Pocatello Women's Correctional Center

The Pocatello Women's Correctional Center (PWCC) is the Idaho Department Of Corrections’ first facility designed specifically to meet the unique program needs of female inmates. It opened in April 1994, has an operating capacity of 331 female inmates, and houses all custody levels. The facility also operates the reception and diagnostic center for women.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

All visitors must be approved before they can visit an inmate at the Pocatello Women's Correctional Center. Please read and be familiar with the Visiting Rules for Offenders and Visitors and complete the visiting application process before visiting.

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

Note: Visitors must be on time or they will be turned away.

* Unit 2 (C tier only - RDU) are not allowed visitation.

** Unit 4 (A tier only - Close Custody) are only allowed to attend one of the approved visiting times per week.

Visitation for offenders in restrictive housing will be handled in accordance with policy on visiting days.

The only items visitors are allowed to bring into the visiting room are: 

• Photo identification
• Money for vending machines (No paper money is allowed in visiting rooms. Visitors may bring coins in clear plastic bags or debit or credit cards, if applicable, to make vending machine purchases)
• Vehicle keys
• Diaper bag if small children are visiting (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 electronic equipment of any kind (including cell phones) is allowed in the visiting area. The use of tobacco products on IDOC property is not allowed, including parking areas. No tobacco can be brought into the facility, so you must store them in a locked vehicle.

Visitors, 16 and older, 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 the outside is allowed to be brought into the facility. Visitors may purchase food and drink items in the vending machines 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.

Visitors must wear clothing that is conservative and modest. Proper underclothing must be worn, and you must also wear shoes. Prohibited clothing includes: sleeveless garments, bare midriffs, scrubs, shorts, cutoffs, miniskirts, hats, caps, bandanas, doo-rags, spandex, and low-cut or see-through clothing. 

All incoming mail must be clearly addressed with the inmate's committed name (no nicknames), IDOC number, institution, and housing assignment. Incoming mail is processed and delivered within 24 hours of receipt, Monday through Friday, as long as the mail present no procedural problems.

You can also send an inmate at Pocatello Women's Correctional Center an email or videogram using JPay.

How to Call an Inmate

You can’t call an inmate at the Pocatello Women's Correctional Center. However, inmates have access to a phone during assigned times 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 Pocatello Women's Correctional Center 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

PWCC has vocational work projects, Correctional Industries, education, programming, pre-release program, and work-release program.

• The Pre-release Program

This program provides inmates with the opportunity to learn the skills of communication, personal goal setting, and attitudes they need to maintain strong family ties, find and keep good jobs, and manage their finances. 

The curriculum consists of three components – the Prerelease Manual addressing areas of life skills, Education/Career Planning aligned with the Department of Labor’s Career Information Services software and leads inmates through career exploration, resume writing, job application and interview skills and finally Computer Literacy. 

• Employability Skills

The top three most important skills identified by employers are: Ability to work in teams, Ability to make decisions/solve problems, and the Ability to communicate inside/outside organization. 

The Employability Skills Framework is broad enough to fit all classrooms. By integrating employability skills into academic and technical skill instruction, all students are receiving instruction in preparation for the job market and release. 

• 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. 

Adult Basic Literacy – Attainment of 6th grade level in Reading/Math

Secondary Education – High School Diploma/GED

Telecommunication Technology ( C-Tech certification) 

Advanced Computer Literacy (MicroSoft Office Specialist certification)

• Treatment

Evidence-based treatment is provided to inmates, with the ultimate goal being 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, and Aftercare.

Pictures of Pocatello Women's Correctional Center

Careers at Pocatello Women's Correctional Center

Pocatello Women's Correctional Center is run by the Idaho Department of Corrections. If you are interested in a job at the facility, click here.