Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is a medium security prison located in southern Fort Dodge, Iowa. The facility was originally designed to house 762 adult male offenders in a double occupancy celled environment. Construction began in October 1996, and the facility opened in April 1998.
As of 2023, the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is one of the nine facilities run by the Iowa Department of Corrections. It is responsible for housing adult male offenders who have been convicted of crimes in the state of Iowa. The facility is situated on 60 acres of land and is surrounded by a perimeter fence, which is monitored by security personnel at all times.
The Fort Dodge Correctional Facility has undergone several personnel and security changes in recent years. In February 2023, the Iowa Department of Corrections announced that current Anamosa State Penitentiary Warden Kris Karberg would be transferring to the warden position at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. These changes were made in an effort to improve the safety and security of the facility, as well as to ensure that all inmates are treated fairly and humanely.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,162 |
| Physical Address | 1550 L Street Fort Dodge, IA 50501 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 96777 Las Vegas, NV 89193 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:50 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Mumber | 515-574-4700 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility (FDCF) is a state-run prison located in southern Fort Dodge, Iowa. The facility was designed to house 762 adult male offenders in a double occupancy celled environment. Construction of the facility began in October 1996, and it opened in April 1998. Currently, the FDCF is a medium-security prison that houses 1,162 offenders.
The FDCF is operated by the Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC), which is responsible for the management of all state-run prisons in Iowa. The IDOC is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and offenders, while also promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates.
The FDCF provides a range of services to its inmates, including domestic abuse and substance abuse treatment classes, cognitive behavioral therapy, educational opportunities, apprentice programs, and volunteer work. These programs are designed to help offenders develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
The FDCF has a staff of approximately 300 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel. The facility is equipped with a range of security features, including perimeter fencing, electronic surveillance systems, and secure housing units.
Overall, the FDCF plays an important role in the Iowa Department of Corrections’ efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and offenders, while also promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates.
Location and Contact Information
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in Webster County, Iowa. The facility is situated in the southwest corner of Fort Dodge and has an address of 1550 L Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The prison is easily accessible by car and is located near several major highways.
Visitors to the facility should be aware that there are strict rules and regulations in place for visiting hours. The Iowa Department of Corrections utilizes a reservation system called Amelio to schedule and reserve in-person and video visits. Visitors are encouraged to check the facility’s website for the current visiting schedule and to make reservations in advance.
For those who need to contact the facility directly, the phone number for Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is (515) 574-4700. The facility is one of several operated by the Iowa Department of Corrections, and there are contact numbers available for each institution on the Department’s website. Visitors and family members of inmates are encouraged to contact the facility directly with any questions or concerns they may have.
Overall, Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is located in a convenient location for visitors and is easily accessible by car. Visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance and to check the facility’s website for the most up-to-date visiting schedule. For those who need to contact the facility directly, the phone number is (515) 574-4700.
Inmate Population and Security Levels
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison designed to house adult male offenders in a double-occupancy cell environment. As of July 2023, the facility has a capacity of 1,162 beds, with a current population of 1,170 inmates.
The Iowa Department of Corrections classifies inmates based on their security level and custody classification. Inmates are categorized into one of five custody levels: minimum, medium, close, maximum, and specialized. The custody level determines the type of facility an inmate is assigned to and the level of supervision they require.
FDCF houses medium-custody inmates, which means they require moderate supervision but are not considered high-risk. Medium-custody inmates are allowed more freedom and privileges than high-security inmates but are still subject to strict rules and regulations.
The IDOC ensures that inmates are assigned to facilities that match their security level to maintain the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Inmates who pose a higher risk are assigned to maximum-security prisons, while those who pose a lower risk are assigned to minimum-security facilities.
FDCF has a security level of medium, which means it has a higher level of security than minimum-security prisons but is not as restrictive as maximum-security prisons. The facility has a range of security measures in place to maintain order and safety, including perimeter fencing, security cameras, and staff training.
In conclusion, Fort Dodge Correctional Facility houses medium-custody inmates and has a security level of medium. The IDOC assigns inmates to facilities based on their security level and custody classification to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff. FDCF has a range of security measures in place to maintain order and safety.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Fort Dodge Correctional Facility offers a range of inmate services and programs to help offenders improve their skills, education, and employment prospects. These programs are designed to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates back into society.
Education Programs
The FDCF offers a range of education programs to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and other academic skills. The facility provides access to HiSET testing, which is a high school equivalency exam. Inmates who pass the exam can obtain a high school equivalency diploma, which can improve their chances of finding employment after release.
Vocational Training Programs
The FDCF offers vocational training programs to help inmates gain skills and certifications in various trades. These programs include welding, culinary arts, painting, plumbing, and housekeeping. Inmates who complete these programs can obtain certifications that can help them find employment after release.
