Idaho State Correctional Institution

The Idaho State Correctional Institution (ISCI) is a 1,446-bed, medium-security men's prison located south of Boise, Idaho. Its reception and diagnostic unit (RDU) serves as the entry point for all men entering Idaho's prison system. The facility also has a medical unit and workspace for Correctional Industries' programs. 

ISCI is one of seven facilities in a small area known as the “South Boise Prison Complex,” and it is the oldest operating prison in the state. It also has special-use beds for infirmary, outpatient mental health, and geriatric offenders. 

The institution is surrounded by a double fence, is patrolled by sentry dogs, and has six operational towers to monitor perimeter security and offender movement. The facility includes a chapel, recreation Institution with two large tracks and ballfields, an accredited school, a large correctional industries/vocational rehabilitation operation, and a fully functioning medical clinic with 28 inpatient beds.

On Easter Sunday in 1986, convicted felon Claude Dallas escaped from this facility. Some believe he walked out with a group of visitors, but his method for escape is unknown. A year-long manhunt for Dallas ended in suburban southern California.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

All visitors must be approved before they can visit an inmate at the Idaho State Correctional Institution. Please read and be familiar with the Visiting Rules for Offenders and Visitors and complete the visiting application process before visiting.

Visiting schedules are subject to change based on emergency situations, and visits are NOT allowed during the reception and diagnostic process, so you must wait until your inmate has completed the process before visiting.

Visitors must be on time or they will be turned away. Visiting is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For visiting questions, send email to: [email protected].

Medical Note: Inmates assigned to a medical unit may visit with prior approval from the visiting supervisor during the regular hours listed above.  If an inmate is unable to leave his unit, the visit must be approved by the warden and scheduled in advance.

Visitors may enter the gatehouse during the designated entry times. Inmates will normally be allowed to visit only on their assigned visiting days and times. All visiting schedules are subject to change based on emergency counts and other institutional considerations.

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. 

All incoming mail must be clearly addressed with the inmate's committed name (no nicknames), IDOC number, institution, and housing assignment. Incoming mail that presents no procedural problems will be processed and delivered within 24 hours of receipt, Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. 

Junk mail such as direct marketing, mass mailings, sales flyers, credit card applications, coupons, etc. will be destroyed.

Contraband (prohibited mail) is anythingㄧof any kindㄧthat is prohibited by Board, Department, or facility rules, policies, directives, or standard operating procedures. Contraband also includes any thingㄧof any kindㄧthat a facility head has not approved (1) for possession by an offender or (2) to bring into a facility or onto Department property. Do not send an inmate contraband.

You can also send an inmate at Idaho State Correctional Institution an email or videogram using JPay.

How to Call an Inmate

Inmates at the Idaho State Correctional Institution can’t receive calls. During assigned times, inmates 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 State Correctional Institution through 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 an 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

• 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

Idaho State Correctional Institution 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 the community.

• Mental Health Services

Mental health services are provided to all inmates who have an identified mental health concern. Services provided are individualized and may include assessment and evaluation, diagnostic clarification, individual and group psychotherapy, medication, and psycho-education. Clinical staff assists inmates in achieving and maintaining optimal levels of functioning in the least restrictive setting.

• Inmate Dog Alliance Program of Idaho (IDAPI)

This program takes dogs from the Humane Society and places them with an inmate. The goal of the program is to prepare the dogs for adoption, as well as providing therapeutic opportunities for the participating inmates.

Pictures of Idaho State Correctional Institution

Careers at Idaho State Correctional Institution

Idaho State Correctional Institution is run by the Idaho Department of Corrections. If you are interested in a job at the facility, click here.