Death of an Inmate

Idaho
Department of
Correction

Standard
Operating
Procedure

Operations
Division
Inmate
Management
Control Number:
312.02.01.001
Version:
2.5
Page Number:
1 of 13
Adopted:
4-16-2001
Reviewed:
5-1-2012

Title:
Death of an Inmate

This document was approved by Kevin Kempf, chief of the Operations
Division, on 5/1/12 (signature on file).
Open to the general public: Yes

BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE NUMBER 312
Deceased Inmates

POLICY CONTROL NUMBER 312
Deceased Inmates

DEFINITIONS
Standardized Terms and Definitions List

Health Authority: The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) employee who is primarily
responsible for overseeing or managing the IDOC’s medical services. (The health authority
is commonly referred to as the health services director.)
Program Cost Account (PCA) Code: A five character alphanumeric code entered in the
Statewide Accounting and Reporting System (STARS) that is used to identify a specific
program structure.

Purchase Order: A promise to pay for goods and services that must be (a) signature
approved by an authorized spending authority, (b) reviewed for compliance with law and
regulation, and (c) assigned an identification number and recorded on the Purchase Order
Log.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to establish standardized
guidelines, procedures, and documentation requirements following the death of an inmate
assigned to an Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) correctional facility.

SCOPE
This SOP is applicable to all staff members at IDOC and contract correctional facilities,
community work centers (CWCs), and central office. (Hereinafter, correctional facilities and
CWCs will be referred to as ‘facilities’ except where a process is specific to only a
correctional facility or CWC.)
Control Number:
312.02.01.001
Version:
2.5
Title:
Death of an Inmate
Page Number:
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RESPONSIBILITY

Chief of the Operations Division
The chief of the Operations Division is responsible for the overall control of this SOP,
field memorandums, and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with county coroners.
Facility Heads
Facility heads (or designees) are responsible for the following:
• Implementing this SOP and ensuring staff members adhere to the guidelines
provided herein;
• Establishing a MOU with the county coroner regarding the protocols for
notification and handling of an inmate death at each respective facility; and
• Developing a field memorandum to outline specifics for handling the death of an
inmate related to their geographic location.

Health Authority
The health authority is responsible for the following:
• Ensuring that the procedures in SOP 401.06.03.011, Death: Procedure in the
Event of an Inmate’s, are conducted; and
• Ensuring that when applicable medical staff personnel as defined in Idaho code
provide medical data required for death certificates.

