What Counts as Contraband at SICI — and the Legal Consequences
Contraband rules at South Idaho Correctional Institution (SICI) affect visitors and anyone sending mail. Here's what the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) considers contraband, how they enforce it, and the penalties you could face—so you don't accidentally make things worse for yourself or your loved one.
IDOC defines contraband broadly, then gets specific. The list includes tobacco; cell phones or other telecommunication equipment; controlled or illegal substances; firearms or other dangerous weapons; ammunition or explosives; and escape tools or devices. Heading in for a visit? Treat these as strict "do not bring" items - whether you meant to or not.
Contraband doesn't only come through the front door. IDOC opens and searches all personal letters sent to residents. Anything unacceptable gets returned to the sender or handed over to authorities. The takeaway: stick to what's allowed, and don't try to slip anything extra into an envelope.
IDOC warns that Idaho law makes it a crime to knowingly introduce or possess contraband in a correctional facility (the SICI page cites an Idaho Code section). Violations are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Double-check your pockets, bags, and mail before showing up or sending anything. "I didn't mean to" won't undo the consequences.
Enforcement during visits is hands-on. Staff may search any item or any visitor entering the visiting area. Show up with only what you're allowed to have, and screening goes faster. You also avoid turning a simple mistake into a denied visit - or something worse.
- ✓ No paper money is allowed in visiting rooms.
- ✓ Bring coins in clear plastic bags if you plan to use vending machines.
- ✓ You may be able to use a debit or credit card for vending machine purchases (if applicable).
How Families Can Avoid
- ✓ Leave tobacco at home and out of your vehicle, bag, and pockets.
- ✓ Don’t bring cell phones or any telecommunication equipment into the facility.
- ✓ Never bring controlled/illegal substances.
- ✓ Don’t bring firearms or other dangerous weapons.
- ✓ Don’t bring ammunition or explosives.
- ✓ Avoid anything that could be seen as an escape tool or device.
- ✓ Keep mail clean: personal letters are opened and searched for contraband, and unacceptable items can be returned or given to authorities.
- ✓ Follow visiting-room money rules: no paper money; use coins in clear plastic bags or a debit/credit card for vending machines (if applicable).
- ✓ Expect screening: staff may search any visitor or item entering the visiting area, so travel light and keep belongings simple.
Tip: Staff may search visitors and items entering the visiting area. Arrive with as little as possible and nothing questionable - even if you think it's harmless.
Editor note for publication: IDOC pages reference an Idaho Code section for contraband, but citations vary across pages (one cites 18-5210, another cites 18-2510). Verify the correct statutory citation before finalizing. The core point stands: Idaho law criminalizes knowingly introducing or possessing contraband in a correctional facility.
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