HomeMy WebLinkAboutReligious Activities - SOPIdaho
Department of
Correction
Standard
Operating
Procedure
Title:
Religious Activities
Page:
1 of 23
Control Number:
403.02.01.001
Version:
8.0
Adopted:
5-1-1996
Chad Page, chief of the division of prisons, approved this document on
01/30/2019.
Open to the public: Yes
SCOPE
This standard operating procedure applies to all Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC)
correctional facilities, including community reentry centers (CRCs), inmates, staff members ,
volunteer and religious activity coordinators (VRCs), and faith-based volunteers.
Revision History
Revision Date (01/30/2019) version 8.0: Added section allowing Level 2 volunteers to
supervise lim ited service volunteers; revised terminology and provided clarification regarding
size and material of religious cards in Appendix D, removed religious beard exception
information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Board of Correction IDAPA Rule Number 06.01.01.403 .......................................................... 2
Policy Control Number 403 ....................................................................................................... 2
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Responsibility ............................................................................................................................ 2
Standard Procedures ................................................................................................................ 3
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3
2. Religious Volunteers ........................................................................................................... 3
3. Religious Activity Oversight ................................................................................................ 4
4. VRC Responsibilities .......................................................................................................... 4
5. Prohibited Activities ............................................................................................................. 4
6. Designating Worship Areas and Scheduling Religious Activities ...................................... 5
7. Suspending, Reducing, or Delaying Religious Activities .................................................... 5
8. Work or Programming Conflicts.......................................................................................... 6
9. Religious Activity Protocols ................................................................................................. 6
10. Inmates under the Sentence of Death ................................................................................ 8
11. Inmates in Long-term Restrictive Housing ......................................................................... 8
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12. Inmates in Hospital ............................................................................................................. 9
13. Religious Use of Wine and Other Sacraments................................................................... 9
14. Sweat Lodge ....................................................................................................................... 9
15. Religious Activity Completion Certificates ........................................................................ 11
16. Religious Activity Review Process.................................................................................... 12
17. Religious Activity Committees .......................................................................................... 12
18. New or Unfamiliar Religious Components........................................................................ 13
19. Religious Diets .................................................................................................................. 16
20. Religious Literature ........................................................................................................... 16
21. Religious Observance....................................................................................................... 17
22. Religious Activity Center Group Ceremonial Items .......................................................... 19
23. Budgets ............................................................................................................................. 19
24. Donations for Group Ceremonial Items ............................................................................ 19
25. Special Fund Accounts ..................................................................................................... 20
26. General Use Religious Activity Donations ........................................................................ 21
Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 22
References .............................................................................................................................. 22
BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE NUMBER 06.01.01.403
Inmate Religious Practices
POLICY CONTROL NUMBE R 403
Religious Practices
PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to provide guidance and
direction for recognized religious activities and to provide procedures for reviewing inmate
requests for accommodations of religious activities not covered in this SOP.
RESPONSIBILITY
Chief of the Division of Prisons
The chief of the division of prisons is responsible for:
• Designating persons to serve on the religious activities review committee (RARC)
• Serving as the approval authority for new and unfamiliar religious compon ent
requests
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CRC Managers
The CRC managers are responsible for designating persons to serve on facility religious
activities oversight committee (RAOC).
Division VRC
The division VRC is responsible for:
• Developing and delivering training to religious volunteers
• Overseeing religious activities in facilities
• Developing and delivering training to facility VRCs and staff members
Facility VRC
The Facility VRC is responsible for:
• Coordinating and overseeing religious activities in facilities
• Recruiting religious volunteers if the need arises
• Maintaining volunteer records
Facility Heads
Facility heads are responsible for:
• Implementing this SOP
• Ensuring that staff members adhere to the provisions provided herein
• Designating a pers on to serve as the facility VRC if no contract position exists
• Designating a religious activity oversight committee (RAOC)
STANDARD PROCEDURES
1. Introduction
The IDOC provides reasonable and equitable opportunities to inmates of all faiths to pursue
religious beliefs and activities, when those opportunities can be provided within budgetary
limitations and are consistent with the safe and orderly operation of a facility and its custody
level.
The IDOC does not interfere with an inmate’s religious belief. However, the IDOC has a
compelling government interest to maintain safety and security in its facilities. Therefore, the
IDOC may substantially burden an inmate's exercise of religion when the application of the
burden is based on a compelling IDOC interest and it is the least restrictive means of
furthering that interest.
2. Religious Volunteers
Religious volunteers conduct religious ceremonies and provide religious instruction and
spiritual guidance to inmates. Religious volunteers provide teaching, worship, and pastoral
care for the inmates in the facility in which they volunteer. For more information regarding
religious volunteers, see SOP 606.02.01.001, Volunteer Services in Correc tional Facilities .
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3. Religious Activity Oversight
The oversight of religious volunteers and religious activities is accomplished using a
combination of IDOC and contract staff.
IDOC staff –When a facility does not have a contract VRC, the facility head or designee
must designate an IDOC staff member to serve in that role. At the facility head’s or
designee’s discretion, this designated staff member may continue performing the primary
job duties for which he was hired and as a secondary job duty, oversee religious volunteers
and religious activities as an extra duty.
Contract staff – In accordance with the contract that establishes volunteer and religious
activity services , there is a volunteer and religious activity coordinator (VRC) at each facility.
Contract staff provides most of the coordination and oversight of religious activities.
For the purpose of this SOP, the acronym VRC is used to describe both IDOC staff and
contract staff serving in the oversight of religious volunteers and religious activities .
4. VRC Responsibilities
In addition to the information provided in the ‘responsibility’ section and section 3, facility
VRCs and contract staff are responsible for the following:
Religious Volunteers
VRCs are responsible for locating, developing, and managing religious volunteers who
are representative of the facility’s inmate population.
Inmate Marriages
In accordance with SOP 311.02.01.001, Marriage Procedures for Inmates , VRCs , upon
request, must assist an inmate with finding a qualified person to conduct the marriage
ceremony. Inmate marriages must be requested, processed, and coordinated in
accordance with SOP 311.02.01.001.
Inmate Family Deaths or Personal or Family Crisis
VRCs may be involved when inmates receive notices of a family death or personal or
family crisis. Each facility must outline in a field memorandum the process for dealing
with family death or personal or family crisis calls.
