Idaho Maximum Security Institution

The Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI) is a state prison for male inmates located in Kuna, Idaho. It is one of seven facilities in a small area known as the “South Boise Prison Complex.” IMSI houses Idaho’s execution chamber and the death row for male inmates.

This facility houses Idaho’s most violent and disruptive offenders. It has a double perimeter fence with razor wire, an electronic detection system, and a 24-hour armed perimeter patrol. 

Housing for inmates includes beds for the close-custody general population, and there are also restrictive housing units for administrative segregation, disciplinary detention, and death row. There are also 30 beds in the facility dedicated to prisoners who have acute mental illness.

Idaho Maximum Security Institution can house a maximum of 549 inmates.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

All visitors must be approved before they can visit an inmate at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. You must fill out the form completely, and then mail it to IMSI at the mailing address listed below, attention visiting department.

For visiting questions, please send an email to: [email protected].

NOTE: Non-contact visits will need to be scheduled by the offender through unit staff.

Two visitors per offender, exception may be given at the time of the visit by the Shift Commander, if space is available.  

Visiting hours are on Thursday through Sunday. Visiting is closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Visitors must be on time to enter or will not be allowed entry into the facility. The following are the visiting groups:

Group #1  = A-Block (Non-Contact)                       Group #2 = B-Block (Non-Contact)                                      

Group #3  = C-Block (Non-Contact)                       Group #4 = C-Block (Contact)        

Group #5  = J-Block (Non-Contact)                        Group #6 = E/G Block                                                               

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

NOTE:

- Offenders are allowed two visitors per visit.  Offenders must be approved by request for more than 2 visitors prior to visit.

The only items visitors are allowed to bring into the visiting room are: Photo identification, money for vending machines, vehicle keys, and if small children are visiting, a diaper bag. (The diaper bag may contain diapers; wipes; a pacifier; two bottles of formula, milk, water, or juice; and a container of baby food or cereal.) 

No cell phones, beepers, laptop/palm computers, cameras, or other electronic equipment is allowed. The use of tobacco products on IDOC property is not allowed, to include parking areas. No tobacco can be brought into any facility. All tobacco products must be stored in a locked vehicle.

Visitors over the age of 16 must have valid and current photo identification (ID) (specifically a driver’s license, state-issued ID, military ID, or valid/current United States passport). Visitors between the age of 16 and 18 years can also use student ID cards issued by their schools. 

No food or drink from outside the facility is allowed to be brought into the facility. Visitors may purchase food and drink items for consumption by the visitor and inmate. Visitors must take unopened food and drink items with them at the end of visiting. Visitors must provide their own change or vending card.

Inmates may not give or receive any item from a visitor. Visitors may not give or receive any item from an inmate. 

Visitors must wear garments that are conservative and modest. Proper underclothing must be worn. No bare feet. 

Attire That Is Not Allowed: sleeveless garments, bare midriffs, scrubs, shorts, cutoffs, miniskirts, hats, caps, bandanas, doo-rags, spandex, and low-cut or see-through clothing. (Note: Medical exceptions may be made for headwear. In addition, scrubs may be worn at CRC facilities.) 

Multi-layered clothing that could be used to conceal contraband, such as coats and sweatshirts, are also not allowed. Correctional staff will use discretion with young children, normally those under eight years of age. 

The following physical contact is allowed during a visit: holding hands in plain view, and placing one arm around the shoulder with the hand on the shoulder. 

All custody levels allow a brief, closed-mouth kiss and embrace at the beginning and end of the visit. Children age six and younger may sit on the inmate's lap. Goodbyes are said in the assigned visiting area. 

You can also send an inmate emails and videograms using JPay. To create an account click here.

How to Call an Inmate

Inmates at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution can’t receive calls. During assigned times, inmates do have access to a phone and can make outgoing calls. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Idaho, please click here.

How to Send Money

You can send money to an inmate at Idaho Maximum Security Institution by using the inmate banking solution called Access Corrections. Visit the Deposit and Payment Services FAQ page or www.accesscorrections.com for fees and full details.

Access Corrections will accept deposits for inmate trust account online, by phone, by mail and through authorized retailers. 

• Online:      www.accesscorrections.com (fees apply)
• Phone:      1-866-345-1884 (fees apply)
• Walk-in Sites: CashPayToday.com (call 1-844-340-2274 to enroll and find a location) and AceCashExpress.com (call 1-877-223-2274 to find a location)
• Mail (free service):                                                

Secure Deposits-Idaho DOC                                              
PO Box 12486                                                                            
St. Louis, MO 63132                                                                    

​Programs For ​Inmates

The Department provides evidence-based programs to address the behaviors that resulted in the inmate's incarceration. The goal is to teach them how they can change their lives by changing their thinking.  

Education

The Robert Janss School is a state-accredited Special Purpose school within Idaho prisons. The school offers basic education and general education diplomas.

The curriculum offers training for offenders as a stepping stone for successful transition to community postsecondary programs, job training programs or self sustaining jobs upon their release.  The emphasis is on helping offenders attain real and rewarding jobs, relevant credentials, and postsecondary education. 

The curriculum is comprised of four sections, called Education/Career Bridges.  Education/Career Bridges One, Two, and Three combine adult literacy, technology, and workplace skills based on assessed offender needs.  The goal of Education/Career Bridge Four is to link offenders on probation and parole to community resources by providing transitional support with tutoring/career advisement and financial education.

Treatment

The Department provides evidence-based treatment to inmates. The ultimate goal is to reduce recidivism as inmates are released to communities.

All offenders are assessed to determine their medical condition, programmatic needs, education level, and mental health. The information from these assessments is used to format a rehabilitation program to address each offender's identified risk and needs.

Programs and services address the following areas:

• Cognitive/Behavioral
• Mental health
• Substance abuse
• Education and vocational education
• Family reunification
• Aftercare

The basis of quality treatment and education is twofold: Good assessments and good case plans. Case plans prioritize offenders needs and create a plan for accountability that can lead to successful reintegration into our communities.

Pictures of Idaho Maximum Security Institution

Careers at Idaho Maximum Security Institution

Idaho Maximum Security Institution is managed by the Idaho Department of Corrections. If you are interested in a job at the facility, click here.