Visiting Someone at North Idaho Correctional Institution: Complete Checklist Before Your First Visit

Quick Summary

• ✓ Submit the NICI visiting application and complete the required background check before you try to visit.
• ✓ Confirm the resident is not in reception/diagnostic status (visits aren’t allowed during that process).
• ✓ Expect searches of visitors and items when entering the visiting area - plan your pockets and bags accordingly.
• ✓ Leave all pictures at home (including photos stored on keychain-sized electronic picture viewers).
• ✓ Don’t bring outside food - no gum, no candy, no snacks (exceptions are only what the Visiting Rules allow).
• ✓ Skip paper cash; if you plan to buy from vending machines, bring coins in a clear plastic bag or use a debit/credit card (if applicable).

NICI won't let you into the visiting room until you're approved as a visitor. That means completing a background check and submitting a visiting application ahead of time - don't wait until the week you're hoping to visit. While you're working through the application, read the "Visiting Rules for Residents and Visitors" posted with the application materials. These are the rules staff enforce at the door, and they cover the details that can make or break your visit.

If the resident is new to NICI and still in reception and diagnostic, visits aren't allowed. Confirm their status before you drive - this is one of the easiest ways to avoid a wasted trip.

Step3 Allowed Prohibited Items

• ✓ Pictures of any kind (including photos on keychain-sized electronic picture viewers)
• ✓ Outside food of any kind, including gum and candy (only exceptions are what the Visiting Rules allow)
• ✓ Oils (including religious oils)
• ✓ Can openers
• ✓ Sunglasses
• ✓ Documents of any kind

Not sure if something's allowed? Check the Visiting Rules for Residents and Visitors - they're included with the application materials and serve as NICI's standard for what can enter the visiting room.

Paper money isn't allowed in the visiting room. For vending machines, bring coins in a clear plastic bag or use a debit/credit card if the machines accept them.

Expect security screening. Staff may search any visitor and anything you bring into the visiting area under Idaho's contraband law. Keep it simple and rule-compliant. This is why doing things the right way matters - submit the application, complete the background check, follow the Visiting Rules. Fewer questionable items and fewer surprises mean a smoother check-in.

Check the visiting schedule before you leave - even if you've visited before. Schedules can change during emergencies, and a quick confirmation beats a long drive for nothing.

To verify information directly with the facility, contact North Idaho Correctional Institution at 208-962-3276 or email nici@idoc.idaho.gov. The warden is Aaron Krieger.