Table of Contents
General Requirements ............................................................................................................3
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................3
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ......................................................................3
Field Memorandum .....................................................................................................4
2. Process Steps: When a Death Occurs ..............................................................................4
Table 2-1: Death Appears to be by Other than Natural Cause ...................................4
Table 2-2: Deceased Attended by Healthcare Services Staff or the Death Appears to
be by Natural Causes ..................................................................................................5
The Death Occurs Away From the Facility ..................................................................6
3. Victim Notification..............................................................................................................6
4. Notification Procedure: Death Imminent or Inmate Dies ................................................7
5. Administrative Procedures ................................................................................................7
6. Funeral or Cremation Responsibilities ............................................................................10
7. Property and Inmate Trust Account Money Disbursement...........................................11
References ............................................................................................................................13
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Death of an Inmate
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Introduction
The IDOC uses sound correctional and healthcare practices to prevent death by unnatural
causes and provides healthcare for those inmates who have been diagnosed with terminal
illness.
When the circumstances suggest that death occurred as a result of natural causes, and a
physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner was in attendance during the last illness
of the deceased, said healthcare professional can certify the cause of death in accordance
with Idaho Code. However, when establishing MOUs, the involvement of the coroner in all
deaths is encouraged.
The coroner is responsible to determine the cause of death when circumstances suggest that
the death did not occur as a result of natural causes. The coroner will decide if an autopsy
will be performed; however, the IDOC will seek an autopsy when death was caused by
violence or was sudden or unexpected.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Facility heads must establish an MOU with the coroner of the county in which the facility
is located and with the funeral home or crematorium that will handle deceased inmate’s
remains. The facilities located in Ada County will establish one MOU with the
Ada County coroner. The facility head and chief of the Operations Division (or designee)
must approve the MOU. At a minimum, the MOU shall address the following:
Coroner
• Emergency contact protocols for the coroner (or designee);
• That the coroner will immediately respond to the facility for all deaths when (a) no
physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner was in attendance during the
last illness of the deceased and (b) when the circumstances suggest that the
death occurred as a result of other than natural causes;
• That the coroner will establish responsibility for the transport of the deceased
when the circumstances suggest that the death occurred as a result of other than
natural causes;
• That the coroner will establish responsibility for the transport of the deceased
when a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner was in attendance
during the last illness of the deceased and can certify that the death was the
result of natural causes; and
• What level of involvement, if any, the coroner will have when a physician,
physician assistant, or nurse practitioner was in attendance during the last illness
of the deceased and can certify to the cause of death according to his best
knowledge.
Funeral Home or Crematorium
• Contact information including emergency contact numbers for after business
hours and on weekends;
• Agreement to hold the deceased inmate’s ashes for a minimum of one year if
the inmate’s remains were not claimed by relatives;
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• Transportation of deceased inmate when the coroner does not provide
transport; and
• Process for obtaining death certificate information if coroner is not involved and
when a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner was in attendance
during the last illness of the deceased, and the circumstances suggest that the
death occurred as a result of natural causes.
Field Memorandum
Facility heads must establish field memorandums that contain the following information;
• Emergency contact information for the county coroner (or designee);
• The physical location and contact information for the designated funeral home or
crematorium; and
• Transport arrangements for deceased inmates.

2. Process Steps: When a Death Occurs
The following processes will be followed when an inmate death occurs:
Table 2-1: Death Appears to be by Other than Natural Cause
Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks
Responsible Person

1
Upon finding an inmate who appears to be deceased,
immediately sound an alert to the emergency situation.
Note: If death is uncertain, begin life saving techniques.

Shift Commander (or
Designee)

2
• Secure the scene and contact law enforcement in
accordance with SOP 504.02.01.001 Investigations
and Intelligence Program;
• Post a staff member at the scene and ensure a staff
member remains with the body until it is transported off
site; and
• Document actions using appendix A, Shift Commander
Worksheet (Death of an Inmate).
Note: If any object or potential evidence needs to be
removed due to a threat to security or for the safety of staff
or inmates, the item(s) will be photographed and diagramed
in relation to the rest of the death scene prior to its removal
(if practical) and then removed, preferably using plastic
gloves and placed in an evidence bag, and secured in an
evidence locker or immediately turned over to law
enforcement.
Shift Commander (or
Designee)

4 Contact the coroner in accordance with MOU.
Shift Commander (or
Designee)

5 Contact the facility duty officer by telephone, and skip to
step 8.
Facility Duty Officer 6 Contact administrative duty officer.
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks
Administrative Duty
Officer

7
Contact applicable IDOC Leadership Team members.
Note: The Leadership Team consists of the director of the
IDOC, division chiefs, and the director’s administrative
support manager, and others as designated by the director.

Shift Commander (or
Designee)

8
• Identify and document any witnesses of the death; and
• Obtain Information Report(s) from staff (see SOP
105.02.01.001 Reporting and Investigation of
Major Incidents).
Shift Commander (or
Designee)

9
Complete a 105 Incident Notification Report in accordance
with SOP 105.02.01.001 General Reporting and
Investigation of Major Incidents.
Shift Commander (or
Designee)

10
Have central control change the deceased inmate’s status in
the Reflections computer system to transit for count
purposes.

