Computer and Internet Use by Residents

Idaho
Department of
Correction

Standard
Operating
Procedure
Title:
Computer and Internet Use by Residents

Page:
1 of 8

Control Number:
607.26.01.016
Version:
2.0
Adopted:
04/30/2020

Idaho Department of Correction

Chad Page, Chief of the Division of Prisons, and Brian Underwood, Chief of Probation &
Parole, approved this document on 02/21/2025.
Open to the public: Yes
SCOPE
This standard operating procedure (SOP) applies to any Idaho Department of Correction
(IDOC) staff member and contract staff member involved in the supervision of residents who
are authorized to use a Standalone Compute device and internet access.
Revision Summary
Revision date 02/21/2025 version 2.0: This SOP has been reformatted and renamed from
Computer and Internet Use by Incarcerated Individuals. The language and detail have been
updated.

Table of ContentsTable of Contents ............................................................................................ 1
A. Statutory Authority .............................................................................................................. 2
B. Board Of Correction IDAPA Rule ........................................................................................ 2
C. Governing Policy ................................................................................................................ 2
D. Purpose .............................................................................................................................. 2
E. Responsibility ..................................................................................................................... 2
F. Definitions .......................................................................................................................... 4
G. Standard Procedures ......................................................................................................... 5
1. Resident Compute Device Use and/or Internet Access Within an IDOC Facility: ............ 5
2. Eligibility and Approval .................................................................................................... 6
3. Prohibited Computer/Internet Use .................................................................................. 6
4. Mandatory Conditions ..................................................................................................... 6
5. Implementation of Computer Use and/or Internet Access for Residents ......................... 7
6. Supervision and Monitoring of Computer Use and/or Internet Access ............................ 7
7. Termination of Computer Use and/or Internet Access ..................................................... 8

Idaho Department of Correction

Control Number:
607.26.01.016
Version:
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Title:
Computer and Internet Use by
Residents

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G. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 8

A. STATUTORY AUTHORITY
Idaho Code § 20-244, Government and Discipline of the Correctional Facility – Rules and
Regulations
B. BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE
None
C. GOVERNING POLICY
Policy 607, Correctional Education and Programs
D. PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to establish guidelines and
requirements for access to and the use of a logically and/or physically separated network
(“resident network” or “RN”), computing devices, and the internet by residents.
E. RESPONSIBILITY
1. Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS is responsible for the following regarding the RN:
a. Installing and configuring internet connection(s).
b. Implementing security controls.
c. Updating internet connections and security controls, as necessary.
d. Updating network and firewall hardware and software.
e. Blocking access to non-approved internet sites.
f. Providing technical assistance to IDOC IT staff regarding the items listed in the
following section labeled IDOC IT and IT educators.
g. Assist IDOC IT & IT Educators with investigations related to security breaches by
residents and others
2. Idaho Department of Correction
(IDOC)(IDOC IT & IT Educators)
IDOC IT & IT Educators are responsible for:
a. Ensuring that residents cannot use compute devices or the internet to access any
internal information or any departmental sites or programs.
b. Maintaining a list of authorized internet sites and notifying applicable staff of any
changes to the list.
c. Installing, maintaining, and updating end user computer hardware and software.

Idaho Department of Correction

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Title:
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d. Securing and maintaining appropriate licenses.
e. Setting up network folders and authorizing access to internet sites approved by IDOC
leadership for access by residents.
f. Establishing resident user accounts, user IDs, and passwords.
g. Managing resident user accounts to include expiration dates, storage limitations, etc.
h. Ensuring appropriate staff monitor computer use and internet access by residents to
prevent unauthorized computer use and/or internet access.
i. Conducting inquiries into unauthorized computer use and/or internet access by
residents in partnership with ITS, IDOC Special Investigations unit, and facility
security staff.
j. Reporting unauthorized computer use and/or internet access by residents to
appropriate IDOC and facility leadership.
k. Overseeing audits of residents’ computer use and internet access.
l. Providing technical assistance to facility and contract staff who are responsible for
directly supervising computer use and/or internet access by residents.
3. Division Chief
The division chief is responsible for:
a. Determining which facilities will authorize the use of standalone compute devices by
eligible residents for education, reentry planning, or other specifically approved
purposes.
b. Determining which facilities will authorize limited internet access by eligible residents
for education, reentry planning, or other specifically approved purposes.
4. Deputy Division Chief
The deputy chief is responsible for:
a. Approving the appointment of a director of education.
b. Ensuring that facility staff meet the standards set forth in this SOP.
5. Director of Education/District Manager
The director of education is responsible for:
a. Reviewing appointments of all program managers.
b. Provide support and oversight to staff to ensure they meet the standards set forth in
this SOP.
c. Approval of internet sites accessible to residents.
d. Identifying and approving educational courses.

