Fort Dodge Corr. Facility, Iowa

Visiting someone at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility starts with a paper application. Print and sign the Visitor Application, then mail it to Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. Electronic applications are not accepted. Facility staff handle all approvals. Ameelio does not approve or deny visits; it only handles scheduling. Once approved, friends and family can schedule free in-person or video visits through the Ameelio app (both options are at no cost). When you arrive, expect entry screening. Searches may include pat-downs, metal detectors, ion scanners, other electronic checks, or visual inspections. Refusing to comply means you'll be denied entry. If your visitation request is denied, you can appeal in writing to the Central Visiting Authority at Mount Pleasant.

You cannot call an offender directly at Fort Dodge Corr. Facility. The facility does not accept incoming telephone calls. Phone communication only happens when the offender places an outbound call, and they must add your number to their approved calling list first. Rates are simple: local, intrastate, and interstate calls all cost $0.06. Iowa Code also authorizes an inmate telephone fund, requires those funds be used for inmates' benefit, and leaves it to the facility director to set rules for how the money is disbursed. Like many Iowa facilities, other communication options (vendor messaging, electronic inmate email, or video visits) often run through third-party vendors. These may require setting up an account and adding funds, but availability and vendor details vary by facility.

Fort Dodge Correctional Facility serves as the Iowa Department of Corrections' centralized location for incoming offender banking, including commissary and spending deposits for Iowa DOC offenders. To mail funds, send a cashier's check or money order to IDOC Offender Fiduciary Account, 1550 L Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Include the offender's name and offender number so it can be processed. For electronic deposits, Iowa DOC lists Access Corrections, JPay, and Western Union Send2Corrections. Access Corrections takes online deposits (rates start at $3.49) and offers phone deposits at 1(866)345-1884. JPay accepts online Visa/MasterCard payments (fees listed from $3.95 to $10.95) and phone deposits at 1-800-574-5729. Western Union Send2Corrections can be found through its agent phone line or mobile app. Electronic and kiosk deposits typically post faster than mailed ones, so pick the option that fits your timing and fee preferences.