Use of Force - Policy

Idaho
Department of
Correction Policy
Title:
Use of Force

1 of 2

109
Version:
1.0
Adopted:
07/01//2025

Bree Derrick, Director, approved this document on 07/01/2025.
Open to the public: Yes No

Revision Summary
Use of Force
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... 1
A. Legal Authority ................................................................................................................. 1
B. Board of Correction IDAPA Rule ...................................................................................... 1
C. Policy Statement .............................................................................................................. 1
D. Scope .............................................................................................................................. 1
E. Responsibility ................................................................................................................... 2
F. Additional Information ...................................................................................................... 2
G. References ...................................................................................................................... 2

A. LEGAL AUTHORITY
1. Idaho Code § 20-217A, Appointment of Director – Salary – Powers and Duties
2. Idaho Code § 20-219, Probation and Parole Supervision and Training – Limited Supervision
- Rulemaking
3. Idaho Code § 20-244, Government and Discipline of the Correctional Facility – Rules
and Regulations
B. BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE
None
C. POLICY STATEMENT
The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) intends to maintain a safe and peaceable
environment for all individuals under its jurisdiction. In circumstances where using force is
necessary, it must be used ethically and in the minimum amount necessary to address the
circumstances.
D. SCOPE
This policy applies to all standard operating procedures created under the authority of this
policy, to all IDOC employees, and to IDOC contractors.
Document
Number:
109
1.0
Title:
Policy Format

Page Number:
2 of 2

Idaho Department of Correction

E. RESPONSIBILITY
The director, deputy director, and the division chiefs of Prisons, Probation & Parole, and the
Special Investigation Unit are responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and
monitoring of standard operating procedures that provide guidance on or establish the
following:
1. The standardization of less-lethal and lethal use-of-force weapons and devices.
2. Procedures and training that promote safety for staff and others.
3. Procedures to prevent escapes and disturbances.
4. Guidelines explaining when force is justified and the amount of force to be used.
5. Procedures to review situations in which force was used.
6. Procedures for the use of long-term restraints.

F. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. It is the policy of the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) that in all aspects of their
conduct, all staff and contractors will act with the greatest regard for the preservation of
human life and the safety of all persons involved.
2. All staff and contractors must only use force when necessary to control the individuals
under their jurisdiction to ensure the safety and security of department facilities and the
general public.
3. All individuals under IDOC jurisdiction must receive fair, humane treatment and must not be
subjected to avoidable injury.
4. If force becomes necessary, the least amount of force required to achieve order must be
used.
5. Corporal punishment is prohibited.

G. REFERENCES
None
– End of Document –