prison Escape Case
Summary of Video:
A third arrest has been made in the case of a maximum-security inmate who escaped from a hospital and led police on a 36-hour manhunt, resulting in two deaths. The escapee’s accomplice opened fire on police officers during the escape. The third suspect, Dana Grimm, is being charged with driving up to 100 miles per hour in the pursuit and possession of a controlled substance. The escapee is believed to have kidnapped and carjacked an elderly man, whose body was found next to the first escape car. The investigation is ongoing, with potential murder charges expected at a later date.
Pros and Cons of the Idaho State Prison System
PROS
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
- Educational and vocational training that enhances employability post-release.
- Structured parole system with clear guidelines and support.
CONS
- Overcrowding issues in some facilities.
- High incarceration rate relative to national averages.
- Limited resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment in certain areas.
Sources
Idaho Department of Correction Official Website
Bureau of Justice Statistics: Incarceration Rates
Prison Activities and Programs
Correctional Alternative Prison Placement (CAPP)
15505 S. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Kuna, ID 83634
Telephone: (208)-336-9959
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Housing if known
(CAPP)
15505 S. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Kuna, ID 83634
IDAHO STATE PRISONS:
Idaho State Correctional Center (ISCC)
Idaho State Correctional Center (ISCC)
14601 S. Pleasant Valley Rd
Kuna, ID 83634
Telephone: (208)-331-2760
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number, Housing if known
Idaho State Correctional Center (ISCC)
PO Box 70010
Boise, ID 83707
Idaho Correctional Institution Orofino
Idaho Correctional Institution Orofino
381 West Hospital Drive
Orofino, ID 83544
Telephone: (208)-476-3655
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number, Housing if known
Idaho Correctional Institution Orofino (ICIO)
Hospital Drive N., #23
Orofino, ID 83544
Idaho Maximum Security Institution
Idaho Maximum Security Institution
13400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd
Kuna, ID 83634
Telephone: (208)-338-1635
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number, Housing if known
Idaho Maximum Security Institution
PO Box 51
Boise, ID 83707
Idaho State Correctional Institution
Idaho State Correctional Institution
13500 S. Pleasant Valley Rd
Kuna, ID 83634
Telephone: (208)-336-0740
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number, Housing if known
Idaho State Correctional Institution
PO Box 14
Boise, ID 83707
North Idaho Correctional Institution
North Idaho Correctional Institution
236 Radar Rd.
Cottonwood, ID 83522
Telephone: (208)-962-3276
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
North Idaho Correctional Institution
HC3, Box 147
Cottonwood, ID 83522
South Boise Women’s Correctional Center
South Boise Women’s Correctional Center
13200 S. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Kuna, ID 83634
Telephone: (208)-334-2731
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
South Boise Women’s Correctional Center
13200 S. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Kuna, ID 83634
South Idaho Correctional Institution
South Idaho Correctional Institution
13900 Pleasant Valley Rd
Kuna, ID 83634
Telephone: (208)-336-1260
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
South Idaho Correctional Institution
PO Box 8509
Boise, ID 83707
Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center
Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center
1451 Fore Road
Pocatello, ID 83204
Telephone: (208)-236-6360
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center
1451 Fore Road
Pocatello, ID 83204
St. Anthony Work Camp
St. Anthony Work Camp
125 N. 8th West
St. Anthony, ID 83445
Telephone: (208)-624-3775
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
St. Anthony Work Camp
125 N. 8th West
St. Anthony, ID 83445