Iowa Prison Industries
The Iowa Prison Industries (IPI) program is a self-funded entity that provides inmates with work opportunities and job skills training. The program offers various manufacturing, service, and agricultural jobs that allow inmates to earn wages, learn new skills, and gain work experience. The wages earned by inmates can be used to pay for restitution, fines, and other court-ordered obligations.
Treatment Programs
The FDCF offers various treatment programs to help inmates overcome addiction and mental health issues. The facility provides substance abuse treatment, which includes counseling, education, and support groups. The facility also provides mental health treatment, which includes counseling, medication management, and other therapeutic interventions.
Other Services
The FDCF also provides various other services to inmates, including access to a law library, a chaplaincy program, and a range of recreational activities. Inmates can also use the JPay system to communicate with friends and family, purchase items from the commissary, and access educational materials.
Overall, the FDCF offers a range of services and programs to help inmates improve their skills, education, and employment prospects. These programs are designed to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates back into society.
Visiting Information
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility has specific visiting hours for family and friends of inmates. Visiting hours are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the visiting information page on the Iowa Department of Corrections website or call the facility directly at 515-574-4700 to confirm the visiting hours before making travel arrangements.
In-person visits are scheduled using the Amelio reservation system, which allows visitors to select a date and time for their visit. Visitors are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled visit to allow time for the check-in process. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo identification card to enter the facility.
Visitors are subject to search upon entrance to the facility. The search is conducted by trained correctional staff to ensure the safety and security of the facility. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings, including cell phones, purses, or bags, into the facility. Visitors may bring a clear plastic bag containing a small amount of money for vending machines.
Video visits are also available for visitors who are unable to visit in person. Video visits are scheduled using the same Amelio reservation system used for in-person visits.
Video Visiting hours are Monday and Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Visitors must have a computer or mobile device with a camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection to participate in video visits.
FDCF has specific rules and regulations for visitors, which are outlined on the Iowa Department of Corrections website. Visitors are expected to follow all rules and regulations while visiting the facility. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations may result in the termination of the visit and possible future visitation restrictions.
Release and Post-Release Resources
Upon release, inmates from Fort Dodge Correctional Facility are provided with resources to help them transition back into society. The Iowa Department of Corrections offers a variety of programs to assist inmates with finding employment, housing, and medical care. Inmates who are eligible for community-based corrections programs may be referred to these programs to help them reintegrate into society.
Inmates may be eligible for work release programs, which allow them to work outside of the facility during the day and return to the facility at night. This allows them to earn money and begin to rebuild their lives while still under the supervision of the IDOC. Inmates who are not eligible for work release may be provided with job placement assistance upon release.
The release date for inmates is determined by the IDOC and is based on a number of factors, including the inmate’s sentence and behavior while in prison. Inmates who are released on parole or probation will be under supervision by the IDOC. During this time, they will be required to report to a parole or probation officer and comply with the conditions of their release.
In addition to parole and probation supervision, the IDOC provides community-based corrections services to help inmates transition back into society. These services may include drug and alcohol treatment, mental health services, and job training programs. Inmates who are eligible for these programs will be referred to them by the IDOC.
Overall, the IDOC is committed to providing inmates with the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society. By offering a range of programs and services, the IDOC aims to reduce recidivism and help former inmates become productive members of their communities.
Public Safety and Recidivism
The Fort Dodge Correctional Facility prioritizes public safety and reducing recidivism rates. Recidivism refers to the rate at which offenders return to prison after their release. The FDCF recognizes that reducing recidivism requires a multi-faceted approach that involves not only the Department of Corrections but also federal, state, and local agencies.
One way the FDCF works to reduce recidivism is by providing risk assessments to offenders. These assessments help identify the likelihood of an offender reoffending and determine the appropriate level of supervision and programming needed for their successful reentry into society. Offenders who are deemed low risk may be eligible for electronic monitoring, which allows them to serve their sentence while living in the community under close supervision.
The FDCF also offers a variety of programs to help offenders successfully reintegrate into society. These programs include vocational training, educational opportunities, and substance abuse treatment. By providing these programs, the FDCF aims to reduce the likelihood of offenders returning to prison after their release.
The efforts of the FDCF have resulted in a reduction in recidivism rates. In 2022, the Iowa Department of Corrections announced that the recidivism rate had decreased for the second consecutive year. This reduction is a testament to the effectiveness of the FDCF’s approach to reducing recidivism and improving public safety.
In conclusion, the FDCF prioritizes public safety and reducing recidivism rates. By providing risk assessments, electronic monitoring, and a variety of programs, the FDCF aims to help offenders successfully reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of them returning to prison after their release.