DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) today (Monday) announced that the statewide, independent external review of its prison system is complete. Following the tragic events of March 23, 2021, the IDOC conducted the state’s standard bidding process to bring in an independent, outside organization to perform an in-depth security review of its prison system. Once the bidding process was complete, CGL Companies, a nationally recognized corrections consulting firm, was selected to lead the review.

Commenting on the completion of the external review, IDOC Director Beth Skinner said the following: “The completion of this review is the next step in improving the safety and security of operations in this department. There are challenges that lie before us but they are an opportunity to build upon our efforts that lead the country.”

Director Skinner went on to say, “I am thankful for CGL’s professionalism and hard work throughout this process. 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.”

A summary of the findings and recommendations of the external review can be found here. The IDOC has also made available an updated timeline of safety and security measures implemented at the Anamosa State Penitentiary since March 23, 2021. A copy of that document can be found here.