The Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP) is a maximum-security prison located in Southeast Iowa. It is one of nine prisons in Iowa and has the capacity to house up to 790 incarcerated individuals. The facility consists of two general population units, a medical unit, and one restricted housing unit.
The ISP’s mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates while maintaining custody and control. The facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and successfully reintegrate into society. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
As with any prison, the Iowa State Penitentiary has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. In 2018, a group of inmates filed a lawsuit against the facility, alleging that they were subjected to inhumane living conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and limited access to basic necessities like food and water. However, the facility has also received praise for its efforts to reduce recidivism rates and promote rehabilitation among its inmates.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 790 |
| Physical Address | 2111 330th Avenue Fort Madison, IA 52627 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 96777 Las Vegas, NV 89193 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 319-372-5432 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Historical Overview
The Iowa State Penitentiary, located in Fort Madison, Iowa, has a rich history dating back to 1839 when it was established as the Iowa Territorial Penitentiary. Over the years, the penitentiary has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of inmates.
One of the most significant events in the history of the Iowa State Penitentiary was the 1981 prison riot that lasted for 11 days and resulted in the deaths of two inmates and one correctional officer. The riot was sparked by overcrowding, poor living conditions, and mistreatment of the inmates. In response, the state of Iowa built a new maximum-security prison, and the historic Iowa State Penitentiary was closed in 2015.
Despite its closure, there have been efforts to preserve the historic Iowa State Penitentiary. In 2016, the Iowa State Penitentiary Preservation Commission was established to oversee the preservation of the historic buildings and artifacts. The commission’s goal is to turn the former prison into a museum and educational center that will showcase the state’s correctional history.
John Bennet, who served as the warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary from 1931 to 1953, is a significant figure in the prison’s history. During his tenure, he implemented several reforms, including the establishment of a prison farm, vocational training programs, and a psychiatric ward. These reforms were aimed at rehabilitating inmates and reducing recidivism rates.
Today, the Iowa State Penitentiary Preservation Commission continues to work towards preserving the historic Iowa State Penitentiary and educating the public about the state’s correctional history.
Location and Contact Information
The Iowa State Penitentiary is a maximum-security institution located in Fort Madison, Lee County, Iowa. The physical address of the facility is 9th Street and Wallace Road, Fort Madison, IA 52627. The facility is situated on a 225-acre site and has the capacity to house up to 790 incarcerated individuals.
For those who wish to contact the facility directly, the phone number for the Iowa State Penitentiary is (319) 372-5432. The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive phone calls. Visitors can also contact the facility by mail at the following address:
- Iowa State Penitentiary P.O. Box 316 Fort Madison, IA 52627
Friends and family members of incarcerated individuals can use the following address to send mail to their loved ones:
- Incarcerated Individual Name – Offender ID Number
- Iowa State Penitentiary – 1110
- PO Box 96777
- Las Vegas, NV 89193
However, it is important to note that all mail sent to inmates must follow specific guidelines outlined by the Iowa Department of Corrections.
Visitors who wish to visit an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary must follow specific guidelines as well. In-person visitation is currently suspended due to COVID-19, but video visitation is available. Visitors can schedule a video visitation by using the Ameelio App. For more information on visitation guidelines, including hours of operation, please visit the Iowa Department of Corrections website.
Overall, the Iowa State Penitentiary is an important institution in the Iowa Department of Corrections system. It is located in Fort Madison, Lee County, Iowa, and can be contacted by phone or mail. Visitors must follow specific guidelines when visiting an inmate at the facility.
Security and Control
The Iowa State Penitentiary is a maximum security institution that prioritizes security and control. The facility houses up to 760 incarcerated individuals and consists of two general population units, a medical unit, and one restricted housing unit.
The security measures at the Iowa State Penitentiary are designed to prevent the introduction of contraband into the facility. The Department of Corrections has implemented several measures to control contraband, including random searches of staff and visitors, drug-detection dogs, and x-ray machines. The facility also has a contraband control team that is responsible for conducting searches and confiscating any illegal items found within the facility.