Shift Commander (or
Designee)

11
Once the investigation of the scene has been completed,
ensure the deceased is removed and transported in
accordance with the MOU (normally the MOU will require
that the coroner takes custody of the body).

Shift Commander (or
Designee)

12
Unless law enforcement is not finished with the death
scene (and excluding any property that is seized as
evidence or for forensic testing), ensure that staff remove,
inventory, and secure the deceased inmate’s property in
accordance with SOP 320.02.01.001 Property: State-
issued and Inmate Personal Property.
Note: Obtain a receipt from law enforcement or document
any property or evidence taken.

Table 2-2: Deceased Attended by Healthcare Services Staff or the Death Appears to
be by Natural Causes
Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks

Responsible Person

1
Upon the inmate’s death or upon finding an inmate who
appears to be deceased, immediately sound an alert to the
emergency situation.
Note: If death is uncertain, begin life saving techniques.

Shift Commander (or
Designee)

2A
• Confirm with healthcare services staff that (a) a
physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner
was in attendance during the last illness of the
deceased, and (b) the circumstances suggest that the
death occurred as a result of natural causes;
• Post a staff member at the scene and ensure a staff
member remains with the body until it is transported off
site; and
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks

Shift Commander (or
Designee)

2B
• Document actions using appendix A, Shift Commander
Worksheet (Death of an Inmate);
Note: If applicable healthcare services staff was in
attendance, proceed to step 3.
Note: If an applicable healthcare services staff member
was not in attendance or the circumstances suggest the
death occurred as a result of other than natural causes,
follow table 2-1, and end the process here.
Shift Commander (or
Designee)

3 If applicable based on the MOU, contact the coroner.
Shift Commander (or
Designee)
4 Contact the facility duty officer by telephone and skip to
step 7.
Facility Duty Officer 5 Contact administrative duty officer.

Administrative Duty
Officer

6
Contact applicable IDOC Leadership Team members.
Note: The Leadership Team consists of the director of the
IDOC, division chiefs, and the director’s administrative
support manager, and others as designated by the director.
Shift Commander (or
Designee)

7
Complete a 105 Incident Notification Report in accordance
with SOP 105.02.01.001 General Reporting and
Investigation of Major Incidents.
Shift Commander (or
Designee)

8 Ensure the deceased is removed and transported in
accordance with the field memorandum.

Shift Commander (or
Designee)

9
Ensure that staff remove, inventory, and secure the
deceased inmate’s property in accordance with SOP
320.02.01.001 Property: State-issued and Inmate
Personal Property.
Shift Commander (or
Designee)

10
Forward the 105 Incident Notification Report, Shift
Commander Worksheet (Death of an Inmate), and any
other information to the facility head.

The Death Occurs Away From the Facility
When an inmate death occurs away from the facility, if IDOC staff members discover the
deceased they will secure the scene, notify the local authorities, and contact the shift
commander or central control where the inmate was housed.
Local authorities will have jurisdiction over the body.
Notifications, funeral or cremation procedures, and property or money disposition will be
the same as when a death occurs within a facility.

3. Victim Notification
The IDOC victim services coordinator (or designee) will monitor the 105 Incident Notification
Report(s) for deaths in IDOC correctional facilities. When an inmate death occurs, the
IDOC victim services coordinator (or designee) will determine if the deceased inmate had a
victim alert or caution. If the deceased inmate had victims who had requested notifications,
the IDOC victim services coordinator will make the notifications.
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2.5
Title:
Death of an Inmate
Page Number:
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4. Notification Procedure: Death Imminent or Inmate Dies
Inmates will complete an Emergency Contact Information Form (Inmate) at the
Reception/Diagnostic Unit (RDU) during the intake process and update it annually at
reclassification, or upon getting married while incarcerated. The Emergency Contact
Information Form (Inmate) will list an inmate’s next of kin and secondary contacts to
notify in case of an emergency or death.
The Emergency Contact Information Form (Inmate) also allows inmates to designate an
individual or charitable organization to receive their property and Inmate Trust Account
money in case of their death while incarcerated. If an inmate does not have an individual to
list as the recipient, he may designate a charitable organization. The inmate cannot designate
more than one person or one charitable organization. If the inmate wants to designate items
to go to specific individuals, he must communicate his wishes to the person or charitable
organization he designates because upon his death, the IDOC will only release his property
or Inmate Trust Account money to one designee.
In the event that an inmate dies or his death is imminent due to illness or injury, the facility
head (or designee) will notify the inmate's next of kin. Notifications will be made as soon as
practical and in a professional manner.

Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks

Facility Head (or
Designee)

1
• Obtain the inmate’s emergency contact information
from the Emergency Contact Information Form
(Inmate).
• Contact the inmate’s next of kin and/or secondary
contacts. If the inmate is a foreign national, contact
the nearest consulate representing the inmate’s
country of origin.
• Document the date and time of each contact using
appendix B, Emergency Notification Worksheet (Death
of an Inmate).
Note: Inform staff that incoming calls from the inmate’s
next of kin, secondary contact, or consulate (if applicable)
need to be directed to the facility head (or designee).
Facility Head (or
Designee)

2
When all applicable contacts are made, ensure the
Emergency Notification Worksheet (Death of an Inmate) is
returned to the facility head.

5. Administrative Procedures
Following the emergency notifications, the facility head (or designee) will continue the
administrative process to ensure that funeral or cremation arrangements are made for the
deceased inmate and that his property and InmateTrust Account money are handled
properly.
The facility head (or designee) will ensure the following steps are completed.
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step
Tasks
CIS steps are in bold

Facility Head (or
Designee)

1
Review all information regarding the inmate’s death such
as:
• The completed Shift Commander Worksheet (Death of
an Inmate);
• Completed Information Report(s);
• Completed 105 Incident Notification Report(s); and
• The completed Emergency Notification Worksheet.
Facility Head (or
Designee)

2 Document administrative actions using appendix C,
Administrative Worksheet (Death of an Inmate).
Facility Head (or
Designee)

3 Ensure that the deceased inmate’s property has been
properly inventoried and secured.
Facility Head (or
Designee)

4
Contact the Fiscal Unit (located at Central Office), and
request that the deceased inmate’s trust account be
suspended.
Facility Head (or
Designee)

5
Notify the Central Records Unit (located at Central Office)
via email to have the deceased inmate’s status updated in
the Reflections computer system.
Facility Head (or
Designee)

6 Notify the Commission of Pardons and Parole via email.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

7
Notify the deceased inmate’s next of kin or a secondary
contact to inform him of where the body may be claimed.
Note: If the deceased inmate was a foreign national,
contact the nearest consulate.
Facility Head (or
Designee)

8
Provide the funeral home or crematorium with the
deceased inmate’s next of kin or secondary contact
information.
Facility Head (or
Designee)

9
Ensure that the health authority is aware of the death so
that the provisions of SOP 401.06.03.011, Death:
Procedure in the Event of an Inmate’s.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

10
If the death was other than natural causes, ensure that a
liaison is assigned to coordinate with law enforcement
investigators and establish a schedule for updates
regarding the progress of the investigation.
Facility Head (or
Designee)

11
If the death was other than natural causes, provide updates
to the applicable bureau director or deputy chief (or
designees) regarding the progress of the investigation.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

12
If the circumstances suggest that the death occurred as a
result of natural causes and a physician, physician
assistant, or advanced practical professional nurse was in
attendance during the last illness of the deceased, ensure
that the healthcare services staff member provides cause
of death information to the coroner, or competes the
applicable information for the death certificate in
accordance with Idaho Code.
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Death of an Inmate
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step
Tasks
CIS steps are in bold

Facility Head (or
Designee)