5. Prohibited Activities
The following activities are prohibited:
• Animal sacrifice
• Belittling or ridiculing other religions
• Curses, spells, or rituals meant to cause harm, distress, problems, or other
unwelcome events
• Consumption of alcohol
• Consumption of illegal substances
• Consumption of tobacco
• Domestic or foreign terrorism
• Nudity
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• Inmate organizations or practices that put inmates in positions of power, authority, or
leadership over other inmates
• Paramilitary exercises
• Profanity
• Proselytizing (coercing, harassing, or attem pting to convince an inmate to change his
religious affiliation)
• Self-defense training
• Self-mutilation
• Sexual acts
• Superiority of one race or religion over another
• Use or display of weapons (or what appear to be weapons)
• Violence
6. Designating Worship Areas and Scheduling Religious Activities
Facility heads or designees must designate areas for religious activities that fairly and
equitably accommodate the needs of all religious groups in the inmate population. This
includes one outdoor worship area established and maintained in a location that is suitable,
secure, and in an area that is reasonably separated from non-participating inmates, but staff
can supervise or observe. However, outdoor worship areas are not allowed where building
design or security considerations prohibit its construction and/or use. The appropriate
division chief or designee, or CRC reentry manager or designee, must approve any
exception where an outdoor worship area is not provided.
The facility VRC must schedule and oversee religious activities and coordinate weekly
religious activities within the facility’s master schedule. When scheduling religious activities,
the facility VRC must consider both the availability of IDOC staff or religious volunteer
supervision and the need to share the available time and space among the faith groups.
Program schedules must be posted in English and Spanish on bulletin boards that are
clearly visible to the inmate population.
On a volunteer basis, inmates in general population can access religious resources,
activities, and instruction consistent with the custody level of the facility. Inmates in
restrictive housing may access religious activities with religious volunteers as coordinated by
the facility VRC.
Each month the VRC must submit the following m onth’s schedule of religious activities to
the assigned deputy warden or second-in-command for approval. The deputy warden or
second-in-command must review religious activities at least annually.
7. Suspending, Reducing, or Delaying Religious Activities
In an emergency, such as a disturbance, the incident commander can suspend religious
activities. Any such suspension, reduction, or significant delay must be reported to the
facility head or designee.
In a situation such as fog, facility lockdown, or staff shortage, the facility head or second-in-
command can temporarily suspend, reduce, or delay religious activities. If the reduction of
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religious activities extends beyond one week, the facility head or second-in-command must
notify the chief of the division of prisons or CRC reentry manager, as applicable.
8. Work or Programming Conflicts
If a facility work assignment or programming interferes with an inmate’s ability to practice the
tenets of his faith, the inmate may discuss the conflict with his work supervisor or
program ming staff to see if an adjustment in duties or scheduling could eliminate the
conflict. Exceptions granted to a facility work assignment or programming must be
documented in the Offender Management System as a ‘special concern’ c -note entry.
If the conflict is concerning a special event or religious holy day, no job reassignment or
permanent schedule change is necessary, and time off should be accommodated if
possible. The inmate must submit a written request to his work supervisor or programming
staff at least 48 hours before a special event or religious holy day.
If the conflict cannot be resolved, the inmate may submit a written request to the facility VRC
for assistance. The facility VRC must take the request to the religious activities oversight
committee (RAOC) for discussion, and if the issue cannot be resolved at the facility level,
the RAOC must forward the issue to the Religious Activity Review Committee (RARC) for
review and decision.
Conflicts with work assignments that are outside of the facility such as prison industry
enterprise (PIE) programs, vocational work projects , or private work force job at a CRC must
be resolved with the employer, not the IDOC.
9. Religious Activity Protocols
Languages Allowed
Sermons, teachings, and admonitions must be delivered in English. However, inmates
can recite customary prayers in the language required by their religion or faith.
The facility head or designee can approve activities delivered in other languages if it
meets the overall needs of the inm ate population. Use Appendix B, Religious Activity
Foreign Language Approval Log to document approval of foreign language activities .
Supervision
The supervision definitions below are for the purpose of this SOP only.
Direct supervision means that a staff member, VRC, or religious volunteer must be
physically present in the same room or area as the inmates being supervised. The s taff
member, VRC, or religious volunteer must not be separated from the inmates by glass,
wall, or partition. If the staff member, VRC, or religious volunteer leaves that area, he is
no longer in direct supervision of the inmates , even if he is in the same building. Direct
supervision cannot be conducted from a tower or video technology.
Indirect supervision means that a staff member, VRC, or religious volunteer is not
physically present in the same area as the inmates being supervised but is in a position
to observe the inmates through a direct line of sight, through a window or video
technology.
Constant means continual from the beginning of the assembled period to the end of the
assembled period.
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Periodic means at a specified interval (as described in field memorandum ) during the
assembled period.
Intermittent means at unspecified intervals during the assembled period.
Religious ac tivities must be supervised as follows:
Inmate-led Religious Activities
• Minimum Custody
Requires periodic direct or indirect supervision as defined above and as
described in the facility’s field memorandum.
Staff may provide constant direct or indirect supervision.
• Medium Custody
Requires prior authorization by the facility’s deputy warden or second-in-
command and must have periodic direct or indirect supervision as defined
above and as described in the facility’s field memorandum .
Staff may provide constant direct or indirect supervision.
• Close Custody
Requires prior authorization by the facility’s deputy warden or second-in-
command and must have direct supervision by a staff member, VRC, or
religious volunteer, and constant direct or indirect supervision by a security
staff member.
Volunteer-led Religious Activities
All religious activities led by a religious volunteer who has restricted status (see SOP
606.02.01.001, Volunteer Services in Correctional Facilities ) require constant direct
supervision as defined above.
• Minimum Custody
Requires periodic direct or indirect supervision as defined above and as
described in the facility’s field memorandum and intermittent direct or
intermittent indirect supervision by a security staff member
• Medium Custody
Requires periodic direct or indirect supervision as defined above and as
described in the facility’s field memorandum and intermittent direct or
intermittent indirect supervision by a security staff member
• Close Custody
Requires constant direct and indirect supervision by a staff member or
facility VRC and intermittent direct or intermittent indirect supervision by a
security staff member
Any religious activity provided by a limited-service volunteer requires constant direct
supervision by IDOC staff members or a Level 2 volunteer.
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Supervision Exceptions
The facility head or designee can approve exceptions to the supervision requirements.
