Religious Practices - Policy

Idaho
Department of
Correction

Policy
Title:
Religious Practices

Page:
1 of 1

Control Number:
403
Version:
3.0
Adopted:
06-07-1985

Henry Atencio, deputy director, approved this document on 02/25/2016.
Open to the public: Yes No
Redacted version available: Yes No
Revision Summary
Revision date (02/25/2016) version 3.0: Periodic review to confirm accuracy, update
responsibility section. IDAPA rule was also reviewed to confirm compliance.
BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE NUMBER 403
Inmate Religious Practices
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the Idaho Board of Correction that the Idaho Department of Correction
(IDOC) and its contractors establishes and maintains procedures that will allow inmates the
opportunity to practice the tenets of their respective faiths, including allowing access to
religious publications, representatives of their faiths, and religious counseling, so long as
these religious practices and access to publications, representatives, and counseling do not
conflict with compelling government interest. If a compelling government interest exists that
justifies restricting the offender’s religious practice, the IDOC will use the least restrictive
means possible as determined by IDOC officials in accordance with policy, standard
operating procedure (SOP), and good correctional practice.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to communicate the Board’s philosophy regarding offender’s
access to religious activities.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all procedures created under the authority of this policy and to IDOC
staff members who are responsible for the supervision of offenders committed to the IDOC.
RESPONSIBILITY
The director of the IDOC and division chiefs are responsible for overseeing the
implementation of this policy and the development and implementation of an SOP that
provides guidance to facility heads for managing offender access to religious activities.
At a minimum, the SOP must provide guidance on the use of and/or access to religious
volunteers, religious diets, religious literature, religious services and schedules, and
approved religious group ceremonial items.
– End of Document –