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Freedom of Information: Covering Prisons
Covering Prisons: Iowa

Iowa Department of Corrections Web site.

State Policies Governing Media Access
View the Iowa Department of Corrections policy governing media access and public information.

Iowa's prisons generally allow reporters access to inmates inside the prisons if the inmate is willing to meet with the reporter. Inmates are not permitted to meet with reporters during the initial period upon entering prison while they are undergoing an orientation process.

Media members seeking inmate interviews must receive permission from the warden, superintendent or one of his or her designees.

Inmate must give written conset to be interviewed or photographed.

Rules Governing Reporting Tools
Pens, pencils, tape recorders and video cameras are generally allowed, although inmates are required to sign forms giving their consent to be photographed and interviewed.

The media is not granted permission to interview inmates while appeals in court cases are pending to avoid jeopardizing either side of the case, according to Iowa prison officials. The media is also not granted permission to interview inmates in situations in which the interview could severely impact the victim or revictimize the victim, officials said.

Visitation List Rules
View the Iowa Department of Corrections policy visitation.

Visitation is limited to immediate family members plus two others.

Execution Witness Policies
Iowa does not have the death penalty.

Required Forms
Inmates must sign a waiver consenting to any interview or photographs.

State Correctional Contacts
Iowa Department of Corrections
420 Watson Powell, Jr. Way
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 242-5702
Fax: (515) 281-7345
Web site

Gary Maynard, director
(address same as above)
Phone: (515) 242-5708

Fred Scaletta, department spokesman
(address same as above)
Phone: (515) 242-5707
Cell: (515) 360-9300

Gov. Thomas Vilsack
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-5211
Fax: (515) 281-6611
Web site

Rodell Mollineau, communications director
(address same as above)
Phone: (515) 281-0146

SPJ Project Sunshine Chair Contact Information
The Society's Project Sunshine chairs in each state monitor FOI activities and report to the national SPJ FOI Committee. These individuals are a valuable resource for state FOI Information as they organize and monitor state and local FOI efforts.

Rox A. Laird
Editorial writer, Des Moines Register
P.O. Box 957
Des Moines, IA 50304
Work Phone: 515-284-8097
E-mail