While it is preferable to have religious volunteers for every religious group, sometimes
religious volunteers are not available in the community. If a staff member, facility VRC,
or religious volunteer cannot directly supervise an activity, the facility head or designee
must ensure that security staffing and other activities are sufficient to maintain order and
safety and are in accordance with the supervision requirements described in this section.
Participation: CRC Inmates
Inmates housed in CRCs may be allowed to participate in religious services in the
community. For further information, see, SOP 605.02.01.001, Furlough Program for
Inmates and SOP 606.02.01.001, Volunteer Services in Correctional Facilities .
Staff Members and VRCs
W ith the exception specified in section 10, inmates under the sentence of death, s taff
members , and VRCs are prohibited from conducting, leading, volunteering, or
participating in religious activities or services . As directed by the facility head or
designee, staff members and/or VRCs are required to provide supervision for services
and activities that do not have a religious volunteer. Staff members and VRCs must
monitor religious volunteer-led activities and services to ensure that the standards
established in this SOP are followed. In addition, facility VRCs must provide monitoring
as established in the volunteer and religious activity coordination contract.
10. Inmate s under the Sentence of Death
SOP 135.02.01.003, Execution Procedures , provides specific guidelines regarding access to
inmates who are under the sentence of death once a court has issued a death warrant.
During that time, the inmate has increased access to certain individuals including a spiritual
advisor of his choice. A VRC may be required to assist the IDOC in locating a spiritual
advisor for such an inmate. The IDOC does not require that a VRC serve as spiritual advisor
or participate in any procedure directly connected to the execution process, with the
exception of assisting with finding a spiritual advisor as needed. However, a VRC may serve
as a spiritual advisor if (a) the inmate requests the VRC to serve as his spiritual advisor, (b)
the VRC is willing to serve as the inmate’s spiritual advisor, and (c) the facility head
approves .
11. Inmate s in Long-term Restrictive Housing
Facility VRC Requirements
The facility VR C providing service at any facility with long-term restrictive housing is
required to visit each unit and tier at least once each month, making himself available to
any inmate with questions or concerns regarding religious or volunteer activities . The
facility VRC must document such visits and submit the documentation to the division
VRC on a monthly basis in a format determined by the division VRC .
Inmate Request for Access to a Religious Advisor
Inmates in restrictive housing can submit a written request to the facility VRC requesting
access to a religious advisor. The facility VRC must contact a religious volunteer or
approved representative of the faith and arrange a visit consistent with security and
order of the facility. Religious volunteers and faith group representatives must always be
escorted or under staff observation when visiting inmates in restrictive housing.
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12. Inmate s in Hospital
Inmates who are hospitalized can request access to representatives of their fa ith group. The
facility head or designee must approve any visit between a religious representative and an
inmate hospitalized in a hospital that is outside the secure confines of the facility. The facility
head may determine the frequency of such visits.
13. Religious Use of Wine and Other Sacraments
Sacraments such as wine can only be used under the direct supervision of a staff member,
facility VRC, or level-2 religious volunteer. When wine is used as a sacrament, the minister
or priest may consume no more than three ounces of wine. Inmates shall not consume any
wine.
Sacraments such as wine must be approved by the facility head or designee and be
removed by a religious volunteer from the facility after each use.
The facility head or designee must document the approval in a memorandum and forwar d
the memorandum to the facility VRC and other applicable staff. Normally, the memorandum
must be reviewed at least annually and reissued if needed. The facility VRC must keep a
copy of the memorandum on file in the religious activity center or chapel and forward a copy
to the chief of the division of prisons or CRC reentry manager, as applicable.
14. Sweat Lodge
The IDOC recognizes that sweat lodge ceremonies are an important part of Native American
culture. The following procedures have been established regarding the procurement of rocks
and firewood. Sweat lodges are not open to other religions or groups and are specific to the
practice of the Native American religion. However, sweat lodge ceremonies are open to all
IDOC inmates who wish to practice the Native American religion. During some portions of a
sweat lodge ceremony, a staff member, facility VRC, or religious volunteer may not have a
direct line of sight to inmates but must observe the sweat lodge.
Each month, the facility VRC must document rocks and firewood supplied, collected, and
donated using the Sweat Lodge Firewood and Rock Tracking Log.
Rocks for Sweat Lodge
Each facility that has a sweat lodge must develop a process to provide rocks for use
during the sweat lodge ceremony.
At medium custody facilities, the rock storage area must be outside the perimeter fence.
A staff member must provide direct supervision when rocks are moved inside the
perimeter and when unserviceable rocks are removed.
The rock supply must meet the following criteria:
• At least 100 rocks per year
• Be approximately eight to 10 inches in diameter
• Be stored in an area the facility head or designee has designated
Each facility that has a sweat lodge must develop a process for collecting the rocks.
Inmates who are classified mi nimum custody and approved to work away from the
facility (off facility grounds) do the rock collection for minimum custody and adjacent
medium custody facilities. Staff supervises rock collection crews as determined by the
facility head or designee.
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Rocks are collected from IDOC property, or other state of Idaho, federal, or private
property where the owner or management authority has granted the IDOC permission to
collect rocks.
If rocks cannot be collected legally from a location that is reasonably acce ssible to the
IDOC, then rocks may be donated.
Firewood for Sweat Lodge Ceremonies
Sweat lodges are authorized to use up to one cord of firewood per month for a total of 12
cords of firewood per year at each facility with a sweat lodge. The chief of the division of
prisons or the division chief responsible for CRCs or their designee must approve any
firewood use exceeding the 12-cord per year limit.
The IDOC will reject any firewood that poses a security risk or contains contraband.
In the sweat lodge area, there will be a rack that holds one cord of firewood. Before the
first sweat lodge ceremony of each month, inmates , under the direction and supervision
of staff, fill the rack with firewood from the designated storage area. Firewood stored in
the designated storage area must be neatly stacked.
Firewood for the sweat lodge is provided by one or more of the following methods in the
following order:
1. Collected from IDOC -owned property or other authorized property
2. Donated Firewood
3. Purchased Firewood
Collected From IDOC-owned Property or Other Authorized Property
If available, firewood may be collected from IDOC property. Inmates approved for work
assignments collect the firewood under staff supervision as determined by the facility
head or designee. Collected firewood may be shared with neighboring IDOC facilities or
stockpiled for future use.
Firewood can also be collected from other sources such as state of Idaho, federal, or
private land if the firewood is legally obtained and reasonably accessible as part of
vocational work projects and does not cause the IDOC to incur additional staff or
resource expenses.