The Iowa State Penitentiary has a restricted housing unit for inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Inmates in the restricted housing unit are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and are only allowed out of their cells for one hour of exercise each day. The unit is designed to provide maximum security and control for the most dangerous and violent offenders.
The security staff at the Iowa State Penitentiary is highly trained and experienced in managing a maximum security institution. They are responsible for maintaining order and control within the facility, responding to emergencies, and ensuring the safety of staff and inmates. The security staff is also responsible for conducting regular searches of the facility to prevent the introduction of contraband and ensure the safety of all individuals within the facility.
Overall, the Iowa State Penitentiary maintains a high level of security and control to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. The Department of Corrections has implemented several measures to prevent the introduction of contraband into the facility and has a highly trained security staff to maintain order and control within the institution.
Inmate Information
The Iowa State Penitentiary houses offenders who have been convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to long-term imprisonment. Inmates are provided with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. However, they are not allowed to leave the facility except under specific circumstances, such as medical emergencies or court appearances.
To find an offender who is housed at the Iowa State Penitentiary, family and friends can use the offender search tool provided by the Department of Corrections. This tool allows users to search for offenders by name, date of birth, offender number, facility location, or county of commitment.
Inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary are allowed to receive money from family and friends. This money can be used to purchase items from the commissary or to pay for phone calls. To send money to an offender, family and friends can use the JPay system, which allows them to make deposits online or over the phone.
Incarcerated individuals at the Iowa State Penitentiary are also allowed to receive mail from family and friends. However, there are certain restrictions on what can be sent. For example, packages are not allowed, and all mail must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service.
Overall, the Iowa State Penitentiary provides inmates with basic necessities while they serve their sentences. Family and friends can use the offender search tool and JPay system to stay in contact with their loved ones who are incarcerated at the facility.
Visitation Policies
The Iowa State Penitentiary allows incarcerated individuals to receive visits from their friends and family members. However, visitors must comply with the visitation policy to gain entrance to the visiting room.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at ISP are Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm. The visiting hours are subject to change without notice, so visitors should call the facility to confirm the visiting hours before traveling to the facility.
Video Visits are held on Monday and Friday, each hour from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for 50 minutes each.
Department Visitation Policy
The Department Visitation Policy is designed to ensure the safety and security of the facility, staff, and visitors. All visitors are subject to search upon entrance to the institution, and any visitor who refuses to comply with the policy will be denied entrance to the visiting room. The policy prohibits visitors from bringing any items into the facility, including cell phones, cameras, tobacco products, and weapons.
Visitors must complete a Visitation Application and submit it to the facility for approval. The application requires visitors to provide their personal information, including their name, address, and social security number. Visitors must also provide information about the incarcerated individual they plan to visit, including their name and identification number.
Ameelio App
The Ameelio App is a free app that allows friends and family members to send messages and photos to incarcerated individuals. However, the app does not replace in-person visits, and visitors must still comply with the visitation policy to gain entrance to the visiting room.
Education and Vocational Programs
The Iowa State Penitentiary provides a range of educational and vocational programs to help incarcerated individuals develop the skills they need to succeed in life after release. These programs include academic education, basic literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), and high school equivalency programs like the GED and HiSET.
The ISP partners with Southeastern Community College (SCC) and the US Department of Labor to provide academic and vocational enrichment opportunities. Through SCC, incarcerated individuals can pursue adult education such as college courses and vocational skills training. The US Department of Labor offers apprenticeship programs that provide on-the-job training and classroom instruction to help individuals develop marketable skills and earn industry-recognized credentials.
In addition to academic and vocational programs, the ISP also offers basic literacy programs to help individuals improve their reading and writing skills. In fiscal year 2019-2020, six individuals participated in literacy programs, and two individuals earned their Literacy Completion Certificates.
The Education Department at ISP provides testing for all apprenticeship programs. In fiscal year 2018-2019, five individuals participated in vocational education programs, and there were 249 total contact hours in literacy. The department completion rate was 100%.
Overall, the ISP’s education and vocational programs provide incarcerated individuals with the tools they need to succeed in life after release. By developing marketable skills and improving their literacy and academic abilities, individuals can increase their chances of finding employment and leading successful lives after their release from prison.