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6. Program Managers
The program managers are responsible for:
a. Supervising instructors, overseeing education program delivery in their respective
facilities, and monitoring staff and residents to ensure proper use of compute devices
and limited internet access.
b. Approving residents for computer use and/or limited internet access.
F. DEFINITIONS
1. Compute Device: Refers to electronic devices that process data to produce a result,
such as laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc.
2. Intranet: The IDOC network provides information on department policies and
procedures, development services, standards and tools, electronic government and
other internal resources within the department. The network is an internal online
information technology infrastructure throughout state government and is available to
employees of state government.
3. Resident: A person who has been convicted of a crime against the laws of the state
and ordered into the care and custody of the Board of Correction. Resident includes
any use in Idaho law, Board of Correction rule, or IDOC policy or procedure of the
terms “offender(s),” “prisoner(s)”, “inmate(s)”, “incarcerated person(s)”, or any other
term referring to a person residing in a correctional facility in the care and custody of
the Board of Correction.

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4. Resident Network (RN): A l ogically and physically separated network allowing residents
to have limited, controlled access to the internet-. The RN can be used by any
networked, connected device that residents have access to. Devices include, but are not
limited to, any compute device, kiosk, or cell phone technology. Any device accessed or
used by residents must only connect to the RN.
5. Social Media: Includes but is not limited to print, broadcast, digital and online
technology that permit users to create and share content or to participate in networking
such as Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and similar websites and applications.
G. STANDARD PROCEDURES
1. Resident Compute Device Use and/or Internet Access Within an IDOC
Facility:
a. Staff must ensure that residents who access compute devices are aware of the
restrictions and limitations that apply regarding the use of such compute devices
and/or limited access to the internet, online applications, or similar digital systems.
b. Staff are responsible for monitoring and approving resident computer use and/or
internet access by doing the following:
i. Residents are only authorized to use, access, or view compute devices utilizing
hardware and software approved and provided by authorized IDOC staff.
ii. All compute devices, systems and programs designated for resident use, must
be accounted for by authorized staff. Removable data storage devices will only
be allowed on a limited basis and under the direct supervision of staff.
iii. Resident cloud storage is monitored and audited; it is not private and may be
searched at any time by approved staff.
iv. Residents may only access compute devices, systems and programs designated
for their use by authorized staff.
v. Resident use of and access to facility compute devices, systems or programs
may be withdrawn at any time.
vi. With appropriate approval by Director of Education/District Manager, residents
may use compute devices outside of a computer lab.
vii. All IDOC staff members authorized to use state-owned compute devices capable
of accessing the state intranet/external internet located in areas where residents
could potentially gain access to the compute device are responsible for the
security of information on the compute device and confidentiality of their logon
identification (user ID and password(s)). Staff must never divulge confidential
information to residents. Any employee found to have violated this policy will be
subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
1) Staff must change their log on password if they suspect the confidentiality of
their password has been compromised.

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2) Staff assigned to state-owned compute devices in areas accessible to
residents must lock the compute device when the device is not in use by the
staff member, or the staff member’s device is unattended.
viii. Residents are prohibited from repairing or modifying any state-owned compute
device capable of accessing the state intranet/external internet
ix. Residents permitted to use compute devices must not engage in conduct
prohibited by IDOC and facility policies and procedures or unlawful activities.
Resident use of compute devices and limited, controlled internet access is not
private or confidential
2. Eligibility and Approval
Residents will take a department-approved computer use course prior to being approved
for access to education and other necessary compute resource. However, any resident
may be granted access to specific resources such as online libraries without completing
the required computer use course on a case-by-case basis. Resident internet access will
follow a progressive access model. As residents progress toward parole or release, or
they become a mentor, or are enrolled in certain classes, additional access may be
granted at the discretion of facility leadership. Examples would include job and housing
research, the ability to apply for a driver’s license and access to certain education
resources.
3. Prohibited Computer/Internet Use
Residents approved for computer use and/or limited internet access must adhere to
strict guidelines that prohibit any actions that violate copyright laws, engage in
harassment or threats, participate in illegal activities, commit disciplinary violations, or
access inappropriate materials, including pornography. Additionally, they may not interact
with content that would not be permitted through mail, upload harmful programs,
impersonate others, or intentionally damage computer systems. Furthermore, they are
forbidden from contacting anyone with whom they have a no-contact order,
communicating with anyone in IDOC custody or in the community on behalf of another
resident, or allowing unauthorized access to their accounts or devices. All IDOC and
facility policy and procedures that address, govern, and limit resident conduct apply to
the use of compute devices and internet access authorized by this SOP.
4. Mandatory Conditions
a. Resident computer use, internet access, and cloud storage is not private or
confidential and may be viewed or otherwise monitored by appropriate staff at any
time.
b. Any resident who violates any of these conditions is subject to termination of approval
for computer use and/or internet access, disciplinary or other administrative action,
and/or criminal prosecution.
c. To comply with these mandatory conditions, a resident:

