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Iowa State Prisons

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Henry Dahut, J.D.
Henry Dahut, J.D.
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Henry Dahut is a licensed California trial attorney. Over the course of his 30-plus years practicing law, Henry has represented and counseled countless clients in legal trouble.
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Robert Thomas is a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University, where his doctoral research focuses on mass incarceration, restorative justice and prison reform. His expertise includes critical legal studies and the political history of the United States prison system.
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Iowa State Prison System Overview

This summary provides an overview of the Iowa State Prison System, covering essential aspects from inmate management to rehabilitative efforts and the challenges faced by the prison system.

The IDOC headquarters is located in Des Moines, where centralized management and administrative functions are handled.

Each facility is overseen by a warden, who reports to the IDOC Director.

Iowa Prisons and Management Structure

The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) manages the state prison system. As of the latest available data in 2024, Iowa has nine state prisons:

Anamosa State Penitentiary
Clarinda Correctional Facility
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
Iowa Correctional Institution for Women
Iowa Medical and Classification Center
Iowa State Penitentiary
North Central Correctional Facility
Newton Correctional Facility
Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility

Iowa’s Incarceration Rate

According to the latest data, Iowa’s incarceration rate stands at approximately 629 per 100,000 residents. This places Iowa in the middle range compared to other states in the U.S.

Classification of Prison Security Levels

Iowa prisons are classified into different security levels:
Minimum Security: Facilities like the North Central Correctional Facility.
Medium Security: Facilities such as Fort Dodge Correctional Facility.
Maximum Security: Facilities including the Iowa State Penitentiary.

Locating a Prisoner

You can use the Iowa Department of Corrections Offender Search Tool on their official website to locate an inmate within the Iowa prison system. This tool allows you to search by name, offender number, or other identifiers.

Family Visitation Rules

Family visitation in Iowa state prisons is governed by specific rules to ensure security and smooth operations:

Visits typically need to be scheduled in advance.
Visitors may need to pass a background check.
You’ll need to identify yourself correctly.
There are restrictions on items visitors can bring.
Dress codes must be adhered to.
Visitation schedules vary by facility and can be found on the IDOC’s visitation information page.

Parole and Factors Considered for Early Release

The Iowa Board of Parole determines parole in Iowa.

Critical factors considered include:

The nature and severity of the original offense.
Inmate’s behavior and rehabilitation progress.
Risk assessments indicate the likelihood of reoffending.
Input from victims and community members.

Educational, Vocational, and Rehabilitative Programs

Educational Programs Include:

Adult Basic Education (ABE)
General Educational Development (GED)
Post-secondary education opportunities

Vocational Training Include:

Carpentry
Welding
Automotive Repair

Rehabilitative Programs Include:

Rehabilitative programs are designed to address behavioral and mental health needs, as well as substance abuse issues.

Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Mental Health Services
Anger Management Programs
Sex Offender Treatment Programs
Reentry Planning and Support Programs

Pros and Cons of the Iowa Prison System

PROS

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs: Iowa offers various programs to reduce recidivism.
Parole System: The structured parole process allows prisoners to reintegrate into society under supervision.
Educational Opportunities: Access to education helps inmates gain skills for post-release employment.

CONS

Overcrowding: Like many states, Iowa faces challenges with prison overcrowding.
Resource Constraints: Limited funding can impact the quality and availability of programs.
Reentry Support: Despite programs, some inmates struggle with reentry due to insufficient post-release support.

IOWA STATE PRISON SYSTEM NEWS (KCAU-TV Sioux City)

Iowa Prisons Under Review For Safety And Security Violations After Three Prison Staff Were Murdered By Inmates:

Sources

Iowa Department of Corrections website.

Prison Policy Initiative

Prison Visitor Rules

Inmate Parole Information

IOWA STATE PRISONS:

Anamosa State Penitentiary

Anamosa State Penitentiary
406 North High Street
Anamosa, IA 52205

Telephone: (319)-462-3504

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Anamosa State Penitentiary
PO Box 10
Anamosa, IA 52205

Clarinda Correctional Facility

Clarinda Correctional Facility
2000 N. 16th Street
Clarinda, IA 51632

Telephone: (712)-542-5634/5635

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Clarinda Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 1338
Clarinda, IA 51632

Fort Dodge Correctional Facility

Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
1550 L Street
Fort Dodge, IA 50501-5767

Telephone: (515)-574-4700

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
1550 L Street
Fort Dodge, IA 50501-5767

Iowa Correctional Institution for Women

Iowa Correctional Institution for Women
420 Mill Street SW
Mitchellville, IA 50169

Telephone: (515)-725-5042

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Iowa Correctional Institution for Women
420 Mill Street SW
Mitchellville, IA 50169

Iowa Medical and Classification Center

Iowa Medical and Classification Center
2700 Coral Ridge Ave.
Coralville, IA 52241

Telephone: (319)-626-2391

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Iowa Medical and Classification Center
2700 Coral Ridge Ave
Coralville, IA 52241

Iowa State Penitentiary

Iowa State Penitentiary
3 John Bennett Drive
Fort Madison, IA 52627

Telephone: (319)-372-5432

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Iowa State Penitentiary
P.O. Box 316
Fort Madison, IA 52627

Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility

Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility
1200 East Washington
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641

Telephone: (319)-385-9511

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility
1200 East Washington
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641

Newton Correctional Facility

Newton Correctional Facility
307 S. 60th Avenue W.
Newton, IA 50208

Telephone: (641)-792-7552

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Newton Correctional Facility
P. O. Box 218
Newton, IA 50208

North Central Correctional Facility

North Central Correctional Facility
313 Lanedale
Rockwell City, IA 50579

Telephone: (712)-297-7521

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
North Central Correctional Facility
313 Lanedale
Rockwell City, IA 50579

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