How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at NICI.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at NICI is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of NICI.

Frequently asked questions about NICI

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by NICI.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to NICI?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at NICI?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at NICI. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at NICI. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of NICI?

   Mailing address:

   NICI
   236 Radar Rd
   Cottonwood, ID 83522
   

5. What are the visiting hours at NICI?

   Visiting hours at NICI vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to NICI?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with NICI for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at NICI?

   You can send money to an inmate at NICI through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at NICI?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At NICI, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at NICI?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact NICI for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at NICI, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The retained jurisdiction program at North Idaho Correctional Institution represents a comprehensive approach to criminal justice, targeting individuals who may be viable candidates for probation following intensive programming and evaluation. This program-specific facility, housed in a former military radar station near Cottonwood, focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and rehabilitative services to help determine whether residents can successfully transition to community supervision rather than serve extended prison sentences.

The facility’s programming typically centers around substance abuse treatment, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and educational services designed to address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Residents may participate in vocational training programs, GED preparation courses, and life skills development workshops that prepare them for successful reintegration into their communities. Mental health counseling and group therapy sessions often form core components of the treatment approach, helping individuals develop coping strategies and address behavioral patterns.

Support services at the institution may include religious programs, recreational activities, and family communication opportunities that help maintain important community connections during the evaluation period. The facility’s specialized focus on retained jurisdiction cases allows staff to provide intensive case management and develop detailed recommendations for the courts regarding each resident’s suitability for probation. This comprehensive approach to assessment and programming reflects Idaho’s commitment to evidence-based practices that can reduce recidivism while providing alternatives to traditional incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At North Idaho Correctional Institution, residents follow structured daily routines designed around the facility’s specialized programming focus. Located at a former military radar station north of Cottonwood, this 428-capacity facility primarily serves individuals under retained jurisdiction sentences, meaning their daily activities center heavily on programming and evaluation that may influence their potential for probation rather than continued incarceration. The facility’s comprehensive mission shapes much of the daily experience, with residents typically participating in various educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs throughout the week.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life through the facility’s visiting program, though all visitors must complete the application process and familiarize themselves with visiting rules before arrival. The facility maintains specific visiting schedules, though these may change based on emergency situations. Communication with loved ones typically includes phone calls and correspondence, helping residents maintain important relationships during their time at the facility. Idaho’s strict contraband laws are consistently enforced, with violations potentially resulting in up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000, making compliance with facility rules a critical aspect of daily life.

The structured environment at NICI often includes educational opportunities, work assignments, and recreational activities that fill residents’ days while supporting their rehabilitation goals. Given the facility’s focus on retained jurisdiction cases, daily programming may emphasize skill-building and behavioral modification designed to prepare residents for potential community reintegration. Meals, medical care, and other essential services follow standard correctional protocols, while the facility’s location in rural Idaho provides a setting that may offer certain outdoor recreational opportunities when security and programming schedules permit.