Work and Industry Programs
The Iowa State Penitentiary offers a variety of work and industry programs to help inmates gain valuable skills and work experience. These programs not only provide inmates with the opportunity to learn new skills but also help them prepare for re-entry into society.
One of the prominent programs is Iowa Prison Industries (IPI). It provides work training opportunities for inmates and oversees traditional industry programs. IPI has a range of programs that include woodworking, cabinetry, housekeeping, food service, upholstery, farming operations, and warehouse work. The program is designed to provide inmates with real-world work experience and skills that they can use to secure employment once they are released.
Inmates who participate in the IPI program are paid a competitive wage for their work. The money earned can be used to pay for restitution, court costs, fines, and other expenses. The program has been successful in reducing recidivism rates and helping inmates prepare for a successful re-entry into society.
Another program offered at the Iowa State Penitentiary is the Work Release Program. This program allows eligible inmates to work in the community while still serving their sentence. The program is designed to help inmates transition back into society and gain valuable work experience.
In conclusion, the work and industry programs offered at the Iowa State Penitentiary are an essential part of the rehabilitation process. They provide inmates with valuable skills and work experience that can help them secure employment and successfully re-enter society. The programs also help reduce recidivism rates and ensure that inmates are prepared for life after incarceration.
Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs
The Iowa State Penitentiary offers a variety of rehabilitation and treatment programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society. These programs are designed to address the underlying issues that led to criminal behavior and help inmates develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Programs
The Iowa State Penitentiary offers a range of programs to help inmates address a variety of issues. These include substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and religious programs. In addition, the prison offers educational and vocational training programs to help inmates develop valuable skills that can help them find employment after their release.
Active Recreational Activities
The prison also offers a variety of recreational activities to help inmates stay active and engaged. These activities include sports, fitness classes, and other group activities that promote physical health and well-being.
Thinking for a Change
One program offered by the Iowa State Penitentiary is the Thinking for a Change program. This program helps inmates develop the cognitive and problem-solving skills they need to make positive changes in their lives. The program focuses on teaching inmates how to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive and productive ways of thinking.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance abuse is a common issue among many inmates, and the Iowa State Penitentiary offers a range of substance abuse treatment programs to help address this issue. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as support groups and 12-step programs.
Religious Programs
Religious programs are also available to inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary. These programs provide spiritual guidance and support to inmates who are interested in exploring their faith.
Mental Health
Mental health services are available to inmates who are struggling with a variety of mental health issues. These services include individual and group counseling, as well as medication management and other forms of treatment.
Overall, the Iowa State Penitentiary is committed to helping inmates address the underlying issues that led to their incarceration and prepare for a successful reentry into society. Through a variety of rehabilitation and treatment programs, inmates are given the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives and become productive members of their communities.
Community and Release Programs
The Iowa State Penitentiary offers various community and release programs to help incarcerated individuals prepare for re-entry into society. These programs are designed to provide offenders with the necessary skills and resources to successfully reintegrate into their communities and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Creating Opportunities for Safer Communities (COSC) is a program that provides employment opportunities for offenders to gain work experience and skills. Offenders who participate in this program are paid a wage and are required to save a portion of their earnings to help with their transition back into society. The program also provides job placement assistance upon release.
The Work Release program allows offenders to work in the community while still serving their sentence. Offenders are required to maintain employment and follow strict guidelines to ensure their safety and the safety of the community. This program helps offenders gain valuable work experience and skills while also providing them with a source of income to help support themselves and their families.
Probation and Parole are also available to eligible offenders. Probation is a form of community supervision where an offender is released from prison but must follow certain conditions, such as regularly meeting with a probation officer and not committing any new crimes. Parole is similar to probation, but the offender is released from prison before their sentence is complete and is subject to more stringent conditions.
Additionally, the Iowa Department of Corrections offers Community Based Corrections (CBC) programs that provide a range of services to offenders in the community, including counseling, education, and job training. These programs are designed to help offenders successfully reintegrate into their communities and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Overall, the Iowa State Penitentiary is committed to providing offenders with the necessary resources and programs to successfully reintegrate into their communities. These programs not only benefit the offenders but also contribute to creating safer communities for all.