Idaho Inmate Search
Idaho maintains a split prison system that includes county, state, and private prisons. The state also has 37 county jails, which are responsible for incarcerating individuals whose crimes weren't severe enough for larger institutions or who are awaiting trial.
The Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC) oversees nine state prisons. These institutions have security levels ranging from minimum to maximum. Two prisons are reserved for female inmates, while another serves both genders.
Idaho is one of several states that do not have an in-state federal prison. These types of lawbreakers are instead sent to other states for incarceration. However, "The Gem State" does have an above-average number of privately incarcerated persons despite only contracting with one such entity.
The most cited reason for incarceration in Idaho is drug charges, with the percentage serving for related crimes rising in the past few years. The overall incarceration rate is also on an average incline, with recent numbers reporting a rate of 720 per 100,000.
According to the Idaho Department of Corrections, the state's correctional system includes 9 state prisons with varying security levels, 37 county jails, and 1 private prison. The system has a total operating capacity of 6,702 inmates across all state facilities. Idaho has an incarceration rate of 720 per 100,000 people, which is above the national average. The state has 2 women-only facilities and 1 co-ed facility, with no federal prisons within state borders.
Idaho Department Corrections Inmate Search
The IDOC manages the state's prisons, including the care, safety, and rehabilitation of inmates. This responsibility extends to supervising released offenders during parole. Much of this information is easily searchable through the department's Resident/Client Search tool.
This website feature allows interested parties to find inmate information using the subject's name or IDOC number. For a search to go through, at least the subject's last name or IDOC number must be provided.
The Resident/Client Search does not provide access to the official incarceration records. Additionally, the types of information shared depend on the inmate's current incarceration status.
If the inmate has been discharged, the results will only show their name, IDOC number, age, and release date. However, currently serving inmates will return a brief description of their offense, sentencing county, case number, and the sentence satisfaction date as well.
Find Inmate by Name
Searches can be performed using the inmate's name but must include their last name. Prevalent last names such as "Smith" will return extensive results, so using the inmate's full name when searching is recommended to ensure you find the specific individual.
IDOC's search tool will also return any results containing the searched text. This means that searches for "Smith" will also return inmates with the last name "Smither" or "Smithies."
Find Inmate by Number
The second option for the Resident/Client Search tool is using the inmate's IDOC number. This numeric code is assigned to every inmate passing through the state department. This method is the best way to ensure the results return to the intended target.
What Information is Contained in an Idaho Inmate Record?
Idaho's large number of inmates requires detailed record keeping, which allows administrators to track inmates' locations and behavior.
Proper and transparent inmate records are also required for informed policymaking. This will help lawmakers and activist groups better understand inmate treatment and the effectiveness of ongoing criminal justice programs.
These records include personal information on the inmate, such as name, gender, race, age, and physical description. However, they also document administrative details on the offenses committed, transfer history, behavioral events during incarceration, and projected release date.
Although the IDOC search tool only provides limited information, complete records for state inmates can be found via direct request to the department.
Idaho Inmate Records by Counties
County jails temporarily hold people awaiting trial or inmates with brief sentences. They save states valuable resources by not transferring small-time criminals to state prisons but do not share a centralized record-keeping system with the IDOC.
County jails maintain records independently, meaning their inmate information cannot be found through the IDOC search tool. The retrieval process for county jail inmate records varies by county.
Some sheriff's offices provide a dedicated search tool to locate past and current inmate lists, such as Adams County. Other counties only provide lists to inmates currently in holding, such as Idaho County.
A quick check on the county's website will reveal if they have a search tool. However, records must be provided upon formal request even if they aren't readily available online.
- Ada County
- Adams County
- Bannock County
- Bear Lake County
- Benewah County
- Bingham County
- Blaine County
- Boise County
- Bonner County
- Bonneville County
- Boundary County
- Butte County
- Camas County
- Canyon County
- Caribou County
- Cassia County
- Clark County
- Clearwater County
- Custer County
- Elmore County
- Franklin County
- Fremont County
- Gem County
- Gooding County
- Idaho County
- Jefferson County
- Jerome County
- Kootenai County
- Latah County
- Lemhi County
- Lewis County
- Lincoln County
- Madison County
- Minidoka County
- Nez Perce County
- Oneida County
- Owyhee County
- Payette County
- Power County
- Shoshone County
- Teton County
- Twin Falls County
- Valley County
- Washington County
Are Incarceration Records Public Information in Idaho?
Incarceration records are available to the public upon request. The Idaho Public Records Act makes any record created by government agencies available to any citizen. Agencies have up to three days to process a public records request, extendable up to ten days if they notify requesters of the delay.
Some records may be fully or partially exempt from release. For example, detailed medical records are protected by HIPAA privacy laws. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles are also protected in Idaho.
State Prisons in Idaho
Idaho has nine state prisons, including a maximum-security facility. Many of these institutions are heavily dedicated to rehabilitation and reintegration programs rather than pure incarceration.
Notably, there are no federal prisons in Idaho, meaning that federal lawbreakers are sent to other states to serve their sentences.
| Name | Security Level | Operating Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| North Idaho Correctional Institution | Minimal | 428 |
| Idaho Correctional Institution - Orofino | Medium | 580 |
| Idaho Maximum Security Institution | Maximum | 549 |
| Idaho State Correctional Center | Medium | 2128 |
| Idaho State Correctional Institution | Medium | 1446 |
| Mountain View Transformation Center | Minimum | 442 |
| South Boise Women's Correctional Center | Minimum | 306 |
| South Idaho Correctional Institution | Minimum | 700 |
| Pocatello Women's Correctional Center | All custody levels | 331 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Inmate Records
Official public records requests can be sent to the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) through U.S. Mail, fax, email, or special carrier. Requests should briefly describe the desired information and the inmate's full name or IDOC number.
Interested parties must use the following avenues for requests:
Freedom of Information Act Officer
Illinois Department of Corrections
1301 Concordia Court
P.O. Box 19277
Springfield, IL 62794-9277
Phone: 217-558-2200 ext. 4166
Fax: 217-558-5612
Email: DOC.FOIARequest@illinois.gov
The Idaho Department of Corrections website has inmate information that can be easily accessed. Users can use the inmate's name or IDOC number to find information like age, release dates, and convicted offense.
County jails maintain their inmate records separately. Interested parties can search the county sheriff's website for search tools or request the information directly from their offices.
The IDOC search tool provides information on released inmates but in a limited capacity. Users will only find the inmate's name, age, and discharge date. Further information on released inmates can only be obtained through a public request.
Prison medical staff will inform direct family members and necessary government agencies of the inmate's passing. An official death record can be obtained through the state's vital records department . Death certificates are only available for people who died after July 1911.
Idaho's Resident/Client Search Tool is updated daily; however, it may not reflect ongoing changes such as transfers, releases, or granted paroles.
The IDOC contracts Access Corrections for money transfers to inmates. Money is sent into the inmate's trust account for use within the prison. Options are available on the phone app, website , phone number (866-345-1884), or walk-in retailer.