Media

Media Kit: Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI)

The Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI) is Idaho's most secure correctional facility, designed to house the most dangerous and the most disruptive incarcerated individuals. IMSI plays a critical role in managing high-risk populations, including those under close custody, administrative segregation, and mental health care through the Idaho Security Medical Program (ISMP).

In addition to housing Idaho’s highest-risk residents, IMSI is committed to fostering rehabilitation, growth, and self-improvement. Residents have access to educational programs, evidence-based classes, and services designed to support positive behavior change and successful reintegration, as well as religious and spiritual services that support personal development.

For detailed information about the facility, the population it serves, and its specialized services, please visit the IMSI Facility Page.

Photos of IMSI

(Click on link to download)

Videos of IMSI

(Click on link to download)

 

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IDOC set a new strategic vision for the agency in 2021: We envision a safer Idaho with fewer people in its correctional system. At the same time, we also established four strategic goals for our agency. More information can be found in the current strategic plan.

Our strategic goals are:

  1. To increase success for people under IDOC jurisdiction
  2. To enhance staff fulfillment and wellness
  3. Focus spending on areas that maximize success; and
  4. Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders

At any given time, we have more than 50 projects happening across our agency, which roll up into seven larger initiatives. Only projects that have alignment with at least one of our four strategic goals are planned and implemented. 

 


Our Strategic Initiatives team includes the Information Technology department, providing technology-based tools, services, and support to the entire Department of Correction.

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Strategic Goals
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Constituent Services

The Office of Constituent Services serves as a bridge between the Idaho Department of Correction and the community at large by providing information to address concerns regarding conditions of confinement in IDOC prison facilities, Community Reentry Centers, and clients on probation or parole. The office serves to build community relationships and enhance public awareness, while promoting positive change. The office supports the department's interaction with the public by improving its communication with families, advocacy groups and other concerned citizens and provides timely and reliable information as permitted by law regarding incarcerated individuals and department activities and outcomes and interacts with the incarcerated population.

This office also collects, analyzes and reports data to executive staff regarding issues and resolutions of concerns expressed by the family or friends of those housed within IDOC facilities and the general public. They also identify the location within the agency where the concerns and issues first appear by analyzing data, spotting trends and improving practices.

When should I contact the Office of Constituent Services?

You should contact us if you have a general inquiry or feel you have a concern regarding care, custody and supervision of individuals (i.e. harassment, threats). We will also address complaints or concerns regarding clients being supervised on probation or parole. Complaints alleging physical abuse of residents housed within IDOC facilities and conduct unbecoming by staff should be directed here as well. Our goal is to do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons, and right the first time. Please be mindful that this office serves as a conduit and will not circumvent departmental policies and procedures.

How do I contact the Constituent Services Office?

The department's Constituent Services Office provides an avenue for the general public to obtain information and express concerns on issues relative to the department. Complaints and inquiries may be submitted in the form of a letter, calling the office at 208-658-2055, or completing this form. Please be patient. This office handles a large volume of work on a daily basis and staff make every effort to address each question or complaint in a timely and efficient manner. We will strive to respond to you within five business days, but please understand some issues may take longer.

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How to Contact Constituent Services

Mail:
Idaho Department of Correction
Office of Constituent Services
1299 North Orchard Street, Ste. 110
Boise, Idaho 83706

Phone: 208-658-2055

To expedite your contact electronically, please follow this link https://idahoidoc.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/.

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Vision, Mission & Values

We ENVISION a safer Idaho with fewer people in its correctional system.

Our MISSION is to create a model correctional system that provides equitable access to programming and opportunities that reflect a community experience, foster connections and restore victims of crime.

We VALUE integrity, respect and positive attitude.

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Idaho Department of Correction
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Idaho Department of Correction
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The Idaho Department of Correction employs approximately 2,000 staff across three divisions: Prisons, Probation & Parole, and Management Services. This includes a variety of security (e.g., correctional officers, probation and parole officers) and non-security positions (e.g., teachers, mental health clinicians, fiscal, human resources).

The Idaho Department of Correction runs ten prisons, five community reentry centers, and seven district probation and parole offices across the state. IDOC is responsible for managing individuals convicted of felony offenses who are sentenced to prison, probation, or a period of retained jurisdiction (i.e., RIDER). Additionally, IDOC supervises those individuals who are released to the community on parole.

Our Philosophy

Director Josh Tewalt on how IDOC is making Idaho safer.

Director Josh Tewalt on the transformation of IDOC.