Donated Firewood
Designated staff and facility VRCs will solicit for firewood donations. Examples of
sources for donated firewood include, but are not lim ited to, mill ends from lumberyards
or construction companies and firewood from individuals, organizations, or businesses.
Al l firewood donations are accepted, unless the firewood is unfit to burn, unsuitable for
use, or contains contraband. The shift comm ander or designee is responsible for
inspecting firewood before it is moved inside the facility perimeter. Inspections may
include a physical search and/or use of drug-detection canines. Donation sources and
complete donations may be rejected if contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or tobacco
is found in the firewood.
Donated firewood must be free of glues, chemical treatment, nails, or any other foreign
objects that pose a safety or security risk. Any firewood received that has glue or other
chemical treatm ent must not be used for ceremonies and must be disposed of or
destroyed.
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Facility heads or designees must designate an area for receiving and storing donated
firewood. At medium custody facilities, the storage area must be outside the perimeter
fence. When firewood is needed, it is moved inside the perimeter under the direct
supervision of IDOC staff.
The facility VRC coordinates the delivery of firewood, and each facility head must
describe the reception processes in a field memorandum to ensure that uns cheduled
donations are not turned away. Donations may be shared with neighboring IDOC
facilities or stockpiled for future use.
Purchased Firewood
Each facility with a sweat lodge must budget a minimum of three hundred dollars per
year to be used to purchas e firewood for the sweat lodge ceremony. However, this
money is only to be used if collected or donated firewood becomes unavailable or is
expected to be unavailable for at least a two-week period. If the purchase of firewood
becomes necessary, it is purchased from local vendors at the current market price.
Firewood Fund Donations
In addition to the three hundred dollars per year, the IDOC will match dollar -for-dollar
money donated to a fund dedicated to the purchase of firewood at each facility with a
sweat lodge. The matching funds will not reduce the annual minimum budgeted amount
of three hundred dollars . The donated money and the IDOC match are not used until the
three hundred dollar annual budget has been spent. Any unspent donated money
continues to accumulate; however, the state of Idaho match must not exceed the market
price of six cords of firewood during a fiscal year.
Contributions to the firewood fund can be made from inmates or from private individuals,
organizations, or agencies if inmates have not used coercion or committed other IDOC
rule violations as described in SOP 318.02.01.001, Disciplinary Procedures: Inmate. The
facility donation match will not exceed six cords of firewood per sweat lodge during the
current fiscal year and only at a rate of one cord of firewood per month.
Only inmates actively participating in the sweat ceremonies can contribute to the fund.
To qualify as an active participant, an inmate must have attended the sweat lodge
ceremony at least 60% of the time during the 90-day period just before the date of the
donation. The facility head or designee can make an exception because o f medical
conditions that limit participation and/or an inmate being new to the facility.
Each facility with a sweat lodge must provide inmates information on how to donate to
the firewood fund. Upon request, the division of prisons will make available to sweat
lodge participants the firewood fund balance and expenditure records (Sweat Lodge
Tracking Log).
15. Religious Activity Completion Certificates
Religious activities, education, and services are not IDOC -approved core or ancillary
programs or treatment. Inmates are not ordered to complete or attend religious activities as
part of their treatment or release plans. To avoid confusing the attendance or completion of
a religious activity with an IDOC core or ancillary program, only a Certificate of Completion:
Faith-based Class can be used for completion or participation in faith-based religious
activities, education, and services.
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16. Religious Activity Review Process
The IDOC may conduct periodic reviews of religious practices and volunteer programs at
IDOC facilities. The division VRC provides the report format and reporting instructions.
When a religious activity review is conducted, the reports are sent to the division VRC. The
division VRC compiles the reports and presents the results to the department leadership.
The facility VRC’s compile m onthly reports and submit them to the division VRC monthly. At
a minimum, the reports must contain the following:
• Summarized Inmate Concern Form tracking data
• Inmate participation numbers
• Religious volunteer tracking information
• Religious activity by faith group
• Special events
• New and unfamiliar religious practice requests
• Donations
• Restrictive housing visits
17. Religious Activity Committees
Religious Activity Oversight Committee (RAOC)
Each facility head must designate a committee to oversee religious activities , consisting
of at least three individuals and must include the facility VRC and a deputy warden or
second-in-command. A lieutenant or higher rank may be used in lieu of a deputy warden
of security or a program manager may be used in lieu of a deputy warden of operations;
however, at least one deputy warden must serve on this committee. The division VRC
may participate in any RAOC meeting at any time.
This committee oversees religious activities at the facility and communicates with the
division’s religious activity review committee (RARC).
CRC managers must designate a similar committee; however, the membership of the
committee may vary but must include the community reentry center VRC and a member
of the CRC’s management team.
RAOC must meet (see section 19) when an inmate request for a new or unfamiliar
request is received. The RAOC is encouraged to meet more frequently to review facility
religious activities , even when there are no requests.
Religious Activity Review Committee (RARC)
The division of prisons chief must designate a division RARC, consisting of at least three
individuals and must include a deputy attorney general (DAG) who represents the IDOC
to serve as legal advisor and the division VRC . A deputy chief or their designees may
attend the RARC meeting. In the event that the request came from a CRC, a deputy
chief or designee from the division responsible for CRCs must be included in the
committee.
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The RARC is responsible for making recommendations (in writing) using a Request for
New or Unfamiliar Religious Component , and submitting it to the division of prisons chief
or designee for the final decision.
18. New or Unfamiliar Religious Components
SOP 320.02.01.002, Property: Religious , identifies personal ceremonial items and group
ceremonial items to accomm odate most religions or faiths .
If an inmate’s religion or faith requires a component that is not approved in this SOP or
320.02.01.002, this section provides a method for the IDOC to consider new or unfamiliar
religious property and/or practices . Inmates can request consideration of a new or unfamiliar
religious property and/or practice by submitting an Inmate Concern Form to the RAOC
through the facility VRC. In order for the IDOC to consider the request, the inmate must
submit the request on an Inmate Concern Form . If there is a request for a new or unfamiliar
religious component to review, the RAOC must convene by the 5th working day of the month
after the request is received and must submit their recommendation to the division VRC by
the 10th working day of the month after the request is received. The RARC will submit their
recommendation to the Chief of Prisons no later than 30 calendar days after receipt of the
RAOC recommendation. The Chief of Prisons will submit the final decision no later than 14
calendar days upon receipt of the RARC recommendation.
