Fort Dodge Correctional Facility opened in 1998, to accommodate medium security male inmates. Originally built to house 762 residents in double occupancy cells, the facility later expanded and converted the cells to house three inmates each. Currently, this facility can house up to 1,392 inmates in seven total housing units, each serving a distinctive function.
A Unit can house maximum custody inmates and contains 48 security cells. This is where protective custody, disciplinary detention, and administrative segregation are housed.
Boone Unit is divided into East and West, with east serving segregation and restrictive housing inmates, and West housing long term protective custody offenders.
Cedar Unit houses 264 general population inmates, with the majority being in three man cells with TIP 2 status.
Dolliver Unit houses PL 2 phase 2 inmates in cells that house four residents each (average stay in Dolliver is 60 days).
Emmet Unit houses PL4 inmates in four man cells. This is where Iowa Central Community College computer lab is located.
Floyd Unit is a general population unit that houses TIP 4 offenders who live in two person cells. Residents of this unit are required to be employed or retired.
Grove Unit is houses general population inmates who are TIP 3 status. Residents of this unit are housed in two and three person cells.
During their incarceration, inmates at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility can take apprenticeship programs in computers, landscaping, sewing machine repair, painting, plumbing, welding, cooking, electrical, carpentry, and housekeeping. The prison industry program at this facility is textiles.
Inmates incarcerated in Iowa use a centralized mailing system. This has been introduced to lower the amount of contraband entering the facility. The centralized mail system is for personal mail sent to an inmate, legal mail should be sent directly to the facility. In order to send mail to your inmate, you will need to know the following:
Inmates incarcerated in Iowa utilize a centralized banking system. All incoming funds are processed at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. Funds are not accepted at any other facilities. Restitution, child support and court fee's are handled by Iowa State Penitentiary.
If your loved one is in jail in Iowa, the first thing you should have is their DOC Number, which is the Department of Corrections Identification number for the inmate. You can find this information, along with more details, by searching the 
Before visiting or video chatting with an inmate in Iowa, you need to complete an Iowa inmate visitors application and receive approval. To visit an inmate in Iowa, you must follow these steps:
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