COVID-19 and Iowa's State Correctional Population
On this page, we’re tracking the statistics, news, and policy decisions relevant to the impact of coronavirus, or COVID-19, on Iowa’s state prisons and county jails. Our mission is to provide policymakers and the public with information that will assist with the prevention and containment of COVID-19 in Iowa’s criminal justice system.
To read a report about the impact of COVID-19 on Iowa's prison population through June 30th, click here.
NOTE
This page was last updated on 6/30/2021 and will no longer be updated.
Iowa Prisons: Current Numbers
19
Deaths among Incarcerated People with COVID-19
Last updated: 6/30/2021
2
Incarcerated People Currently Positive
Last updated: 6/30/2021
4,879
Incarcerated People No Longer Positive
Last updated: 6/30/2021
49,530
Tests of Incarcerated People
Last updated: 6/30/2021
7
Correctional Staff Currently Positive
Last updated: 6/30/2021
706
Correctional Staff No Longer Positive
Last updated: 6/30/2021
7,731
State Prison Population
Last updated: 6/30/2021
37,389
Field Services Population in Community Based Corrections
Last updated: 6/30/2021
Prison Populations and Capacity
Anamosa
Clarinda
Fort Dodge
Mitchellville
Mitchellville — Minimum
Oakdale
Fort Madison
Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant — Minimum
Newton
Newton — Minimum
Rockwell City
COVID-19 by Facility
Anamosa
Clarinda
Fort Dodge
Mitchellville
Oakdale
Fort Madison
Mt. Pleasant
Newton
Rockwell City
Prison COVID-19 Trends
Incarcerated People: Positive Cases
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
4/7
6/22
9/6
11/21
2/5
4/22
Incarcerated People: Daily Tests
0
500
1000
1500
4/7
6/21
9/4
11/18
2/1
4/17
Staff: Positive Cases
0
200
400
600
4/7
6/21
9/4
11/18
2/1
4/17
Prison Population Trends
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
3/23
6/11
8/30
11/18
2/6
4/27
Trends in Community Based Corrections
Residential
Other
Special Sentence
OWI Continuum
Probation
Work Release
Supervised by Residential Staff
0
500
1000
1500
2000
3/23
6/11
8/30
11/18
2/6
4/27
Field Services: Probation
Probation
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
3/23
6/11
8/30
11/18
2/6
4/27
Field Services: Other
Other
Pretrial Release With Supervision
Special Sentence
Parole
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
3/23
6/11
8/30
11/18
2/6
4/27
Policy Timeline
- In response to positive COVID-19 tests in the Anamosa State Penitentiary and the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women, the Iowa DOC entered a restricted movement states and suspended video visitations at these facilities. Mass-testing is also being organized.
- According to the Iowa DOC, "due to new positive cases at CCF and ISP, these facilities ahve been placed on restricted movement, and additional testing is being conducted. Video visitation will not be available at either facility until movement status has returned to normal."
- In response to three positive COVID-19 cases, Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility was placed on restricted movement.
- In response to the increase in COVID-19 cases at IMCC, the Iowa DOC announced in a press release that it was temporarily suspending admissions, restricting movement, and conducting additional tests.
- The Iowa DOC notes that the department began conducting extensive testing at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. On July 5, the DOC reported 39 inmates at Fort Dodge that are currently considered positive for COVID-19.
- In a press release, the Iowa DOC announced that it is taking the following steps: 1) continued expanding testing, 2) continued isolation of inmates with positive tests, 3) implemented prison-wide restricted movement, 4) deep-cleaning of affected unit, 5) suspended all non-medical admissions and transfers
- The Iowa DOC, and Iowa Department of Public Health, began expanding investigatory testing at Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville, Iowa. The testing is initially focused on the special intake quarantine unit.
- Iowa Supreme Court provides order that supplements April 2 supervisory order. Extensions and continuances for criminal trial procedures are detailed
- Iowa DOC provided a summary of their steps to prepare for and mitigate the impact of COVID-19. To reduce prison population levels, DOC reports that "as many inmates as possible" will be transitioned to community supervision. Priority will be given to "those who are nearing discharge, are lower risk, and/or have suitable living arrangement upon reentry."
- Iowa DOC distributed two Olson masks to all prison staff and staff in Community Based Corrections on April 10. Iowa DOC staff will also be required to wear masks as of April 11 and will receive additional masks on April 13. Additional PPE will also be distributed.
- Iowa DOC announced that over 700 video visits had been implemented under a pilot program. DOC will continue careful implementation.
- Iowa DOC begins reporting the following COVID-19 "quick stats" on its webpage: 1) number of inmate tests, 2) number of inmate positives, 3) number of staff positives (self-reported). These numbers are updated Monday thru Friday at 9 am.
- Iowa Supreme Court provides summary of changes to the practice and policies for youth and families involved with the juvenile justice system, as well as the child welfare system.
- Iowa Supreme Court provides order that replaces all previous supervisory orders relating to COVID-19. In addition, Iowa Supreme Court extends dates for reconvening proceedings. Criminal nonjury trials reset to no earlier than June 1 and criminal jury trials reset to no earlier than July 13.
- Iowa DOC announced that inmates have produced 2,400 gallons of hand sanitizer, more than 2,200 patient gowns, more than 1,600 face shields, and more than 1,000 masks
- Incarcerated persons provided one free 5 minute phone call per week. Video solutions are being piloted.
- The Iowa Judicial Branch updates summary of changes to court procedures.
- All speedy trial clocks for criminal cases reset with April 20, 2020 as Day 1.
- DOC provides incarcerated persons ability to send 4 free o-mails per week (video and phone call solutions are being developed). Elective medical procedures have been postponed.
- The Iowa Judicial Branch summarizes changes to court procedures, including rescheduling of criminal, civil jury, and civil bench trials.
- DOC releases report documenting steps taken to prepare for and mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Steps include prevention of the introduction to facilities (e.g., screening inmates, employees, and contractors), prevention of the spread within facilities (e.g., symptom monitoring, disinfection teams, and quarantine areas), and prevention of the spread between facilities (e.g., limited transportation of COVID-19-positive inmates).
- All criminal trials, both jury and bench trials, ordered to be reset to a date no earlier than April 20, 2020.
- According to the Iowa Department of Corrections, "Visiting has been suspended at all prisons until further notice." This included DOC work crews into businesses and the community. Legal Visits remain allowed.
Additional Resources
SOURCES
COVID-19 from the Iowa Department of Public Health
Prison data from the Iowa Department of Corrections