 

Director Josh Tewalt on the future of IDOC.

Director Josh Tewalt on redefining public safety.

 

Strategic Plan 

A living document which guides department behavior and decisions. The strategic plan includes current agency goals.

Organizational Chart

The chart illustrates administrative structure and divisional responsibilities.

History

The roots of corrections are in Idaho City and Lewiston. The territorial legislature designated the two cities jails as territorial prisons in 1864. During the eight years the jails served the territory, they housed approximately 100 inmates. The majority of inmates were in Idaho City. Much of the original Idaho City territorial prison fell into Elk Creek when gold diggers undermined the area in the early 1900s. The remaining buildings were moved into Idaho City where they remain today.

An Idaho Historical Society document from 1964 provides a glimpse into make-shift prisons that served the territory. Another treasure trove of information is a recently developed catalogue of Idaho Inmates .

The federal government began work on a more permanent structure in 1870 using inmate labor to help build a sandstone prison. The territorial prison opened in 1872. When Idaho became a state in 1890, the state took over and renamed the facility the Idaho State Penitentiary. The prison housed inmates for 101 years before it was closed in December 1973 after inmates rioted over living conditions. The sandstone structure is now a museum.

The oldest prison still in service is the Idaho State Correctional Institution. It opened in 1972 and replaced the territorial prison. ISCI still houses medium custody male inmates. A radar station and mental health hospital were converted to house inmates in the 70s and 80s. Additional facilities were added over the years.

In addition to prisons, the department supervises offenders living in Idaho communities and provides education, treatment and reentry services to help reduce recidivism.

The Old Pen

Much of IDOC's history is on display at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary off of Warm Springs Avenue east of Boise. The site is now maintained by the Idaho Historical Society. Visitors can tour the old cell blocks, view photographs of the facility when it was in operation and learn about some of the notable inmates who were incarcerated there. They include Harry Orchard, who assassinated Idaho Governor Frank Steunenberg in 1905, and Lyda Southard, who was known as Idaho's Lady Bluebeard. She was convicted of killing several of her husbands to collect their life insurance.

The Old Pen is open seven days a week except for state holidays. To learn more, visit the Idaho Historical Society’s website.

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Photo courtesy of Idaho Historical Society
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Photo courtesy of Idaho Historical Society
Photo courtesy of Idaho Historical Society
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Current Idaho prisons and year opened
Facility Year opened
Idaho State Correctional Institution 1972
North Idaho Correctional Institution 1974
Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino 1984
South Idaho Correctional Institution 1986
Idaho Maximum Security Institution 1989
St. Anthony Work Camp 1991
Pocatello Women's Correctional Center 1994
South Boise Women's Correctional Center 1998
Idaho State Correctional Center 2000
Mountain View Transformation Center 2023

 

IDOC directors since 1993
Director Duration
Josh Tewalt 2018 - 
Henry Atencio 2016 - 2018
Kevin H. Kempf 2014 - 2016
Brent D. Reinke 2007 - 2014
Vaughn Killeen 2006 - 2007
Thomas Beauclair 2001 - 2006
James Spalding 1993 - 2001
Richard Vernon 1988-1993
Al Murphy 1983-1988
CW "Bill" Crowl 1978-1983
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Research & Statistics

IDOC's research staff provide statistical reports, business analytics and independent research that is critical to the agency and the public. Our researchers create data dashboards to provide agency leadership with actionable information. Additionally, they provide reports that help track trends, improve programs and tactics, and inform the public about key IDOC activities. 

Individuals seeking to conduct research within IDOC, please contact Dr. Robin Cornwell to initiate the request process.

Statistical Dashboards

Overview Reports

Population Reports

Legislative Reports

Archives


Contact:
Kari Nussgen, Program Manager
knussgen@idoc.idaho.gov

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Board of Correction

About the Board

A three-member board appointed by the governor oversees the Idaho Department of Correction. Board of Correction members are appointed to six-year terms.

Chairman

Dodds Hayden was appointed to the board on January 30, 2019 by Governor Little. Dodds was born and raised in Boise, graduating from Boise High School. After earning his bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College in Maine, he accepted a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served as an infantry officer for almost five years. Upon completion of his military service, Dodds attended Babson School of Business for a year and then returned to Idaho to join his father at their family business, Hayden Beverage Company.  Following his father's death in 2006, he purchased the business and assumed the role of president and subsequently CEO. Hayden Beverage is a distribution company headquartered in Boise that services all Idaho and Montana and employs approximately 750 people. Dodds has been married to his wife Ali for 18 years and has two adult sons, Carlo and Dominic.

