The Iowa Department of Corrections operates a network of adult correctional facilities across the state, headquartered in Des Moines. Understanding how the system is organized — which facilities exist, what populations they serve, and how inmates move through the system — helps families navigate effectively and plan for visits, communication, and eventual reentry.
Nine Adult Correctional Institutions
Iowa DOC operates nine adult correctional institutions (ACIs), plus a network of residential correctional facilities (RCFs) and work release centers. The ACIs are:
Women's Facility
- Iowa Correctional Institution for Women (ICIW) — Mitchellville, IA. The only dedicated women's facility in the Iowa state prison system. All women serving state prison sentences are housed here.
Men's Facilities (by security level)
- Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP) — Fort Madison. Maximum security, the oldest continuously operating prison west of the Mississippi.
- Anamosa State Penitentiary (ASP) — Anamosa. Medium/maximum security.
- Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC) — Coralville. Houses newly sentenced men for classification; also provides medical and mental health care.
- North Central Correctional Facility (NCCF) — Rockwell City. Medium security.
- Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility (MPCF) — Mount Pleasant. Medium security.
- Newton Correctional Facility (NCF) — Newton. Medium security.
- Clarinda Correctional Facility (CCF) — Clarinda. Medium security.
- Iowa Correctional Institution (ICI) — Oakdale. The primary facility for sex offenders and others requiring specialized programming.
How Classification Works in Iowa
When a man is newly sentenced to state prison in Iowa, he typically goes first to the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC) in Coralville for intake assessment and classification. During classification, staff evaluate security level, programming needs, medical conditions, and available bed space to determine which facility assignment is most appropriate.
Women go directly to ICIW in Mitchellville for both classification and long-term housing — since there is only one women's facility, the classification and permanent placement happen in the same institution.
Classification is not permanent. Inmates can be reclassified to a different facility based on changes in behavior, security concerns, programming needs, or system bed capacity. The Iowa DOC inmate search at doc.iowa.gov (or the state's inmate search at iowa.gov) reflects current housing location, which is the most reliable way to track transfers.
Residential Correctional Facilities and Work Release
Iowa also operates a network of Residential Correctional Facilities — community-based transitional housing for people approaching the end of their sentence or on parole. RCFs bridge the gap between incarceration and full community re-entry, providing structure, supervision, programming, and employment support. Placement in an RCF is typically a significant step in the reentry process and is worth understanding for families planning for their loved one's release.
Finding Your Loved One in Iowa DOC
Iowa provides a free inmate search through the state portal at iowa.gov (search "Find an Inmate") or directly through doc.iowa.gov. You can search by name or DOC number to find current facility, sentence information, and projected release date.
For questions not answered by the online tool, contact the Iowa DOC at:
- Address: 510 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
- Phone: (515) 725-5701
- Website: doc.iowa.gov
Phone Calls and Money
Iowa DOC uses GTL (Global Tel Link) / ConnectNetwork for inmate phone calls at most facilities. Set up a free AdvancePay account at ConnectNetwork.com to receive calls. For money deposits, Iowa DOC uses JPay — go to JPay.com and search the inmate under Iowa DOC.