What You Cannot Bring to Visits at NICI (Contraband, Prohibited Items, and Penalties)
NICI takes contraband seriously — and the rules cover more than obvious items like drugs or weapons. Use the lists below to pack safely, avoid getting turned away, and steer clear of criminal charges.
Under Idaho Code 18-2510, knowingly bringing or possessing contraband in an Idaho correctional facility is a crime - including during visits at NICI. Even a "small" item can turn into a serious legal problem if it's classified as contraband. Penalties can reach up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. If you're not sure whether something is allowed, leave it behind.
Most important warning: Bringing contraband into NICI isn’t just a rule violation - it can be a crime under Idaho Code 18-2510, with penalties up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
At NICI, contraband includes tobacco, cell phones and other telecommunication equipment, controlled or illegal substances, firearms and other weapons, ammunition, explosives, and escape tools. The phrase "but is not limited to" matters here: anything that threatens safety, security, or facility rules can be treated as contraband.
High-risk items: Cell phones/telecommunication devices, controlled or illegal substances, weapons, ammunition/explosives, and escape tools are all specifically named as contraband categories.
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- ✓ Paper money (cash bills)
- ✓ Outside food of any kind, including gum and candy (exceptions are only those detailed in the Visiting Rules)
- ✓ Pictures of any kind, including pictures on keychain-sized electronic picture viewers
- ✓ Oils of any kind, including religious oils
- ✓ Can openers
- ✓ Sunglasses
- ✓ Documents of any kind
Planning to use the vending machines? Skip paper money. NICI allows coins in clear plastic bags, and you may also be able to pay with a debit or credit card if the machines accept them.
- Empty out cash bills - no paper money is allowed in NICI visiting rooms.
- Pack vending money the right way - bring coins in clear plastic bags, or plan to use a debit/credit card (if applicable) for vending machine purchases.
- Do a quick “food check” before you leave - don’t bring outside food into the visiting room, including gum and candy, unless it’s one of the exceptions spelled out in the Visiting Rules.
- Remove photos and photo devices - pictures aren’t allowed, including images on keychain-sized electronic picture viewers.
- Leave common “just-in-case” items behind - oils (including religious oils), can openers, sunglasses, and documents of any kind aren’t allowed in the visiting room.
Before you make the trip, review the Visiting Rules for Residents and Visitors and complete the visiting application process. You can find both the rules and the application form on the Visiting Application page.
If you're stopped with something prohibited, take it seriously - don't try to push it through. Under Idaho Code 18-2510, knowingly bringing or possessing contraband in a correctional facility is a crime. Penalties can reach up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. When in doubt, assume it could be treated as contraband. This especially applies to tobacco, phones and telecommunication equipment, controlled or illegal substances, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and escape tools.
Reminder: Not sure about an exception (like limited food items)? Check the Visiting Rules and confirm your visiting application is complete before you go.
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