Before Your First In‑Person Visit at Anamosa: A Practical Checklist

Before you make the drive to Anamosa Penitentiary, confirm two things: you're approved to visit, and your visit is actually on the books. Iowa DOC schedules all visits - both in-person and video - through the Ameelio App, so double-check the date and time you reserved. I'd also suggest keeping a screenshot of your confirmation handy. You probably won't need it, but it's nice to have if staff ask.

Dress Code

• ✓ Wear shoes (required)
• ✓ Skip miniskirts (you can be denied entry)
• ✓ Avoid shorts that are above the knee (you can be denied entry)
• ✓ Don’t wear muscle shirts (you can be denied entry)
• ✓ Don’t wear see-through clothing (you can be denied entry)
• ✓ Avoid halter tops (you can be denied entry)
• ✓ Don’t wear clothing with slogans/pictures/words intended to deprecate race, sex, or cultural values (you can be denied entry)

Not sure what will pass? Go conservative. Choose clothing that covers fully and isn't tight or revealing. Pick a simple top - nothing that could be mistaken for a muscle shirt or halter. And plan for the possibility that you'll be asked to remove outerwear like coats, hats, gloves, or sunglasses. Dress in layers that still look appropriate once those items come off.

Expect to be searched when you enter. Iowa DOC policy allows staff to use several screening methods: pat-downs, walk-through metal detectors, electronic ion scanners, other electronic devices, or visual searches. The goal is contraband control. Keep what you bring to a minimum - fewer items means fewer delays.

What to Bring

• ✓ A valid photo ID
• ✓ Proof of your scheduled visit in the Ameelio App (for example, a screenshot)
• ✓ Your car keys
• ✓ A small wallet (keep it simple)
• ✓ Shoes (required to enter)
• ✓ Clothing that meets the dress code (avoid miniskirts, shorts above the knee, muscle shirts, see-through clothing, and halter tops)
• ✓ As little extra outerwear as possible (you may be required to remove coats, hats, gloves, or sunglasses during the visit)
• ✓ Anything you don’t need for entry: leave it secured in your car so you’re not juggling items during screening

Electronics slow you down. Searches may include checks using electronic devices, so if you don't truly need something, leave it locked in your car. The simpler you keep your pockets and belongings, the faster you'll get through.

1. Stay calm and step aside - it’s frustrating, but getting upset won’t help you get in.
2. Ask what caused the denial - staff can usually tell you whether it’s a clothing issue, a screening issue, or something else.
3. Fix what you can immediately - if it’s dress code (like shorts above the knee or a halter-style top), change if you have backup clothes available; if it’s approval/scheduling, pull up your scheduled visit in the Ameelio App.
4. Follow staff instructions on screening - if the issue is search-related, comply with the required process so you don’t lose the visit.
5. Reschedule if you have to - if you can’t correct the problem at the door, plan to book a new time through the Ameelio App before you return.