Warden named for Pocatello women’s prison

A new warden has been named for the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center.

The Idaho Department of Correction said Jeff Kirkman has taken the job. Kirkman, who has degrees with Brigham Young University-Idaho and Boise State University, has been with the department for 13 years. He has been an instructor at Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy in Meridian and is a graduate of Idaho’s certified public manager program.

“Jeff has done a great job in his 13 years with IDOC and demonstrated a unique ability to develop and strengthen relationships with external stakeholders, policymakers and the department’s staff,” said IDOC Prisons Division Chief Jeff Zmuda in a news release.

PWCC 289-bed prison that incarcerates women who are classified in all custody levels and serves as the entry point for women who are entering Idaho’s correctional system.

The former warden, Nancy Espeseth, was relieved of her job after being charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence during a routine traffic stop.