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Polk Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: April 22,2024


Visitation Hours

Polk Co 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 515-323-5400 for more information, alerts, or scheduling changes.

General Visitation Information

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office visitation program is provided courtesy of iWebVisit.com and offers on-site and remote visits between citizens and inmates. Video Visits are conducted on video terminals that are located within the detention center lobby. It should be noted that participating in the on-site visiting program is not a guarantee of availability as booking times and space are limited.

On-Site Visitation - Inmates are allowed two (2) twenty (20) minute On-Site social visits per week. Each adult must visit separately unless the visitors are parents or grandparents, then you may visit together as one visit. Children seventeen years of age and younger may visit if accompanied by their parents. The week runs Sunday through Thursday. TO VISIT YOU MUST PRESENT A VALID STATE/GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ID EVERY TIME. YOU MUST CHECK IN AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE LAST VISIT. VISITING IS SUBJECT TO MONITORING AND TIME AVAILABILITY.

On-site Visitation Hours

  • Sunday: 8:30am – 10:30am, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
  • Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 10:30am, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
  • Friday & Saturday: NO ON-SITE PUBLIC VISITATION

**Remote visits are available through iwebvisit.com at the visitor’s expense and are available daily (8:00 am - 10:00 am, 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm). Inmates may have 2 remote visits per day.

Visitation hours may be adjusted on holidays or due to other events. Before being permitted to visit an inmate you will be required to register for an iWebVisit.com account. If you have internet access, you can visit iWebVisit.com and create your account in advance to save time.

NO VISITS ARE ALLOWED During the Following Times every day: 11 am-12 pm, 3 pm-4 pm and 5-6 pm

Visitation hours may be adjusted on holidays or due to other events.

Engaging in illegal or illicit (including disrobing and/or sexual behavior) will result in the visit being terminated. This visitor will be blocked from any further visits to any inmate confined in the Polk County Jail and is subject to criminal charges. The inmate may also be charged with violation of the visiting rules and their visiting privileges terminated for the duration of their incarceration. Inmates are allowed 2 remote visits per day. Inmate availability is based on housing unit rules and/or disciplinary status.

The cost is $11.00 for a 30-minute interval for standard visitors and $25.00 per 30-minute interval for qualified professionals.

Once a visit has started and is canceled or terminated by the Facility for failure to comply with visiting rules a credit voucher will not be issued.

Remote visits are non-refundable.

All off-site visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance.*

You may schedule a remote visit up to 3 weeks in advance.

*Qualified Professionals have the ability to schedule a remote visit with 1 hour notice.

SAME-DAY REMOTE VISITS FOR STANDARD VISITORS ARE PROHIBITED

ALL NON-PROFESSIONAL VISITS ARE SUBJECT TO MONITORING AND RECORDING

Visiting Inmates at Polk County IA Jail (ICE)

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 Des Moines 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 Polk Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Polk County IA Jail (ICE), located in Des Moines, 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.