Fort Dodge Correctional Facility Overview
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility (FDCF) is a medium-security prison located in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Established in 1998, the facility primarily houses adult male offenders, with a capacity of 1,392 inmates. FDCF focuses on rehabilitation and offers various treatment programs, educational opportunities, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society. These programs include job skills training, GED preparation, and behavioral therapies like the RIVERS (Redirecting Individual Values, Energy, Relationships, and Skills) program, designed to prepare inmates for successful life outside the prison system.
The facility operates under the Iowa Department of Corrections and is situated on a 60-acre campus. It features five main living units, each designed for easier supervision, alongside administrative, educational, and support buildings. Security at FDCF is stringent, with double fencing, electronic monitoring, and constant surveillance.
Contact Information for Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
- Address: 1550 L St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501
- Phone: (515) 574-4700
- Warden: Don Harris
- Email: Not publicly available; inquiries should be directed via phone.
Visiting Information at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
Visits at FDCF are an important part of inmate rehabilitation, and the facility offers both in-person and video visitation options. In-person visits are available on weekends, while video visits can be scheduled on select weekdays and weekends through the Ameelio app.
In-Person Visiting Hours:
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:50 PM
Video Visiting Hours:
- Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
All visits must be reserved through the Ameelio app, and visitors are subject to a thorough security check upon arrival, which includes pat-downs and potential electronic scanning. It’s essential to bring a valid ID, and visitors should be aware of the dress code and behavior expectations.
How to Book a Visit at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
To book a visit, you must:
- Register and schedule through the Ameelio app.
- Provide a valid form of ID (driver’s license or state-issued ID).
- Confirm the inmate’s visitation schedule.
- Follow the prison’s dress code and conduct policies.
Visitors can book up to three guests per visit, and visits typically last around an hour. In-person visits offer a more personal experience, but video visits provide flexibility for those unable to travel.
Directions and Parking at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
FDCF is located at 1550 L St., Fort Dodge, IA, easily accessible from Highway 169. Ample parking is available for visitors directly in front of the facility. Guests are advised to arrive early to ensure smooth check-in and time for any necessary security procedures.
What is Life Like at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
Inmates at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility participate in a variety of structured activities aimed at rehabilitation. The prison offers numerous educational programs, including vocational training in carpentry, plumbing, welding, and computer skills through partnerships with Iowa Central Community College. There are also therapeutic programs for substance abuse and behavioral issues. Despite its rehabilitative focus, the facility has faced challenges, including a COVID-19 outbreak and, more recently, an outbreak of Mpox in 2023, which led to enhanced health measures inside the prison.
Famous Prisoners at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
One of the more notable inmates who served time at FDCF is Robert Gerald Hoose, a convicted murderer. While the facility primarily houses medium-security offenders, it has not seen the kind of high-profile inmates as some other U.S. prisons.
FAQs About Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
1. Where is Fort Dodge Correctional Facility located?
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is located at 1550 L St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
2. How can I contact Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
You can reach the facility by phone at (515) 574-4700 for any inquiries.
3. What is the capacity of Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
The prison has a capacity of 1,392 adult male inmates.
4. How do I schedule a visit to Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
Visits can be scheduled through the Ameelio app. You must provide valid ID and adhere to visitation guidelines.
5. What rehabilitation programs are offered at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
The facility offers educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs, including the RIVERS program, to prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
6. Is parking available at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
Yes, parking is available directly outside the facility for visitors.
7. What security measures are in place at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
FDCF uses double fencing with electronic detection, 24/7 surveillance, and a stringent visitor screening process.
8. Can I send mail to inmates at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
Yes, inmates can receive mail. Ensure to follow the prison’s mailing guidelines available on the Iowa Department of Corrections website.
9. What are visiting hours at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
In-person visits are available on weekends from 9:00 AM to 6:50 PM, with video visits on select weekdays and weekends.
10. What kind of inmates are housed at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility?
The facility houses adult male offenders classified as medium security, with programs focusing on rehabilitation and skill development.
Conclusion
Fort Dodge Correctional Facility plays a significant role in Iowa’s correctional system, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation through educational and vocational training programs. While the facility provides a structured environment for inmates, it has faced challenges such as health outbreaks, underscoring the importance of ongoing public health and safety measures. If you plan to visit or need further information, the prison’s contact details and visitation policies are key resources for making your experience smoother.
For more detailed statistics and the latest updates, visit the Iowa Department of Corrections website.