The Anamosa State Penitentiary (ASP) is a maximum/medium security institution located in Iowa that houses approximately 910 offenders. The facility provides a range of programs that offer opportunities for inmates to acquire academic and vocational skills. Offenders may pursue educational opportunities through a contract with Kirkwood Community College, which includes adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training.
ASP is one of several facilities operated by Iowa’s Department of Corrections. Other facilities include the Clarinda Correctional Facility, the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women, the Iowa Medical and Classification Center, the Iowa State Penitentiary, the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility, and the Newton Correctional Facility. The department’s mission is to enhance public safety by operating safe and secure correctional facilities that provide opportunities for offenders to successfully reintegrate into society.
Visiting an offender at ASP requires completing a visitor application that must be printed, signed, and mailed. Electronic applications are not accepted. If you have questions related to the paper Visitor Application, please refer to the Visiting Policy on the Policy page, or call Centralized Visiting at 319-385-9511. Victims of incarcerated offenders may also have specific visitation guidelines and restrictions.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 911 |
| Physical Address | 406 North High Street Anamosa, IA 52205 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 96777 Las Vegas, NV 89193 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 319-462-3504 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Historical Background
Anamosa State Penitentiary, previously known as Iowa State Penitentiary, is a medium-to-maximum security prison located in Anamosa, Iowa. The facility was established in 1872 and was originally named the Iowa Men’s Reformatory. The first inmates arrived in 1875, and by 1885, the prison’s population had grown to 281.
In 1884, the institution’s name was changed to the Iowa State Penitentiary at Anamosa. By the 1890s, the prison’s construction was considered half-finished, and Anamosa was accepting all of the state’s female and insane prisoners, in addition to all male felons convicted in the northern half of Iowa. The prison has undergone several renovations and expansions since its establishment, with the most recent being the construction of a new cell house in 2010.
In 1997, the facility’s name was changed to Anamosa State Penitentiary to more accurately reflect its role in Iowa Corrections. Today, the prison is a Security Designation 5 (medium/maximum security) institution for adult males with a design capacity of 911. The facility is operated by the Iowa Department of Corrections, which oversees the state’s correctional system.
Over the years, Anamosa State Penitentiary has been home to several notorious inmates, including John Wayne Gacy and Charles Starkweather. The prison has also been the site of several notable incidents, including a 2015 escape attempt by two inmates that resulted in the death of a correctional officer.
Despite its history, Anamosa State Penitentiary remains an essential component of Iowa’s correctional system, providing a secure and controlled environment for inmates while also offering various educational and vocational programs to help prepare them for life after incarceration.
Security Measures
Anamosa State Penitentiary is a maximum-security facility that houses dangerous prisoners. As such, security measures are of the utmost importance to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and visitors.
The facility is staffed by trained correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and enforcing rules and regulations. These officers are equipped with various tools and equipment to help them carry out their duties, including radios, handcuffs, and pepper spray.
In addition to the presence of correctional officers, the facility is also equipped with various security features designed to prevent escapes and unauthorized access. These features include:
- Perimeter fencing: The facility is surrounded by a double fence, topped with razor wire, that is designed to prevent inmates from escaping.
- Electronic surveillance: The facility is equipped with a network of cameras and other electronic surveillance equipment that allows correctional officers to monitor inmate activity throughout the facility.
- Controlled movement: Inmates are only allowed to move within the facility under controlled conditions, and their movements are closely monitored by correctional officers.
- Restricted access: Access to the facility is restricted to authorized personnel only, and visitors must go through a rigorous screening process before they are allowed to enter.
ASP is also divided into various housing units, with inmates being classified according to their security level. Medium security and maximum security inmates are housed separately, with maximum security inmates being housed in a separate unit that is designed to provide additional security measures.
Overall, the security measures in place at ASP are designed to ensure the safety of all those within the facility and to prevent dangerous prisoners from escaping or causing harm.
Inmate Population
The inmates at Anamosa State Penitentiary are classified based on their security level, which determines their living conditions, privileges, and level of supervision. The prison has three security levels: maximum, medium, and minimum. The majority of inmates at Anamosa State Penitentiary are classified as maximum security, which means they are considered the most dangerous and require the highest level of supervision.
