Idaho Prepares to Make Firing Squad Primary Execution Method

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho Department of Corrections has laid out its plans to implement a new law governing executions in Idaho.

The Idaho legislature passed, and Governor Little signed into law, new legislation that changes the primary form of execution in Idaho to the firing squad. A 36-page document obtained by Idahonews.com outlines the standard operating procedures for the implementation and use of the firing squad.

The policy states that executions in Idaho may be carried out by either lethal injection or firing squad, in accordance with state law. The department says the procedures are intended to ensure executions are conducted in compliance with the U.S. and Idaho constitutions and applicable state statutes.

Under the updated procedures, the firing squad team will consist of volunteer members who have extensive firearms training and experience. To qualify, volunteers must hold Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification for at least three years and demonstrate 100% shooting accuracy during proficiency testing conducted under conditions similar to those in the execution chamber.

The document also establishes detailed selection criteria for medical team members responsible for administering lethal injections. Medical personnel must have at least three years of relevant experience and demonstrate proficiency in intravenous access and medication administration. This comes after the botched execution of Thomas Creech. The medical team was unable to establish an IV line on Creech after multiple attempts.

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Correction officials emphasized that participation on execution teams is voluntary. Staff members may withdraw from participation at any time, and the identities of firing squad members, medical personnel, and others involved in the execution process will remain confidential under Idaho rules.

The procedures require regular training and rehearsals for execution teams. Team members must complete at least four training sessions annually and additional rehearsals after a death warrant is issued. In the 48 hours before a scheduled execution, the team must participate in multiple training sessions and rehearsals.

The policy also outlines procedures for witness access, media accommodations, security operations, and contingency planning in the event of legal challenges or execution delays. Officials say the procedures are designed to balance public access to information with the privacy rights of victims’ families and the condemned person.

Idaho lawmakers approved firing squad executions earlier this year, making Idaho one of a small number of states that authorize the method. The Department of Corrections’ updated procedures establish how the state would carry out that method if it is certified as the available means of execution.