What Happens If You Bring Contraband to NICI: Understanding Idaho's Rules and Penalties
Visiting someone at North Idaho Correctional Institution (NICI)? Don't assume a
At Idaho correctional facilities, “contraband” isn’t just a rule violation - NICI materials explain that state law makes it a crime to knowingly introduce contraband into a correctional facility or knowingly possess contraband inside one. In other words, it’s not only about what’s allowed during a visit; it can become a criminal case if you bring or keep prohibited items. The key word you’ll see is “knowingly.” If you’re carrying something prohibited into the facility or into an area where it’s not allowed, NICI/IDOC materials treat that as a serious issue, even if you didn’t intend to cause harm.
- ✓ Tobacco
- ✓ Cell phone(s) or telecommunication equipment
- ✓ Controlled/illegal substances
- ✓ Firearms or dangerous weapons
- ✓ Ammunition/explosives
- ✓ Escape tools or devices
IDOC’s visiting guidance is straightforward about enforcement: staff may search any visitor and may search any item entering the visiting area. The point of these searches is to enforce the contraband law described in IDOC materials, so anything you bring with you can be inspected. If you’re unsure whether an item is allowed, treat that uncertainty as a red flag. Bringing less - and bringing only what you’ve confirmed is permitted - lowers the risk of a visit turning into a bigger problem.
NICI materials warn that contraband violations can carry significant criminal penalties. The NICI page describes penalties of up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for knowingly introducing or possessing contraband in a correctional facility. That’s why it’s worth slowing down before you leave home: one prohibited item can have consequences that last far beyond a canceled visit.
- ✓ Leave anything questionable at home (or secured in your vehicle) instead of “taking a chance.”
- ✓ Bring only what you need into the visiting area, since staff may search any visitor and any item entering.
- ✓ Don’t carry items for anyone else, and don’t agree to pass anything along.
- ✓ Follow staff screening instructions promptly; searches are part of enforcing contraband rules.
- ✓ If you’re unsure whether something counts as contraband (or whether it’s permitted), verify it with the facility before your visit.
Note: NICI/IDOC materials reference different Idaho Code numbers when describing the contraband crime. Verify the exact statute citation with IDOC or the current Idaho Code before publishing or quoting it.
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