Scheduling Your First Visit at Anamosa Using the Ameelio App
Once you're approved, scheduling is the easy part. At Anamosa, you'll book both in-person and video visits through the Ameelio App—and they're completely free for approved friends and family.
After the Iowa Department of Corrections approves you, head to the Ameelio App to schedule your visit. Iowa DOC offers both in-person and video visits at no cost - the app is where you'll reserve a spot for either one.
Why does the app matter? Visiting days and times vary by prison. To see what's actually available at Anamosa - specific days, time slots, in-person or video - check the current schedule in Ameelio.
Ameelio handles scheduling, not approvals. Facility staff decide who can visit, so contacting Ameelio support won't change an approval outcome. That said, Ameelio can help with app issues - account setup, password problems, or technical glitches.
Practical Steps Prepare
- ✓ Your approved visitor access in the Ameelio App
- ✓ A few preferred dates/times (so you can pivot if a slot is full)
- ✓ Any account details Ameelio asks for when you book
Deciding between in-person and video? Start with what's actually available. Each prison runs different visiting days and times for each option, so check Ameelio to compare what Anamosa has open. The good news: both in-person and video visits are free for approved friends and family, so cost isn't a factor.
Running into problems? Login errors, booking glitches, or anything that looks like a technical issue - contact Ameelio support through their request form and include screenshots. Showing them exactly what you're seeing usually speeds things up. Just remember: Ameelio can fix app problems, but they can't override facility decisions about who's approved to visit.
- Capture screenshots - take clear screenshots of any error messages, blank schedules, or failed booking screens.
- Write down what happened - note what you were trying to do (schedule in-person or video), what you selected, and what went wrong.
- Submit a support request - use Ameelio’s request form and attach the screenshots.
- Wait for the response - support can troubleshoot app problems, but they can’t change facility approval decisions.
No open slots? Widen your search in Ameelio. Since each prison uses different in-person and video visiting schedules, you might find openings on a day you didn't expect - or see video availability when in-person is full (or vice versa). Keep checking until something works.
Note: If your visitation request is denied, you can appeal the decision in writing to the Central Visiting Authority at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.
Once your visit is scheduled, prepare for entrance screening. Under Iowa DOC policy, visitors can be searched when entering - this may include a pat down, metal detector, electronic ion scanner, other electronic devices, or a visual search. Dress matters too. Miniskirts, shorts above the knee, muscle shirts, see-through clothing, and halter tops will get you turned away. Choose something conservative.
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