Vice Chairman

Luke Malek was appointed to the board in April 2025 by Governor Little. Luke is a founding attorney and co-owner at Smith + Malek. He practices in the areas of business, healthcare and municipal law, including transactions and litigation. He strives to make the world a better place in all he does. Luke was raised in Northern Idaho and attended the College of Idaho in Caldwell, graduating in 2004. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Luke worked for the Office of the Governor as the Regional Director in Northern Idaho under former Governor Jim Risch. Luke also worked as the Executive Director of the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency. Luke earned his J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in Moscow in 2010. After serving as a deputy prosecutor for Kootenai County, Luke served as corporate counsel for Heritage Health in Coeur d’Alene and then founded Smith + Malek in 2015 with Peter J. Smith IV. Luke represented North Idaho’s District 4 in the Idaho Legislature from 2012-2018. Luke enjoys spending time skiing, fishing, riding horses, biking, and camping.

Secretary

Vacant

Administrative Rules

The Board of Correction has established the following Administrative Rules [PDF] governing the Department of Correction.

Contact

Contact the Board at board@idoc.idaho.gov. Please do not submit parole information to the Board of Correction. A separate agency, the Idaho Commission of Pardons & Parole, manages those requests.

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Board of Correction members
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Leadership Team

The Idaho Department of Correction's executive leadership team is comprised of the following people:

Bree Derrick, Deputy Director

Bree Derrick, Director

As the director of the Idaho Department of Correction, Bree takes a purpose-driven approach to implementing operational changes that enhance public safety outcomes for Idahoans. 

Bree has served as the IDOC deputy director since 2019 and has played an instrumental role in the department’s rise as a national model for correctional systems. She has overseen the divisions of probation and parole, prisons, and management services. Derrick led the department’s staffing efforts, generating national recognition for industry best practices in recruitment and retention. With over 20 years of experience in corrections and behavioral health systems, Bree is nationally recognized for her expertise in evidence-based practices and crime reduction strategies.

Before joining IDOC, Bree worked at the Justice Center. While at the Justice Center, she assisted more than a dozen state correctional agencies in planning and implementing large-scale efforts to instill correctional best practices. Bree began her career with the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, later working at a private psychiatric hospital and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. During her 10 years with RIDOC, she held roles as a researcher and mental health clinician.

Bree is a licensed mental health counselor with a master’s degree in counseling and a certificate of advanced graduate study in mental health counseling. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and biking in the Boise foothills.

 

Whitney Ascuena-Bolt, Chief of Staff

Whitney Ascuena-Bolt, Chief of Staff

Whitney joined the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) in 2004 as a Presentence Investigator; a role she held for 10 years before promoting as the department’s first Presentence Investigation Coordinator. In this capacity, Whitney collaborated closely with the Idaho Supreme Court to adopt an evidence-based format, which improved usability and strengthened sentencing decisions for district judges statewide.

In 2020, Whitney became a Project Manager and implemented IDOC’s cultural improvement initiative and helped to problem-solve the correctional officer hiring crisis. Most recently, she served as the Strategic Initiatives Manager, where she oversaw the Training & Development team, the Data Innovation Group, and the team responsible for managing the agency’s largest change initiatives. Her current project portfolio focuses on aligning large infrastructure projects with the department’s mission. 

 

 

Chad Paige, Chief, Division of Prisons

Chad Page, Chief of Institutions and Operations

Chad Page has served as Chief of Prisons for the Idaho Department of Correction since 2019, where he leads the safe and secure operation of ten state-run prison facilities. His work is rooted in a strong commitment to public safety, overseeing critical functions such as institutional security, emergency preparedness, mental health treatment, education services, and reentry programming – all aimed at enhancing public safety and protecting Idaho communities.

Chad began his IDOC career in 2008 as a correctional officer at the South Idaho Correctional Institution (SICI). He steadily rose through the ranks, serving as corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. He later held roles including Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at Central Office and captain at IMSI, before being appointed warden of SICI in 2016.

Prior to his work in corrections, Chad began state service in 2000 with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, where he spent eight years as a lead utility craftsman. In that role, he trained and supervised teams while completing infrastructure projects across the state – early experiences that shaped his leadership style and focus on operational readiness.

Chad’s dedication to public safety is matched by his commitment to professionalism and rehabilitation within the correctional system. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, photography, and shining shoes.

