Sending Mail to Someone at NICI: Address Format, Photo Rules, and How Mail Is Screened
Sending mail to someone at North Idaho Correctional Institution (NICI) is straightforward once you know the right address format and what's allowed. Here's the addressing setup, photo rules that catch people off guard, and what happens when your letter goes through screening.
For Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) facilities, the mailing label follows a four-line format: the resident's last name and IDOC number on line one, the facility name and unit number on line two, the facility's PO Box on line three, and "Boise, ID 83707" on line four. Get the IDOC number and unit right - that's how mail gets routed to the correct person once it enters the system.
Note: NICI is an exception to the default Boise PO Box setup. For NICI, use the mailing address shown on NICI’s individual facility page when you address the envelope.
NICI accepts letters but not packages. If you're trying to slip something extra into an envelope or send a care package, expect it to be rejected.
- ✓ Photos cannot be Polaroids.
- ✓ Photos cannot contain nudity.
All mail gets screened on arrival. Staff open personal letters and check for contraband before delivery. If they find something prohibited, it won't reach the resident - depending on what it is, the item may be returned to you or turned over to authorities.
- Send confidential mail as confidential - this category is handled differently from regular personal mail.
- Expect it to be opened in the resident’s presence - a unit staff member opens and inspects the envelope with the incarcerated individual there, but staff do not read the contents.
- Know it may still be scanned - incoming confidential mail may be scanned to make sure it doesn’t violate policy.
Residents with funds are expected to buy envelopes and postage through commissary. Don't try to send stamps or stationery - they won't be accepted.
Residents without funds (indigent status) receive stationery and postage for one personal letter per week from the facility. If replies slow down, this might explain why - they may not have money available for extra correspondence.
If you start receiving unwanted mail from an IDOC resident, don’t open it. Write “Return to Sender” on the envelope and send it back unopened.
Important: If a minor in your household is receiving unauthorized or unwanted mail from a resident, contact IDOC Prison Victim Services.
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