13
Check for victim notification alerts or cautions, and if the
deceased inmate has an alert, confirm that the IDOC
victim services coordinator has completed the victim
notifications.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

14
Check the Reflections computer system for detainers and if
the deceased inmate has a detainer notify the Inmate
Placement Unit (located at Central Office) detainer
coordinator.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

15
Determine whether funeral or cremation arrangements
have been made for the deceased inmate, and provide
any information the funeral home or crematorium needs
regarding the inmate.
Note: If arrangements have not been made, see section 7
of this SOP regarding the cremation process.
Facility Head (or
Designee)

16 Obtain a copy of the deceased inmate’s death certificate.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

17
Once all processes have been completed, remove the
following documents (if they exist) from the deceased
inmate’s central file and place them in an administrative
file:
• Birth certificate;
• Driver’s license;
• IDOC identification card;
• Social Security card; and
• State of Idaho identification (ID) card.
Note: These documents will be needed to complete step
20.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

18
Ensure there is a c-note in the Corrections Integrated
System (CIS) documenting the administrative
procedures described in section 5 of this SOP and the
completed Administrative Worksheet (Death of an
Inmate).

Facility Head (or
Designee)

19
Instruct facility records staff to prepare the deceased
inmate’s central file in accordance with SOP
120.03.05.002, Central and Medical Files: Control,
Maintenance and Disposition of, and forward it to the
Central Records Unit (located at Central Office).

Facility Head (or
Designee)

20
Place the following in the administrative file, and forward
the file to the applicable bureau director or deputy chief (or
designees):
• The deceased inmate’s personal documents (see
step 17);
• The completed Administrative Worksheet (Death of an
Inmate); and
• A copy of the deceased inmate’s death certificate.
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Death of an Inmate
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step
Tasks
CIS steps are in bold
Bureau Director or
Deputy Chief (or
Designees), as
applicable

21
Maintain the administrative file in a secure location for two
years and then destroy.

6. Funeral or Cremation Responsibilities
The next of kin is responsible for all funeral or cremation costs. If no next of kin or secondary
contact claims the body for funeral or cremation, the IDOC will have the body cremated and
will use any money in the deceased inmate’s trust account to pay the cost of cremation.
The following steps will be followed regarding the deceased inmate’s funeral or cremation.

Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks
Facility Head (or
Designee)

1 Obtain the inmate’s completed Emergency Contact
Information Form (Inmate).

Facility Head (or
Designee)

2
• If the deceased inmate’s body was claimed by his
next of kin or a secondary contact for funeral or
cremation, end the process here.
• If the deceased inmate’s body has not been claimed,
proceed to step 3.
Note: Hold disbursement of the deceased inmate’s trust
account money until funeral or cremation arrangements
(including payment) have been completed.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

3
If no one has made arrangements for the deceased
inmate’s funeral or cremation:
• Determine the deceased inmate’s trust account
balance; and
• Obtain an invoice for the cost of cremation from the
crematorium.

Facility Head (or
Designee)

4A
• If the inmate’s trust account balance is high enough to
cover the cost of cremation - request that the Fiscal
Unit (located at Central Office) pay the designated
crematorium (from the deceased inmate’s trust
account) the full amount of the cost of cremation; or
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks

Facility Head (or
Designee)

4B
• If the inmate’s trust account balance is not high
enough to cover the cost of cremation - request that
the Fiscal Unit (located at Central Office) pay the
designated crematorium (from the deceased inmate’s
trust account) using the entire balance of the trust
account, and issue a purchase order or provide the
Fiscal Unit with the program cost account (PCA) code
to pay the remaining balance of the cremation cost in
accordance with directive,
147.06.06.004, Purchasing and Contracting.
Note: The IDOC will not withhold the deceased inmate’s
ashes from his next of kin or secondary contact, even if the
IDOC paid for the cremation. If no next of kin or secondary
contact claims the deceased inmate’s ashes within 180
days of his death or if the next of kin or secondary contact
declines to claim the ashes, the IDOC will then allow the
ashes to be claimed by any friend of the inmate as long
as that friend can demonstrate he had a prior relationship
with the inmate. If no one claims the deceased inmate’s
ashes, the IDOC will coordinate with the crematorium to
have the ashes stored at the crematorium for one year.
After the one year period expires, the facility head shall
determine the final disposition of the deceased inmate’s
ashes.

