The Lee County Correctional Center was constructed in 1981. It was first built to house 24 inmates. Due to an increase in inmate population, the jail was increased to house 67 inmates. This was accomplished with the addition of the three trailer units. They where set in place in 1997. The trailer units where to be a temporary fix for overcrowding in the jail. The Iowa DOC gave the Sheriff s Office a 3 year variance. In 2000, the Iowa DOC gave the Sheriffs Office a permanent variance to keep the trailers. As of 2006, the trailers are now showing wear and tear. They are no cost effective and the Iowa DOC inspector asked that Lee County have a plan in place to replace the trailers. This plan is now underway to expand the jail to house the increased prisoners. The plans are being thought out for the future of the jail to meet the increased needs.

Commonly asked questions are: What can I bring with me to the jail? The answer to this is, yourself, white under garments, work clothes (for work release) and money. Paper back books can be brought in, they will stay for the library after the inmate leaves. The jail allows board games and puzzles in also.

If an inmate is on work release, the inmate needs a copy of his work schedule from his employer. The jail allows travel time to and from work. Fees of $25.00 a day will be paid in advance.  The days the inmate does not go to work, is paid at the court house. The inmate needs to understand that work release is a privilege, not a right. Violation of the rules will mean the work release will be terminated and the inmate will serve his time in the jail, without work release.

The Lee County Correctional center became a tobacco free jail in February of 2005. No tobacco is to be brought into the facility. Tobacco is considered contraband and disciplinary action against the inmate may be taken for violations.

Attached are the work release rules and the visitation rules.

Capt Scott Bonar

Jail Administrator