1. Home
  2. All Facilities
  3. Facility Visitation

Cerro Gordo County Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: April 22,2024


Visitation Hours

Cerro Gordo County Jail - Visitation

Times and days are subject to change without notice

  • Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • All federal holidays

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 641-421-3004 for more information, alerts, or scheduling changes.

General Visitation Information

Cerro Gordo County Jail - Visitation

Visiting Times

CELL DAY TIME MGP1/SD/MWR Wednesday & Friday 6:30pm - 8:30pm Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm – 3:00pm MGP2 Wednesday 6:30pm - 8:30pm Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm – 3:00pm FGP/FWR Monday & Thursday 6:30pm - 8:30pm Saturday & Sunday 8:30am - 10:30am MM/SS/FM Thursday 6:30pm - 8:30pm Sunday 8:30am - 10:30am

When you are assigned to a housing unit, you will be given a visitation list on which you can list four (4) visitor names. You will be allowed to change these names once every thirty (30) days. Sergeants will approve this list prior to visitors being allowed.

  1. Visitation is scheduled by housing units and is on a first come first serve basis.
  2. Visits are limited to 15 minutes.
  3. Visits may be canceled or suspended without notice, based on discipline or security reasons
  4. Visitors can be denied a visit for several reasons – i.e. visitor name not on the visitation list, inmate not allowed visitors because of discipline or other reasons, not the correct scheduled time for the housing unit.
  5. All visitors must show valid government ID and check in with the visitation officer prior to visiting.
  6. Each inmate is permitted two (2) visits per day with no more than 4 total people per session.
  7. Visitors must be 18 or older.No one under the age of 18 is allow into the facility (to wait or otherwise).
  8. Visitors arriving on days when visitation is not allowed will not be allowed a visit.No exceptions to the visitation rules is allowed.
  9. Proper attire is required at all times.Shoes and shirts must be worn; suggestive clothing, see through fabrics, halter or tube type tops, short shorts and mini-skirts will not be permitted.Appropriate underclothing is required.
  10. Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be admitted into the center and WILL BE ARRESTED.
  11. Wallet and car keys are the only personal items that may be taken into the public visitation room.Items such as weapons, sharp objects, purses, satchels, diaper bags, smoking materials, chewing gun, phones, radios, TV’s, cameras etc. are not allowed.
  12. Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the public visitation room. Smoking is prohibited on all sheriff’s office property including outside.
  13. If a visitor leaves the video visitation area, they will not be allowed to re-visit.
  14. Hanging up the handset on the visitor’s visitation carrel will terminate the visit.
  15. Loud talking, excessive emotionalism or any other type of disruptive behavior will not be permitted in the public visitation room.
  16. If you experience a problem with the audio or video during the visit, please notify the visitation officer. Do not attempt to adjust the picture or sound yourself.
  17. Visitations are not “rescheduled.” If the inmate is not able to visit because of court proceedings, attorney visits or other reasons, they will have to wait until the next assigned visitation day/time.
  18. Persons released from jail or prison in the last 30 days will not be allowed to visit without prior approval of the jail administrator.Visitors are required to disclose this information prior to scheduling a visit.

Attorneys, bondsmen or law enforcement officers who have a professional need to conduct an inmate non-contact visit should notify the jail when they first enter the jail.

Attorneys may visit during normal working hours of the Sheriff’s Department 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Failure to comply with any of these policies as posted in the visitation room will result in denial of admission.

Visiting Inmates at Cerro Gordo County Jail

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this Mason City IA location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Cerro Gordo Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Cerro Gordo County Jail, located in Mason City, IA, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.