How to Contact an Inmate at Facility
The Iowa Department of Corrections offers both in-person and video visits, and both are free for approved friends and family. Haven't been approved yet? That's your first step. You'll need to get cleared as a visitor before you can set anything up.
You can't schedule a visit by phone or by showing up. All visits (in-person and video) must be booked through the Ameelio App, so make sure you have access to it before trying to reserve a time.
Note: Visiting hours, ID requirements, and the visitor approval process can vary. Check directly with the facility or Iowa DOC for current requirements before you make plans.
Steps-to-follow
- ✓ Confirm you are an approved visitor before trying to schedule a visit
- ✓ Download the Ameelio App and set up your account
- ✓ Use the app to schedule the type of visit you want (in-person or video)
- ✓ Double-check your appointment details in the app before the visit day
- ✓ Bring any required ID or paperwork the facility requires for check-in (confirm what they accept in advance)
Reminder: Iowa DOC visits are free for approved visitors, and all scheduling goes through the Ameelio App. If anything changes, updates usually appear in the app. Review your confirmation before you go.
Before you make travel plans, confirm that Ameelio is still the required scheduling method for both in-person and video visits. Policies change, and you want to be sure you're using the current process.
Double-check the visitor approval rules, how long visits last, and whether any restrictions apply to in-person or video visits at the time you're trying to schedule. Even when visits are available, security needs or other limitations can affect what you can book and when.
If the person you're supporting needs commissary funds, Iowa DOC lists electronic deposits through Access Corrections, JPay, or Western Union (Send2Corrections). Payment options can vary by location and change over time, so confirm which vendors are currently accepted at this specific facility and what information you'll need to complete a deposit.
- ✓ Whether the Ameelio App is still required for scheduling, and any current instructions for booking in-person vs. video visits
- ✓ How visitor approval works right now, including any required documents and who must be listed/approved
- ✓ Confirmation that visits are free for approved visitors, and whether any charges apply in any situation
- ✓ Which commissary deposit vendors are accepted for this facility (Access Corrections, JPay, Western Union/Send2Corrections) and what details you need to send funds successfully
Note: Don't assume visiting hours, approval timelines, or the availability of in-person versus video visits. Verify current details with the facility or Iowa DOC before you schedule.
Find an Inmate at Iowa Medical And Classification Center
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