 

Tina Transue, Government Relationship Advisor

Tina Transue, Government Relations Advisor

Committed to fostering transparent communication and influencing policy development, Tina helps IDOC achieve its public affairs goals through tailored strategies and informed insights. Skilled in legislative analysis, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy, she builds effective relationships with government officials, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to advance organizational objectives.

Tina began her law enforcement career in 1997 with the City of Boise where she worked as a Victim Witness Coordinator with the Boise City Attorney’s Office and Resource Manager for the Boise Police Department. In 2012 Tina left Idaho to serve as a Legislative Director for the United States Air Force Special Command. She started her journey with IDOC in 2021 as the Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives, where she managed the Department’s initiatives and oversaw implementation of IDOC Wellness Program, Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS) and PURPOSE in Action. In 2022, she moved to the Division of Probation and Parole, taking on the role of Deputy Chief and collaborating closely with community stakeholders. 

Tina is married to a military veteran. She loves to hike and calls Idaho her forever home.

 

Liz Neville, Chief, Division of Prisons

Liz Neville, Chief, Division of Prisons

Liz began her career with IDOC in 2006 as a correctional officer and has since promoted through several positions within the Prisons Division.  She later became the manager of the East Boise CRC under the Probation & Parole Division before taking on the role of Warden at SBWCC and later at ISCC.  Since 2021, she has served as a Deputy Chief of Prisons and been involved in several special assignments and projects for the agency. 

Liz is passionate about the important work we do in corrections and its role in ensuring a safer Idaho for everyone.  She also genuinely cares for the hardworking staff who serve the agency and is dedicated to staff wellness, striving to improve the culture of IDOC for both staff and those under our care. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and new grandbaby, being outdoors, and playing sports.    

 

 

Kim Brown, Chief, Management Services

Kim Brown, Chief, Management Services

Kim joined IDOC in October of 2022 as Chief of Management Services. Management Services is responsible for managing critical business operations and support for IDOC including budget, payroll, finance, capital construction, contracts, grants, health and nutrition, and sentencing records. Management Services is a team of talented individuals that take great care and pride in their work, including demonstrating the mission of IDOC.

Prior to joining IDOC, Kim worked for the City of Boise Fire Department for 13 years and served in a few roles, including Administrative Services Manager, Fire and Police Finance Manager, and Planning & Administration Assistant Chief. This work included managing and leading teams in contracts, worker’s compensation, payroll, department budgets, financial planning/analysis, lifetime wellness programs, strategic planning, collective labor agreement intricacies, department publications, data insights/analysis, and administrative services. Kim has also worked in the private sector for corporate and planning functions in industries including casinos, technology, fund investment, and capital planning. She attended college in Nevada and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Kim enjoys spending time with her family, spending time outdoors, traveling, watching baseball and attending concerts.

 

Brian Underwood, Chief, Division of Probation & Parole

Brian Underwood, Chief, Division of Probation & Parole

Brian T. Underwood rejoined IDOC in 2019 as the chief of the Probation & Parole Division. He was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. Brian earned an Associate’s and Bachelor of Science degree from Idaho State University. He also achieved Idaho’s Advanced Peace Officer Certification and graduated from the Idaho Certified Public Manager course.

Brian began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a police officer for the City of Pocatello. He joined the Idaho Department of Correction in 1992 as a probation/parole officer, rising through the ranks to serve as district manager of the Sixth Judicial District Probation/Parole Office. From 2002 to 2010, he served as warden of the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center. On May 20, 2010, Brian took the Oath of Office as the United States Marshal for the District of Idaho, serving in both the Obama and Trump administrations. 

Brian loves to spend his free time with his family. He loves to eat dessert first, and believes chocolate is the cure to everything. Brian and his wife Kim have five children.

 

 

Ashley Spoerer, Human Resource Officer, Human Resources

Ashley Spoerer, Human Resource Officer, Division of Human Resources

Ashley has served as the Human Resource Officer for the Idaho Department of Correction since October of 2022. She works with a wonderful team of HR professionals that support the department’s mission, vision, and values by providing oversight and administration of human resource systems.

Ashley started with the department in 2015 and has held the positions of non-security recruiter, Human Resource Specialist, Senior, and Human Resource Unit Supervisor. Prior to starting with the department, Ashley began her career in human resources at Boise State University in 2005, then transferred to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in 2011.

Ashley graduated from Boise State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She has also completed graduate human resource coursework at Northwest Missouri State University.  In her spare time, Ashley enjoys anything outdoors and sports-related, as well as all things Marvel and Harry Potter.

 

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