The prison population at Anamosa State Penitentiary includes a mix of offenders, including those convicted of violent crimes, drug offenses, and property crimes. The prison also houses a number of sex offenders, who are required to participate in specialized treatment programs to address their offending behavior.
Life in prison can be challenging for inmates, who are required to follow strict rules and regulations. Inmates at Anamosa State Penitentiary are provided with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, but they are also required to work or participate in educational programs. Inmates are also allowed to participate in recreational activities and visit with approved visitors.
Inmates at Anamosa State Penitentiary may be eligible for parole, which allows them to be released from prison before their full sentence is served. However, parole is not guaranteed and is only granted after a thorough review of the inmate’s behavior and progress while in prison.
Visiting hours:
- Video Visiting: Monday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- In-Person Visiting: Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Educational Opportunities
Anamosa State Penitentiary offers various educational opportunities to its inmates. These programs aim to help inmates develop new skills and knowledge that can be used to secure employment upon release and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Through a contract with Kirkwood Community College, inmates at ASP can pursue educational opportunities that include adult literacy, earning their GED, or taking classes leading to an Associate of Arts degree. The college courses are taught by qualified instructors, and inmates can earn college credits that can be transferred to other institutions upon their release.
In addition to college courses, ASP also offers vocational training programs in areas such as welding, automotive repair, and horticulture. These programs provide inmates with practical skills that can be used to secure employment upon their release.
To participate in educational programs at ASP, inmates must meet certain eligibility requirements and maintain good behavior. Inmates who successfully complete educational programs may receive certificates of completion, which can be included in their resumes to demonstrate their commitment to self-improvement.
Overall, the educational opportunities at ASP provide inmates with the tools they need to succeed upon their release. By developing new skills and knowledge, inmates can increase their chances of securing employment and leading successful, productive lives outside of prison.
Work Opportunities
Anamosa State Penitentiary offers various work opportunities to inmates. The facility has partnered with Iowa Prison Industries (IPI) to provide vocational training courses and internal work assignments to inmates. IPI is a self-sufficient entity that operates within the Iowa Department of Corrections and provides work opportunities to inmates in various industries.
Inmates can work in metal furniture, cleaning products, custom wood, and woodworking industries. They can learn various skills, including welding, upholstery, and carpentry. These skills can help them secure employment after release and contribute to their successful reentry into society.
Inmates who participate in the work programs can earn wages ranging from $0.27 to $2.00 per hour, depending on their skill level and job assignment. The wages earned by the inmates are deposited into their accounts and can be used to purchase items from the commissary or sent to their families.
Overall, the work opportunities provided by Anamosa State Penitentiary and IPI can help inmates gain valuable skills and work experience, which can increase their chances of finding employment upon release.
Legal and Ethical Issues
Anamosa State Penitentiary has faced legal and ethical issues in the past. One of the most significant issues is related to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The PREA audit report for the facility found that there were several instances of sexual misconduct and non-compliance with the standards set by the Act. The report highlights the need for the facility to improve its standards and ensure that all staff members are trained to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.
The facility has also faced financial difficulties, which have led to staffing reductions. The Annual Report of the Anamosa State Penitentiary for FY2018 notes that the facility had to reduce staffing to meet its financial obligations. This reduction in staffing has raised concerns about the safety of both the staff and the inmates.
Anamosa State Penitentiary has also faced ethical issues related to the treatment of inmates. The facility has been reprimanded and fined for violating patient privacy laws. The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board fined the facility for violating Iowa Code section 68A.504(1) by using state resources to influence the outcome of an election. The facility has also been sued for violating the constitutional rights of inmates.
Another legal issue that has been a topic of debate is abortion rights. Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in the United States, has been overturned in several states. Iowa has not banned abortion, but there have been efforts to restrict access to the procedure. It is unclear how this will impact the inmates at Anamosa State Penitentiary, but it is an issue that will need to be addressed in the future.
Overall, Anamosa State Penitentiary has faced several legal and ethical issues that have raised concerns about the safety and treatment of its inmates. The facility will need to take steps to address these issues and ensure that it is providing a safe and ethical environment for all those who are incarcerated there.