7. Property and Inmate Trust Account Money Disbursement
Following an inmate’s death, the facility head will ensure that the deceased inmate’s
property and Inmate Trust Account money is properly dispersed.

Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks
Facility Head (or
Designee)

1 Contact the person or charitable organization designated
by the deceased inmate.
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities

Step

Tasks

Facility Head (or
Designee)

2
If the deceased inmate had property, arrange for pick up or
delivery of the inmate’s property to the person or charitable
organization designated on the inmate’s completed
Emergency Contact Information Form
(Inmate). If the inmate’s property is to be mailed to the
next of kin, the inmate’s trust account money (if any) will
be used to pay the cost of mailing the property.
Note: If picking up the property, the inmate-designated
person or charitable organization must sign for receipt of
the property. If the inmate-designated person or charitable
organization wants some, but not all, of the deceased
inmate’s property, the person or charitable organization must
complete a Property Disposition Form to identify the
disposition of the remaining property. (See SOP
320.02.01.001 Property: State-issued and Inmate
Personal Property.)

Facility Head (or
Designee)

3
After all expenses have been paid, if money remains in the
deceased inmate’s trust account, request that Fiscal Unit
(located at Central Office) staff disperse the balance in
accordance with SOP 114.03.03.011,Inmate Trust Account,
to the person or charitable organization listed on the
inmate’s completed Emergency Contact Information Form
(Inmate).

Facility Head (or
Designee)

4
If the deceased inmate’s designated person or charitable
organization cannot be located or if the inmate failed to
make the designation, the facility head (or designee) shall:
• Make a good-faith effort to locate the deceased
inmate’s next of kin using the pre-sentence
investigation (PSI) report, an internet search, and
other records or sources; and/or
• Hold the deceased inmate’s property for 180 days
and if no next of kin claims the property, the property
will be donated to a charitable organization or
destroyed in accordance with SOP 320.02.01.001
Property: State-issued and Inmate Personal
Property.

Fiscal Unit Financial
Specialist Senior (or
Designee)

5
If the deceased inmate’s designated person or charitable
organization cannot be located or if the inmate failed to
make the designation, the Fiscal Unit (located at Central
Office) financial specialist senior (or designee) shall:
• In collaboration with the facility head, make a good-
faith effort to locate the deceased inmate’s next of kin
using the pre-sentence investigation (PSI) report, an
internet search, and other records or sources.
• Hold all of the deceased inmate’s unclaimed
Inmate Trust Account money in accordance with
SOP 114.03.03.011, Inmate Trust Account.
Control Number:
312.02.01.001
Version:
2.5
Title:
Death of an Inmate
Page Number:
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REFERENCES
Appendix A, Shift Commander Worksheet (Death of an Inmate)
Appendix B, Emergency Notification Worksheet (Death of an Inmate)
Appendix C, Administrative Worksheet (Death of an Inmate)
Emergency Contact Information Form (Inmate)
Idaho Code, Title 39, Chapter 2, Section 39-260, Registration of Deaths and Stillbirths
Standard Operating Procedure 105.02.01.001 Reporting and Investigation of Major
Incidents
Standard Operating Procedure 114.03.03.011, Inmate Trust Account

Standard Operating Procedure 147.06.06.004, Purchasing and Contracting
Standard Operating Procedure 120.03.05.002, Central and Medical Files: Control,
Maintenance and Disposition of
Standard Operating Procedure 320.02.01.001 Property: State-issued and Inmate Personal
Property
Standard Operating Procedure 401.06.03.011, Death: Procedure in the Event of an
Inmate’s
Standard Operating Procedure 504.02.01.001 Investigations and Intelligence Program
– End of Document –
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

