Open Records Request

Open Records Request

The Iowa Department of Corrections is committed to providing records upon request in accordance with the requirements of Iowa’s open records law (Iowa Code Chapter 22) and in accordance with Iowa Department of Corrections law (Iowa Code Chapter 904.602).

Carefully read the information below for more information about how the open records process works, and to ensure you don’t file an unnecessary request.

Submit A Request

The Department requests that submissions be made through the State Information & Public Record Requests site in order to ensure a receipt of sending the request for the sender, and the proper receipt, handling, billing, and response to the request by the Department. Requests will also be accepted via email, phone, or in writing.

Submit a Records Request

Tips When Submitting a Request

When submitting an open records request, be as detailed as possible.

The Department maintains many records. When submitting your request, be as specific as possible to ensure that you receive the records you are seeking. This includes specific search terms, keywords and date ranges, which help improve response time from the Department. The more specific your request, the easier it will be for the Department to obtain the records, or to render a decision if a record is not subject to release.

The Department is not required to create a record that does not already exist. According to the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), "there is nothing in Iowa Code chapter 22 that mandates a governmental body to create a record that does not otherwise exist."  IPIB Advisory Opinion 15AO:0004 (2015). The Department is not required to create new records or to conduct research, analyze data or answer questions when responding to open records requests.

Confidential Information

Certain information does not fall under the Iowa Open Records Act. For example, if you are requesting records on a current or previously incarcerated individual or client, only information outlined in Iowa Code 904.602(1), may be released to the public. Please review this list ahead of time in order to expedite your request.

904.602 Confidentiality of records — penalty.

1. The following information regarding individuals receiving or who have received services from the department or from the district departments is public information and may be given to anyone:

1. Name

2. Age

3. Sex

4. Status (inmate, parolee, or probationer)

5. Location, except home street address

6. Duration of supervision

7. Offense or offenses for which the individual was placed under supervision

8. County of commitment

9. Arrest and detention orders

10. Physical description

11. Type of services received

12. Disciplinary reports and decisions which have been referred to the county attorney or prosecutor for prosecution, and the following information of all other disciplinary reports: (1) The name of the subject of the investigation. (2) The alleged infraction involved. (3) The finding of fact and the penalty, if any, imposed as a result of the infraction

NOTE: Requests for confidential information will require a completed Release of Information form (ROI), Subpoena, or Court Order.

Cost and Fee Schedule

There may be fees associated with your open records request. Expenses for fulfilling a request will be charged to the requester according to the following guidelines:

• The Department provides, at no charge, the first 30 minutes of staff time to search for records, evaluate potentially confidential information and assemble a request.
• Any time exceeding 30 minutes is charged based on the hourly rate of the staff member(s) completing the request. 
• Unless the request can be provided at no charge, an estimate of charges will be provided before fulfilling a request.
• Prepayment: If the estimated total fee exceeds $25.00, the Department requires payment in full before staff begin searching for or reviewing records
• Unpaid Balances: Requesters with an unpaid balance from a previous fullfilled request must pay both the old balance and the new estimate before the request is processed.

Timing of Requests

You should receive a response to a records request within 10 business days. If the request could include confidential records or information, Iowa Code allows for up to 20 calendar days to determine what should be made available.

In most cases, DOC staff will attempt to fulfill records requests promptly; however, the timing of the release of records will depend on factors such as the scope of the request, the nature of the records requested, and the availability of staff involved in fulfilling the request.

Public Policies

The Department is committed to transparency and public access. If you are looking for publicly available policies that guide the operations, expectations, and standards within our Department, you may access those on the Public Policies web page.

Public Data

• Offender records are public information pursuant to Iowa Code section 904.602(1). Public information available on offenders may be accessed through the Iowa Offender Search .
• For charge information, refer to the Iowa Courts Online Search. 
• General data related to the Iowa Department of Corrections may be accessed on the Iowa Open Data web page.

Official Comments

Media should not file an open records request to ask for official comment.

If you are a member of the media and would like the Department to comment for a story, please contact the Communications Office at doc.media@iowa.gov.

Employment and Income Verification

If you are requesting employment or income verification you should not file an open records request. All state employment and income verifications are handled through E-Verify, linked here.

General Department Comments

The public should not submit an open records request for general comments. Requests should be directed to doc.information@iowa.gov.

Department of Corrections' designated Records Custodian