How to Address Mail and What You Can Send to Someone at Idaho Maximum Security (IMSI)
Getting mail to Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI) is straightforward as long as you use the right address format and stick to what the facility accepts. The sections below will help you avoid delays, returns, or rejected mail.
The mailing address for Idaho Maximum Security Institution needs to include the PO Box line exactly as: "IMSI and SBWCC - PO Box 51". The last line should read "Boise, ID 83707."
Put the resident's last name and IDOC number on the first line. On the second line, list the facility and the resident's unit number. This is how mailroom staff figure out who the letter is for and where it needs to go inside IMSI.
IMSI residents can receive personal letters and photos from family and friends. Packages aren't allowed, so stick to standard mail like letters and photo prints.
Note: Polaroid photos and nude photos are both prohibited. Including either one can get your entire mailing rejected.
All personal letters sent to residents are opened and inspected for contraband. If anything in your mail doesn't meet policy, it won't be passed through.
- ✓ Tobacco
- ✓ Cell phones or other telecommunication equipment
- ✓ Controlled or illegal substances
- ✓ Firearms or dangerous weapons
- ✓ Ammunition or explosives
- ✓ Escape tools or devices
Mail containing unacceptable items may be returned to the sender or turned over to the proper authorities. If you're unsure about something you planned to include, leave it out. It's better than risking the entire mailing being rejected.
Books and other publications follow a separate rule. They must come directly from the publisher or from an IDOC-approved vendor. You cannot mail publications to a resident yourself.
IDOC maintains a list of approved book vendors: Edward R. Hamilton, Thrift Books, Discover Books, More than Words, Prison Book Program, Books a Million, Books N Things, Sure Shot Books, The Women's Prison Book Project, and the Idaho Prison Arts Collective. Amazon is not an approved vendor for sending books to residents.
- ✓ Softcover books only
- ✓ Maximum size: 11 inches long
- ✓ Maximum size: 8.5 inches wide
- ✓ Maximum thickness: 3 inches
IDOC treats certain mail as confidential (for example, mail involving specific officials or entities recognized under policy). It still gets checked for contraband, though. A unit staff member opens and inspects the envelope in the resident's presence but does not read the contents.
Incoming confidential mail may also be scanned to confirm it doesn't violate policy.
- Write “Return to Sender” - Put “Return to Sender” on the envelope.
- Send it back unopened - Mail it back without opening it.
Note: If a minor child in your household is receiving unauthorized or unwanted mail, contact IDOC Prison Victim Services.
Step By Step Checklist
- ✓ Address the first line with the resident’s last name and IDOC number
- ✓ Put the facility and the resident’s unit number on the second line
- ✓ Use the PO Box line exactly: "IMSI and SBWCC - PO Box 51"
- ✓ Use the city/state/ZIP line exactly: "Boise, ID 83707"
- ✓ Send letters and photo prints only (no packages)
- ✓ Do not send Polaroid photos or nude photos
- ✓ Do not mail books or other publications yourself, they must come from the publisher or an IDOC-approved vendor
- ✓ If sending a book, confirm it is softcover and no larger than 11 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 3 inches thick
- ✓ Do not order books through Amazon for delivery to a resident
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