Getting Approved and Preparing to Visit Someone at North Idaho Correctional Institution (NICI)

You can't just show up at North Idaho Correctional Institution (NICI) for a visit. Every visitor needs to complete a visiting application and pass a background check first.

• ✓ Complete the NICI visiting application.
• ✓ Submit the application before trying to schedule or show up for a visit.
• ✓ Expect the application to include a background check as part of approval.

Give yourself time. The application process typically takes two to four weeks, so start early. Hold off on booking travel until you've been approved.

If your loved one just arrived at NICI, you won't be able to visit immediately. Residents aren't allowed visitors during the reception and diagnostic process. You'll need to wait until intake is complete.

NICI's location means weather can disrupt visits. Schedules may change due to storms or emergencies, and the facility has site-specific rules because of its climate. If you're traveling any distance, call ahead to confirm before you leave.

Items Allowed Prohibited

• ✓ Do not bring paper money into the visiting room.
• ✓ Bring coins in clear plastic bags if you want to use vending machines.
• ✓ Debit or credit cards may be allowed for vending machine purchases (when applicable).

• ✓ Do not bring outside food of any kind into the visiting room.
• ✓ Do not bring gum or candy.
• ✓ Any exceptions have to be the ones specifically detailed in the Visiting Rules.

• ✓ Do not bring pictures of any kind into NICI visiting areas.
• ✓ That includes images stored on keychain-sized electronic picture viewers.

Expect to be searched. Staff may search any item or visitor entering the visiting area under Idaho Code 18-2510. Keep what you bring simple and within the rules.

NICI takes contraband seriously. Staff have broad authority to search visitors and belongings under Idaho Code 18-2510. Bringing contraband into the facility is a crime under Idaho Code 18-5210. Prohibited items include tobacco, cell phones or other telecommunications equipment, controlled or illegal substances, firearms or dangerous weapons, ammunition or explosives, and escape tools or devices. Penalties can include up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Practical Pre Visit Checklist

• ✓ Submit a visiting application and complete the background check before you try to visit.
• ✓ Start early and plan around a 2 to 4 week processing timeline.
• ✓ If the resident is in reception and diagnostic, wait until that period is over because visits are not allowed then.
• ✓ Bring vending money the right way: no paper money, only coins in clear plastic bags, or a debit/credit card if applicable.
• ✓ Leave all outside food at home, including gum and candy (exceptions only if allowed in the Visiting Rules).
• ✓ Do not bring pictures of any kind, including images on keychain-sized electronic viewers.
• ✓ Pack light and be ready for searches of your items and screening when entering the visiting area.
• ✓ Check the visiting schedule before you travel since hours can change due to weather or emergency situations, and NICI has site-specific weather-related visiting rules.