What Counts as Contraband at SICI and the Legal Risks for Visitors
Contraband rules at SICI are strictly enforced, and the legal consequences are serious. If you're visiting or sending mail, understanding what IDOC considers contraband (and how searches work) can help you avoid an expensive, life-changing mistake.
IDOC's South Idaho Correctional Institution (SICI) page lists common contraband examples that families tend to run into. These include tobacco, cell phones or other telecommunication equipment, controlled or illegal substances, firearms or other dangerous weapons, ammunition or explosives, and escape tools or devices. IDOC also makes clear this isn't a complete list. It's a set of typical items that trigger contraband enforcement.
IDOC cites Idaho law stating that knowingly introducing or possessing contraband in a correctional facility is a crime. The penalty range: up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000. In plain terms, bringing something prohibited into SICI (or having it on you inside) isn't just a "visiting rule" problem. It can become a criminal case.
Note: The contraband list is described as "includes, but is not limited to." If you knowingly bring items like tobacco, phones, drugs, weapons, ammunition/explosives, or escape tools, you could face the criminal penalties IDOC publishes.
IDOC's visiting guidance also spells out how contraband rules are enforced during visits. Staff may search any item or any visitor entering the visiting area. If you're heading to a visit, assume that anything you bring could be checked. Build your visit-day routine around keeping your pockets and belongings simple.
- ✓ No paper money is allowed in visiting rooms.
- ✓ If you plan to use vending machines, bring coins in clear plastic bags or use a debit or credit card (if applicable).
- ✓ Personal letters sent to residents will be opened and searched for contraband.
- ✓ Unacceptable items found in mail will be returned to the sender or given to proper authorities.
Before you can visit, IDOC requires all potential visitors to complete a background check and submit a visiting application to the institution. If you're not yet approved, handle that first. Showing up with the right intentions isn't enough if you haven't cleared the required screening process.
Here's the key legal takeaway for families: knowingly introducing or possessing contraband in a correctional facility can be punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000. That applies even if the item seems "small" or you meant no harm. The word that matters is *knowingly*. Don't bring anything you're unsure about into the facility.
Tip: The safest approach is to leave prohibited items at home (or secured elsewhere) and travel light. Tobacco, phones/telecom devices, illegal substances, weapons, ammunition/explosives, and escape tools are specifically named by IDOC as common contraband examples.
If you're unsure whether something is allowed, contact SICI before you go or before you send it. The facility lists Warden Jennifer Tyvand as the point of contact, with the email sici@idoc.idaho.gov and phone number 208-336-1260.
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