RAOC Role
The RAOC’s role is to provide a detailed description of the component and/or practice,
consider whether restricting the practice substantially burdens the inmate’s ability to
practice their faith, determine if there is any compelling governm ent interest to restrict
the practice, and if a compelling government interest exists, identify least restrictive
alternatives to allowing the practice as requested. Each least restrictive alternative must
be given consideration, and if there is a compelling government interest to restrict an
alternative, then the compelling government interest must be explained. Then the RAOC
must consider the next least restrictive alternative and so forth until either a least
restrictive alternative is recommended, or all least restrictive alternatives were
considered, but rejected.
Compelling government interests must be explained in detail. For example:
• Do not state that SOPs do not allow the component or practice .
• Do explain in detail the specific risk to safety, sec urity, or inability to provide
resources necessary to permit the component or practice.
Individuals on the RAOC also serve different roles . The facility VRC’s role is to obtain
details and clarification of the request from the inmate, research the component or
practice to provide a clear understanding of the request, and to determine what , if any,
least restrictive alternatives exist. The facility VRC’s role is to assist the IDOC by
identifying least restrictive options for the religious component or practice. The facility
VRC’s role is not to advocate against the request.
The IDOC staff role is to determine if a compelling government interest exists to restrict
the component or practice and apply that analysis to each alternative until one is
recommended or until the alternatives are exhausted.
Input from the facility level is critical to provide quality information so the division of
prisons chief or designee can make an informed decision.
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RARC Role
The division RARC’s role is to review the RAOC’s recommendation and consider how
the recommendation would affect the division if implemented. The division RARC may
have additional information or a different perspective. For example, something that
seems acceptable for one inmate at a small minimum custody facility might create a
large problem if implemented at all facilities for all inmates.
The division RARC also considers input from a DAG who represents the IDOC .
The division RARC periodically reviews and updates applicable SOPs to implement
decisions made that affect the division as a whole.
The combined viewpoints of the RAOC and division RARC provide the division of
prisons chief or designee with vital information to make a decision and determine if the
decision is isolated to one inmate or is implemented at all facilities.
Request for a New or Unfamiliar Religious Component
When an inmate requests new or unfamiliar religious components or practices, use
these process steps:
Functional Roles and
Responsibilities Step Tasks
Inmate (s) 1 Submit an Inmate Concern Form to the facility VRC.
Facility VRC 2
• Review the request, and if necessary, obtain more
information from the inmate.
• Complete sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Reques t for New or
Unfamiliar Religious Component.
• Forward the Request for New or Unfamiliar Religious
Component and the Inmate Concern Form to the facility
RAOC.
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities Step Tasks
RAOC 3
• Review the submitted Request for New or Unfamiliar
Religious Component and Inmate Concern Form .
Determine if additional research or documentation is
required. If additional research or documentation is
required, return the Request for New or Unfamiliar
Religious Component to the facility VRC with instructions
and timeline for completion.
• If the Request for New or Unfamiliar Religious
Component is completed adequately, consider whether
the component or practice would substantially burden the
inmate’s ability to practice their faith. Determine if there
is any compelling government interest or penological
objective being met by restricting the request (i.e. risk to
safety, security, or good order of the facility may be a
compelling government interest).
• Complete sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the Request for New
or Unfamiliar Religious Component.
• Forward Request for New or Unfamiliar Religious
Component (the Word version) and copy of the Inm ate
Concern Form via email to division of prisons VRC by the
10th working day of the month.
Division of Prisons
VRC 4
• Review the Request for New or Unfamiliar Religious
Component and Inmate Concern Form .
• If the Request for New or Unfamiliar Religious
Component requires additional information, return it to
the facility RAOC chairperson with instructions and a
timeline for completion.
• If the Request for New or Unfamiliar Religious
Component is complete, forward it and a copy of the
Inmate Concern Form to the RARC.
RARC 5
• Review the Request for New or Unfamiliar Religious
Component and Inmate Concern Form and if necessary,
request additional information from the submitting facility
RAOC or other sources. The division RARC may solicit
additional information or input from other facility RAOCs.
• Make a recommendation on the Request for New or
Unfamiliar Religious Component and forward it with a
copy of the Inmate Concern Form to the chief of the
division of prisons or designee no later than 30 calendar
days upon receipt of the RAOC recommendation.
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities Step Tasks
Division of Prisons
Chief or Designee 6
• Review the recom mendation and make a decision.
• Forward the completed Request for New or Unfamiliar
Religious Component to the division RARC or designee
no later than 14 calendar days upon receipt of the RARC
recommendation.
RARC or designee 7
• Forward the completed Request for New or Unfamiliar
Religious Component to the affected facility RAOC.
• Post the completed Request for New or Unfamiliar
Religious Component in an online-centralized location
where all RAOC’s can access the information.
• File the completed Request for New or Unfamiliar
Religious Component that has the original signature.
• If necessary, implement the process steps needed to get
the component added to or addressed in all affected
Idaho Administrative Procedure Act (IDAPA) rules, IDOC
policies , and SOPs .
Facility RAOC
Chairperson
8
• Implement the decision and inform the inmate and the
RAOC.
9
• In those cases involving an individual inmate and the
approval of property or other practice that is not routine,
not approved at other facilities , or will not be added to
the SOP, document the decision in CIS as a ‘special
concern’ c -note entry.
• If warranted, issue a memorandum to the inmate and
other staff as needed.
19. Religious Diets
Inmates must choose from the IDOC diet options to meet the needs of their religion’s dietary
requirements.
20. Religious Literature
Facility VRCs must collect all literature that volunteers bring in and mail sent from
organizations for general distribution to include booklets, books, magazines, posters,
pamphlets, etc. The VRC must submit the materials to the facility head or designee for
approval before the literature is distributed or posted. Literature that poses no problems is
made available to the inmates.
Inmates may donate religious books with the understanding that the donated religious books
become property of the state of Idaho, and the IDOC may dispose of or redistribute the
books to other facilities at its discretion.
Personal mail sent to individual inmates is processed through the mailroom. If the mailroom
staff believes the literature does not comply with SOP 402.02.01.001, Mail Handling in
Correctional Facilities , the literature must be forwarded to the deputy warden or second-in-
command.