Idaho Department of Correction

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Title:
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i. May only use computer devices designated for use by them.
ii. Must not access any internet site that is not authorized by the Department.
iii. May only use a compute device and/or access the internet for authorized
purposes as specified in their case plan.
iv. Cannot use or possess a USB drive/flash drive unless approved.
v. Cannot download or print documents unless authorized by the facility staff
supervising the educational program or reentry planning, as applicable.
vi. Is not allowed to repair or modify any computer or peripheral equipment, USB
drive/flash drive, software, system, or program, except as approved by the
department or when specific approval has been granted by the program
manager.
vii. Is required to exit all applications and log off when finished using the compute
device.
viii. Is responsible for compensating the department for any losses, costs, or
damages to a department computer, peripheral equipment, USB drive/flash drive,
software, system, or program due to their intentional act or negligence.
ix. Is required to immediately report to staff supervising the education or reentry
program any inadvertent access to any site or material that is not authorized.
5. Implementation of Computer Use and/or Internet Access for Residents
Upon receiving approval for a resident to use a compute device and have limited internet
access, the designated staff member will:
a. Set up the resident’s user account.
b. Assign a user ID and password(s),.
c. When necessary, issue the resident a USB drive/flash drive. The staff member will
maintain a list of assigned USB drives/flash drives issued.
6. Supervision and Monitoring of Computer Use and/or Internet Access
Designated staff will manage residents use of compute devices and limited internet
access by setting usage priorities as described in SOP 607.26.01.12, Educational
Practices, Procedures, and Placements.
a. Designated staff will remind users of the mandatory conditions and any additional
conditions for device or system use and, if applicable, internet access and/or use of a
USB drive/flash drive.
b. For residents who have not been issued a USB drive/flash drive but are allowed the
use of one in the classroom for approved education purposes, only designated
education staff may handle the USB drive/flash drive. The staff will maintain a signed
log for each session, which will include the individual’s name and IDOC number, the
purpose for the use, and the date and times during which the drive is used.

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c. Designated staff will monitor computer use and/or internet access by the resident to
ensure appropriate use. Security staff may also monitor computer use and/or internet
access to ensure appropriate use. As part of the monitoring, staff may inspect a
computer, a USB drive/flash drive, electronic files, downloaded or printed material,
internet sites accessed, etc. at any time for any reason.
d. If any staff becomes aware of or suspects that a resident has violated any condition of
compute device use and/or internet access, the staff must act immediately to stop any
ongoing violation. The intervening staff will take appropriate actions in response to
any violation, including, but not limited to, suspending the resident’s account or
internet access, initiating disciplinary action, and reporting the violation to the
appropriate staff. If criminal activity is suspected, the staff shall secure and preserve
the compute device, and the USB drive/flash drive, if applicable, in its current state
and immediately notify facility investigations staff.
e. Staff must ensure that compute devices are kept secure from any access by residents
when the compute devices are not authorized for use.
7. Termination of Computer Use and/or Internet Access
a. Resident use of compute devices and limited internet access can be terminated at
any time. If computer use and/or internet access has been terminated, education or
other designated staff must suspend the user account and confiscate the USB
drive/flash drive issued, if applicable.
b. Resident use of compute devices and limited internet access shall also be terminated
when:
i. A certain period of time after they are released from institutional confinement or
transferred to a facility or placed in a housing unit that either does not provide or
allow computer use or internet access. Termination time will be on a case-by-
case basis as determined by staff. This will allow residents to retrieve their data,
and, if necessary, complete an ongoing class.
ii. There is any violation of conditions described in this SOP or at the discretion of
IDOC staff, following guidelines in SOP 318.02.01.001, Disciplinary Procedures
for Inmates.
G. REFERENCES
1. Standard Operating Procedure 318.02.01.001, Disciplinary Procedures for Inmates
2. Standard Operating Procedure 607.26.01.012, Educational Practices, Procedures, and
Placements

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Idaho Department of Correction

Control Number:
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Version:
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Title:
Computer and Internet Use by
Residents

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