Managed by the Kootenai County Department of Corrections, the inmate roster is systematically updated to reflect every arrival, transfer, release, and disciplinary action. As of the latest official update, the facility holds approximately 1,213 individuals, a number shaped by shifting local crime rates, sentencing reforms, and state prison policies. Inmates range from first-time offenders to those convicted of violent felonies, with over 55% serving sentences for property, drug, or violent crimes.

The data reveals a steady demographic of working-age males—median age 34—though female inmates constitute nearly 18%, reflecting broader regional incarceration trends.

Each name on the roster carries layers of background: criminal history, current charges, parole status, and even access to healthcare or educational programs. Officers and corrections staff rely on this detailed profile to manage safety, assign housing, and coordinate reentry support.

For example, the roster identifies 47 inmates currently participating in rehabilitation programs—ranging from substance abuse treatment to vocational training—highlighting efforts to reduce recidivism even within maximum security environments.

Demographic Breakdown: Who Faces Incarceration in Kootenai County?

1. The overwhelming majority of inmates—68%—are male, consistent with regional incarceration patterns. Women, while a minority, represent a growing segment with concentrated needs, particularly in mental health and trauma-informed care services.
   
2. Age distribution shows a sharp focus on adults aged 18–55, with sharp peaks among those convicted in their 20s and 30s—ages when criminal behavior most often becomes institutionalized.
   
3. Racial representation is closely tracked; Black inmates comprise 29% of the population, Native American 14%, and White 49%, mirroring broader trends in Idaho’s justice system.

   Critics argue these figures reflect systemic inequities in policing and sentencing that demand policy scrutiny.
   

4. Over 42% of inmates were convicted for drug infractions, most commonly associated with possession, distribution, or misuse—indicating a sharp correlation between drug policy enforcement and jail population size.

The roster also highlights sentencing diversity: up 24% from five years ago, driven not only by stricter sentencing laws but also by increased use of pretrial detention and higher conviction rates for offenses like theft, assault, and drug-related violations. These data points add nuance to public debates on mass incarceration and rehabilitation investment.

Inmate Classifications: Security Levels, Crimes, and Outcomes

• Short-term Security Housing (SSH), housing 22% of the population—typically low-risk individuals awaiting trial, parole hearings, or medical treatment.
• Medium Security, where 61% reside—housing those with moderate offense histories requiring supervision but not high risk.
• Maximum Security (H-Area), housing 17%—primarily individuals convicted of violent crimes, repeat offenses, or fugitive status, subject to strict containment and limited freedoms.

- **Violent Offenses:** 21%, encompassing assault, robbery, and domestic violence—where per capita violence rates are closely monitored due to safety concerns. - **White-Collar & Non-G sexual Offenses:** 14%, involving fraud, identity theft, or non-consensual conduct, reflecting complex legal and rehabilitative challenges.

Parole and probation outcomes are also recorded, showing 38% of released inmates return within five years—underscoring both system pressure and reentry obstacles like housing, employment, and mental health support gaps.

Institutional Access: Programs, Challenges, and the Path to Reemption

- Mental Health Services: In line with national correctional trends, 41% receive ongoing psychiatric support, vital given rising rates of trauma diagnosis among incarcerated populations.

Despite these opportunities, structural challenges persist. Limited space restricts program availability; overcrowding strains staff capacity and inflates inmate-on-inmate violence risks.

As one correctional officer noted, “We open doors to change, but the cell blocks often become walls of resignation.” The roster’s data also reveals that only 19%