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If the facility head or second-in-command determines that any personal religious literature
requested by, sent to, or obtained from an inmate does not meet the requirem ents of
applicable SOPs, the literature must be process ed as a new or unfamiliar religious
component (see section 19).
Unsolicited literature sent to the facility that does not meet applicable SOP standards is
destroyed. Literature brought by religious volunteers that does not meet applicable SOP
standards is returned to the religious volunteer.
Religious books, magazines, or periodicals must comply with this SOP and SOPs
320.02.01.001, Property: State-issued and Inmate Personal Property ; 320.02.01.002,
Property: Religious ; and 402.02.01.001, Mail Handling in Correctional Facilities .
Each facility must outline in a field memorandum any further instruction regarding the
management of religious literature.
21. Religious Observance
The IDOC recognizes that many religions observe certain days or periods as an important
component of the religious practice. If the observance of the religious practice requires
deviation from the standard facility schedule and/or processes and is not already covered in
policy and restricting the religious observance would place a substantial burden on the
inmate’s ability to practice their religion, the IDOC will, to the extent possible, accommodate
the religious observance.
An inmate must submit an Inmate Concern Form , based on the guidelines below . To ensure
there is sufficient time to review, and if approved, coordinate the observance, inmates must
submit the request at least 60 calendar days before the observanc e would take place.
For some religions, food items are an essential part of an observance. If it is determined that
food is required for a ceremony, this must be specified in the Inmate Concern Form . Food
items may only be provided through one of the following ways:
1. Upon approval of the facility head or designee, a Level 2 volunteer as defined in
606.02.01.001,Volunteer Services in Correctional Facilities , may purchase and bring
the food items into the facility. The food items must be purchased from a st ore,
packaged in sealed containers, and donated to the religion or faith group.
2. The RAOC may approve the purchase of food items , by the facility VRC or
designated staff, for a specific religious group from money donated to a special fund
account, based on Section 26, Special Fund Accounts .
3. Upon approval of the facility head or designee, inmates may use food items
purchased from the commissary and brought to a designated worship area.
If a religious beverage is requested and approved as an essential part of the religious
observance, staff will provide a container for the beverage. For example, if tea is required,
containers will be provided to brew the tea.
Note: If the facility head approves the sharing of food as part of the religious observance, the
sharing of the approved food does not constitute bartering. Inmates are still subject to the
disciplinary process if bartering is actually taking place during the religious observance.
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To request participation in a religious observance that deviates from the standard facility
schedule and/or processes and is not already covered in policy, the following steps must be
followed:
Functional Roles and
Responsibilities Step Tasks
Inmate 1
• Submit an Inmate Concern Form to the VRC detailing
the request for religious observance at least 60
c alendar days before the actual observance would
take place.
• Include all of the details required to accommodate the
religious observance including, but not limited to: date
of observance; accommodations, including food items;
whether it’s a group or individual observance, etc.
Facility VRC 2
• Conduct research and discuss the request with the
inmate to determine if denying the request would
substantially burden the inmate’s ability to practice
their religion. Document discussion with inmate.
• Submit the Inmate Concern Form and documentation
to the RAOC for review.
RAOC
3
• If the request was not submitted within the 60-
calendar day requirement, consider whether there is
still a reasonable amount of time before the
observance to process the request. If there is, proceed
to the next step. If there is not enough time to process,
explain this in writing to the inmate and the process
ends here.
• Review the Inmate Concern Form and VRC
documentation. Determine if denying the request
would substantially burden the inmate’s ability to
practice their religion.
• If denying the request would not substantially burden
the inmate’s ability to practice their religion, submit a
recommendation to deny the request to the division
VRC.
• If denying the request would substantially burden the
inmate’s ability to practice their faith, proceed to step
5.
4
• Determine if there is any compelling government
interest or penological objective being met by
restricting the request.
• If denying the request would substantially burden the
inmate’s ability to practice their religion and there is no
compelling government interest or penological
objective being met in restricting the request, the VRC
will facilitate the appropriate accommodations for the
observance and the process ends here.
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities Step Tasks
5
• If there is a compelling government interest in
restricting the request, determine the least restrictive
means for accommodating the request. Document the
approved accommodation and notify the inmate.
• The VRC will facilitate the appropriate
accommodations for the observance and the process
ends here.
Division VRC (if
applicable) 6
• Review the Inmate Concern Form , the VRC’s
documentation, and the RAOC’s recommendation to
deny the request.
• Make a decision and notify the facility RAOC. Save
the decision in an online-centralized location
accessible by all RAOC’s.
22. Religious Activity Center Group Ceremonial Items
The IDOC maintains certain group ceremonial items for religions represented in the inmate
population.
The list of religious activity center group ceremonial items (Appendix D) is provided as a
guide to items m ost groups use. Facilities are not required to provide every item listed and
facilities are not prevented from having additional items needed for the inmate populations if
approved by the facility head or designee and in consultation with the division VRC .
Facilities should try to provide items listed if inmates practicing a religion that use the items
are housed at that facility. Fac ility size and type affect the number of items that should be
provided. For example, a CRC does not have the space or resources to maintain as large
an inventory as a large facility such as the Idaho State Correctional Institution (ISCI). Facility
heads or designees must consult with the division VRC regarding proper inventories based
on the facility’s inmate population and resources.
Approved items that require an open flame, such as candles and incense, may only be used
in the outdoor worship area.
Group ceremonial items must be stored and secured in the religious activity ce nter and used
only during group ceremony in the religious activity center, outdoor worship area, or sweat
lodge area.
23. Budgets
Each facility must establish a budget for religious group ceremonial items . To the extent
possible, facilities must strive to make the distribution of funds equitable, while recognizing
that funding cannot be based solely on a percentage basis. Facility VRCs may communicate
the budgeted amount with each religious group so the practitioners can monitor the use of
consumable items.
24. Donations for Group Ceremonial Items
Donations for group ceremonial items are solicited from represented religious groups in the
community. In addition to donated items, the IDOC may provide limited amounts of
c onsumable religious items (such as herbs, oils , candles, firewood, and incense). Facilities
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are not required to stock all approved items but should communicate with inmate religious
groups to determine those items most frequently used.
