Hawkeye Reporter

A report released by the Iowa Department of Corrections on Dec. 20 announced that there is overcrowding and shortages in Iowa prison facilities. 

As of Dec. 13, there was an overcapacity of 16% at the prison. The facility has a capacity of 6,990 beds yet housed 8,106 inmates, according to KCRG. 

The report comes from the tragic events that happened at Anamosa State Penitentiary in March 2021 when two staff members were killed and hostages were taken at the penitentiary, according to KCRG.

“The completion of this review is the next step in improving the safety and security of operations in this department,” Iowa Department of Corrections Director Beth Skinner said, according to a release from the department. “There are challenges that lie before us but they are an opportunity to build upon our efforts that lead the country.” 

There is an updated timeline of safety and security measure implemented at the Anamosa State Penitentiary since March 23, according to the release. 

“I am thankful for CGL’s professionalism and hard work throughout this process," Skinner said. "We look forward to carefully analyzing their findings and working hand-in-hand with our facilities around the state to implement them. The events that took place in Anamosa earlier this year were an unimaginable tragedy, and we continue to work through it together as a corrections family. I am confident that the completion of this review is another positive step in the right direction for this department.” 

KCRG reported that the state received suggestions from the evaluation to update the operating system, security controls and training practices to run a more efficient and safer system in an updated era.

Click here to find the recommendations made by the state.