Shift Commander Worksheet (Death of an Inmate)
Inmate: IDOC Number: Facility:
Date: Time of Death:
Death from natural causes attended by healthcare services staff Yes No
If yes, name of healthcare services staff member:
***Document Applicable Actions***
Contacted law enforcement (date/time): (agency):
Coroner contacted (date/time):
Coroner came to facility: (name): (date/time):
Contacted facility duty officer (name): (date/time):
Contacted facility investigator or assigned law enforcement liaison (name):
Check victim alert or caution. If alert or caution present, email sent to IDOC victim services coordinator at:

Identified witness and obtained Information Report(s) (date/time):
105 Incident Notification Report completed: (date/time):
Deceased inmate’s body transported to funeral home or crematorium (means of transport):
Additional information:

Date/Time:
Shift Commander’s Name: Associate #:

Appendix A
312.02.01.001
(Appendix last updated 5/1/12)
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

Administrative Worksheet (Death of an Inmate)

Inmate: IDOC Number: Facility:
Date: Time of Death:
Cause of death known or determined: Yes No
Comments:
Death under investigation Yes No (agency):
Current location of deceased inmate’s body (funeral home or crematorium information):

***Document Applicable Actions***
Received Information Report(s) and Shift Commander Worksheet (Death of an Inmate)
Deceased inmate’s property has been properly inventoried and secured (this includes ceremonial property and
excess legal property)
Requested that the deceased inmate’s trust account be suspended
If the deceased inmate is a foreign national, the nearest consulate to the inmate’s country of origin has been
contacted
Notified the Central Records Unit (located at Central Office) of the inmate’s death and retained a copy of the email
Notified the Commission of Pardons and Parole and retained a copy of the email
Notified the deceased inmate’s next of kin or a secondary contact to inform him of where the body may be claimed
Provided the funeral home or crematorium with the deceased inmate’s next of kin or secondary contact information
Ensured the IDOC health authority was made aware of the inmate’s death
If the deceased inmate’s death is under investigation, ensured that a liaison was assigned to coordinate with law
enforcement
If the deceased inmate’s death was by other than natural causes, provided an investigation progress to the
applicable bureau director or deputy chief (or designees)
If applicable, checked for a victim alert or caution, and ensured the IDOC victim services coordinator (or designee)
conducted notifications
If applicable, notified the Inmate Placement Unit (located at Central Office) detainer coordinator
Determined whether the deceased inmate’s next of kin or secondary contact made arrangements for the inmate’s
funeral or cremation
If no funeral or cremation arrangements have been made, procedures were started to pay for a cremation
Obtained a copy of the deceased inmate’s death certificate
Provided instruction to the Fiscal Unit (located at Central Office) to pay the deceased inmate’s trust account balance
to the person or charitable organization he designated
Contacted the person or charitable organization the deceased inmate designated to receive his property and/or
Inmate Trust Account money
Arranged for pickup or shipment of the deceased inmate’s property (date released/shipped):
Instructed facility records staff to prepare the deceased inmate’s central file in accordance with SOP120.03.05.002,
Central and Medical Files: Control, Maintenance and Disposition of, and forward it to the Central Records Unit (located at
Central Office)
Created an administrative file with the following deceased inmate’s documents enclosed: birth certificate, driver’s
license, IDOC identification card, Social Security card, state of Idaho identification (ID) card, and death certificate. Also
enclosed this completed worksheet
Ensured a c-note entry was made in the Corrections Integrated System (CIS) documenting the completion of these
administrative procedures
Additional information:

Date/Time:

Facility Head”s Name: Associate #:
Appendix C
312.02.01.001
(Appendix last updated 5/1/12)