Inmates can donate items for group ceremonial use if the items are on the approved list
(Appendix D). Any inmate who donates items to a specific group or activity must have been
an active participant in that group, attending ceremonies, services, or group meetings at
least 60% of the time during the 90-day period just previous to the date of the donation. The
facility head or designee can make an exception to the 60% rule because of medical
conditions that limit participation and/or an inmate being new to the facility. Donations must
be freely given and not coerced or required for participation. Any inmate us ing any form of
coercion or manipulation to obtain a donation is subject to disciplinary action in accordance
with SOP 318.02.01.001, Disciplinary Procedures: Inmate.
Before an item that was approved for group ceremonial use can be converted to general
use, the facility head or designee must make a reasonable effort to contact the person or
group that donated the item and give them an opportunity to take possession of the item
rather than have it converted to general us e.
25. Special Fund Accounts
Religious special fund accounts may be set up to accept monetary donations to a specific
faith. Donated money will not be used for personal ceremonial or personal religious items.
Donated items may be used to purchase religious group ceremonial items and/or food for a
group religious observance, if approved in accordance with section and Section 22,
Religious Observance.
Donations to a specific religious special fund account may be made by inmates or from
individuals, organizations, or agencies from the community as long as an inmate has not
used coercion or committed other IDOC rule violations ) to obtain the donation. Any inmate
using any form of coercion or manipulation to obtain a donation is subject to disciplinary
action in accordance with SOP 318.02.01.001, Disciplinary Procedures: Inmate.
The amount of money inmates can donate to a specific religious special fund account may
not exceed $100 per fiscal year, per inmate. To donate money, an inmate must have
attended the faith’s ceremonies at least 60% of the time during the 90-day period just before
the date of the donation. If the inmate is a recent transfer from another facility, this
attendance requirement must be verified w ith the previous facility. To donate, an inmate
c ompletes an Inmate Personal Funds Withdrawal Slip made out to the specific fund account
(for example, ‘ISCI Odinist religious special fund account’) and submits it to the facility VRC.
The VRC will verify that the inmate meets the attendance qualification and r eturn the
withdrawal slip if the inmate does not meet the attendance qualification. If the inmate meets
the qualification, the VRC will complete Religious Special Fund Account Donation and
Expenditure Log, log the amount of money donated and forward the withdrawal slip to the
central office fiscal unit. At contract facilities, the VRC will return withdrawal slips to be
processed in accordance with the contractor’s fiscal procedures.
Inmates from the group may inquire about their religious special fund account balance and
items purchased. Inmates are not provided any information regarding who donated money
or donation amounts .
To request expenditure from a religious special fund account for a group ceremonial item ,
use the following steps.
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Functional Roles and
Responsibilities Step Tasks
Inmate (s) 1
Submit an Inmate Concern Form to the facility VRC
requesting a purchase from a specific religion’s special
fund account.
Facility VRC
2
• Discuss the request with the religion’s inmate
attendees.
• If no consensus is reached, the process ends here.
3
• Ensure the item is authorized.
• If an item is not authorized, complete the new and
unfamiliar religious component process in section 19. If
the division chief approves the component, the
authorization for the expenditure resumes in step 3 of
this section.
• If the item is authorized, forward the Inmate Concern
Form to the RAOC chairperson.
RAOC Chairperson 4
• Review the request with the RAOC.
• Ask for additional information or offer suggestions to the
inmates .
• Approve or deny the request based on the needs of the
faith group.
Facility VRC or
Designee 5
• If approved – ask the central office fiscal unit to issue
a check to the vendor; or if a facility staff member or
designee is making the purchase, use the facility
purchase-order process.
• If disapproved – notify the religious group of the
decision. The process ends here.
Facility VRC or
Designee 6
• Purchase the group ceremonial items .
• Bring the items and receipts for the items to the facility
VRC for verification and rec ordkeeping.
Facility VRC 7
Log the expenditures and attach the receipts using the
Religious Special Fund Account Donation and Expenditure
Log.
26. General Use Religious Activity Donations
The IDOC accepts donations for all religious activities. All parties (to include inmates) who
donate, with the exception of those who donate anonymously, must adhere to the
parameters outlined in this section, and complete Appendix E, Religious Activity Item
Donations
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Any inmate using any form of coercion or manipulation to obtain a donation is
subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Disciplinary Procedures: Inmate,
SOP 318.02.01.001.
Donated items, including but not limited to, religious books/literature, become property of
the state of Idaho. The IDOC will redis tribute items to other facilities or dispose of the
items at its discretion.
The IDOC recognizes that certain items carry a special significance to a specific faith.
For example, a Native American ceremonial pipe would be significant to those practicing
the Native American faith. The person or group donating such an item can request that
the item only be used by a specific group. The facility head or designee decides whether
the item is restricted for use by a specific group. The facility head or designee must
inform the person or group donating the item whether it is a restricted use item or a
general use item. The person or group donating the item has the right to withdraw the
donation following the facility head’s or designee’s decision.
Money
Monetary donations can only be accepted if there is a specific religious special fund
account set up for that purpose. When a monetary donation is accepted, the donation
must be recorded using Religious Special Fund Account Donation and Expenditure Log.
DEFINITIONS
Direct supervision: a staff member, VRC, or religious volunteer must be physically present
in the same room or area in the same area as the inmates being supervised. The staff
member, VRC, or religious volunteer must not be separated from the inmates by glass, wall,
or partition. If the staff member, VRC, or religious volunteer leaves that area, he is no longer
in direct supervision of the inmates, even if he is in the same building. Direct supervision
cannot be conducted from a tower or video technology.
Indirect Supervision: Visual supervision of inmates , volunteers, contractors, etc. by
observation through windows, line of sight, or the use of video technology.
Religious Activities Oversight Committee (RAOC): A committee that oversees religious
activities in a correctional facility, including community reentry centers (CRCs).
Religious Activity: Participation in a religious service or individual form of worship.
Religious Activity Center: Any outside or inside area (multi-purpose area, c lassroom, etc.)
designated for religious activities .
Volunteer and Religious Activity Coordinator (VRC): An Idaho Department of Correction
(IDOC) staff member(s) or contractor(s) who (a) coordinates, recruits, and manages
volunteers and volunteer activities; and (b) coordinates and supervises religious activities for
the IDOC.
REFERENCES
Appendix B, Religious Activity Foreign Language Approval Log
Appendix D, Religious Activity Center Ceremonial Items
Appendix E, Religious Activity Item Donations
Certificate of Completion: Faith-based Class
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Request for New or Unfamiliar Religious Component
Religious Special Fund Account Donation & Expenditure Log
Sweat Lodge Firewood & Rock Tracking Log
VRC Manual
Standard Operating Procedure 311.02.01.001, Marriage Procedures for Inmates
Standard Operating Procedure 318.02.01.001, Disciplinary Procedures: Inmate
Standard Operating Procedure 320.02.01.001, Property: State-issued and Inmate Personal
Property
Standard Operating Procedure 320.02.01.002, Property: Religious
Standard Operating Procedure 402.02.01.001, Mail Handling in Correctional Facilities
Standard Operating Procedure 605.02.01.001, Furlough Program for Inmates
Standard Operating Procedure 606.02.01.001, Volunteer Services in Correctional Facilities
–End of Document –
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Religious Activity Foreign Language Approval Log
Appendix B
403.02.01.001
(Appendix last updated 06/01/15)
Facility:
Activity Schedule * Language Description Facility Head’s (or Designee’s)
Signature and Date
* = Subject to change.
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Religious Activity Center Group Ceremonial Items
Appendix D Page 1 of 3
403.02.01.001
(Appendix last updated (08/22/18)
Item Specifications
Maximum Size M aterial Other Quantity
Altar Box 66 quarts
Plastic or
cardboard;
wood if
requested
For storage 1
Altar cloth 22” x 22” Red, White, or
Black 3
Antlers 24” in length Deer Antlers Sweat lodge area
only 1
Athame 6” in length
Cardstock
paper,
cardboard, or
rubber only
Can be laminated 1
Bandanas Red, white, yellow,
and black 1 of each color
Bell 3” tall Brass 1
Book of shadows Paper; leather
cover okay No spiral binding 1
Besom 6” tall 1
Brick Dust ½ lb. per year
Buffalo skull Sweat lodge area
only 1
Candles Unscented 7
Candle holders 2” high 7
Caldron 3” diameter Natural
materials 1
Ceremonial bowls 2” diameter x 1”
deep
W ood, stone,
terra cotta 5
Ceremonial pipe
and storage box 30” in length Natural
materials 2
Chalice 6” tall 1
Chicken Bones 3 ½ length x 1”
wide Use for divination 5
Cornmeal ½ lb./service
Coffin Nails Sheet paper or
cardboard only No more than 3
Cowrie Shell 3” long Not to exceed
18
Cowrie Shell Rattle
Deity figurines 11” tall Terra cotta,
plastic, resin
No metal, stone, or
other heavy
material
2
Dirt/Sand 2 oz./service
Drinking Horn 24” long x 6”
diameter 1
Drum: hand 18” in diameter Sweat lodge are
only 1
Drum: kettle 24” in diameter 1
IDAHO DEPARTM ENT OF CORRECTION
Religious Activity Center Group Ceremonial Items
Appendix D Page 2 of 3
403.02.01.001
(Appendix last updated 01/29/1)
Item Specifications
Maximum Size M aterial Other Quantity
Drum: water 12” to 18” in
diameter Sweat lodge are
only 1
Eggshell Dust 1 oz.
Elemental pebbles ¾” x ½” x ½” no precious
stones
accompanying
pouch/container 13
Fan 12” to 16”
spread No eagle feathers 1
Feathers Must meet standards in SOP 320.02.01.002, Property: Religious
Herbs Must meet standards in SOP 320.02.01.002, Property: Religious
Incense
Approved
selection, no
fragrances that
are similar to
drug odors such
as marijuana
Incense
burner/holder 3” high natural
materials 1
Mortar and pestle 2.5“ high x 2”
diameter
natural
materials 1
Moot Horn 24” long x 6”
diameter 1
Musical
Instruments
Guitars, keyboards, drums etc. Optional based on facility design, custody,
and storage.
Oils Must meet standards in SOP 320.02.01.002, Property: Religious
Oil diffuser ring 6” in diameter natural
materials
use on a light
bulb 1
Oil diffuser
(Electric) use with
essential oils 1
Oath ring 12” diameter Wood 1
Pentacle 3” diameter Coaster style 1
Pendulum 12” in diameter retail or made by
practitioners 1
Rattles 6” in length
gourd, tortoise
shell, or
rawhide
Ribbon/Yarn/String 36” long; 1/8”
diameter
Not allowed in
close custody or
for administrative
segregation
inmates
1
Religious Cards
(including Tarot
cards) with original
container
Cards may not
be larger than
4” x 8”
Paper, No
Lamination
Tarot decks may
have minimal
nudity; no
graphic nudity
permitted
1 set
Runes Natural
Materials
storage/container
or pouch One set
IDAHO DEPARTM ENT OF CORRECTION
Religious Activity Center Group Ceremonial Items
Appendix D Page 3 of 3
403.02.01.001
(Appendix last updated 01/29/1)
Item Specifications
Maximum Size M aterial Other Quantity
Scourge Handle 12” long;
ropes 12” long
Ropes made of
cloth or paper
retail or made by
practitioners 1
Sea salt/Kosher
Salt/Black Salt Up to 3 ounces
Shell: abalone 6” to 8” 2
Tea strainer Cloth 1
Thor’s Hammer 12” in length No metal With bag/case 1
Wand/Gand 16” in length W ood Dull ends 1
Ceremonial items will not be plastic or similar processed ma terials.
*Size is not to exceed the maximum in the first column, but the item can be smaller.
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Religious Activity Item Donations
Appendix E
403.02.01.001
(Appendix last updated 02/27/16)
Facility: Donated Item : Date:
Donated by:
Contact Information
Name:
Address:
Telephone number:
All donated items become the property of the state of Idaho. Most items are general us e, which
means the items are made available for use by all faiths. The IDOC disposes of the item or
redistributes the items to other facilities at its discretion. Certain items that hold a spiritual
significance to a specific faith may be restricted for use by members of that faith. The facility
head or designee determines whether an item is restricted or general use.
I understand that the donated item(s) bec ome property of the s tate of Idaho.
I wish to donate the item for:
General Use
Restricted Use (used only by a members of a specific faith)
If the item is donated for restricted use, what faith would be using the item:
Please explain the spiritual significance of the item to the faith and why it should be limited
for use by that specific faith:
Staff Use Only
Volunteer and Religion Coordinator (VRC)
The donation should be: Accepted Not Accepted
The donation should be: General Use Restricted Use
Comments:
Facility Head
Ap proved
Not approved
General Use
Restricted Use
Facility Head or Designee Signature Date
Distribution: File completed declaration in the facility VRC’s office.