Allamakee County Jail recognized as one of the “Best of the Best” by the Iowa Department of Corrections following annual inspection

The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) recently announced that Allamakee County was one of six counties in the state of Iowa being recognized as having a top-performing jail following completion of the department’s annual jail inspections. The recognition celebrates jails that demonstrate excellence in operations and management, ensuring the safety and well-being of both prisoners and staff.

The DOC evaluates jails across three categories based on capacity for housing inmates. Allamakee County was one of two jails in the state of Iowa recognized for the top honor in the Medium Jail category, which includes facilities with 31-100 beds. Wayne County, along Iowa’s south central border with Missouri, also received the “Best of the Best” recognition for medium-sized jails. In the Small Jails category (up to 30 beds), Fremont and Ringgold Counties were recognized. The honors in the Large Jails division (101 beds or more) were bestowed upon Black Hawk and Warren Counties.

“The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office is proud to receive the Iowa Department of Corrections ‘Best of the Best’ award for demonstrated excellence in jail operations,” Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick shared. “Being the recipient of this award is a true testament to the hard work and dedication that our staff exhibits every day in the operations of the Allamakee County Jail. Congratulations and thank you to the staff of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office.”

Per Iowa Code 356, all jails in Iowa undergo an annual inspection conducted by the DOC to ensure compliance with Iowa Administrative Code’s Jail Standards. These inspections include a comprehensive review of daily jail documentation, a facility tour, interaction with prisoners, and an operational review conducted by a DOC Inspector.

“Iowa has jail standards for all jails to comply with,” explained Zach Carlyle of the Iowa Department of Corrections Communications Department. “The Department of Corrections reviews documentation as required by standards to ensure all standards are being met on a daily basis. We request specific documentation to review prior to conducting an onsite inspection of the facility. During the onsite visit we observe how staff interact with the prisoners, evaluate the facility’s condition, and assess how the overall operations of the facility are conducted.”

Through information shared from the Iowa Department of Corrections Jail Inspection Division, Carlyle further noted that Allamakee County demonstrated compliance with these standards, maintaining consistent, high-quality operations and a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.

“Allamakee County stands out for its excellent staff engagement and attention to detail in maintaining the facility,” Carlyle further shared. “While it is a smaller jail compared to others, the staff’s professionalism, strong communication, and teamwork ensure the jail operates smoothly and efficiently.

The facility reflects a commitment to safety, security, and dignity for all individuals in its care.”

“Iowa is one of only 21 states where jail standards are overseen by the State’s Department of Corrections,” said DOC Director Dr. Beth Skinner. “Iowa consistently ranks among the top states for jail management, and that is a testament to the hard work and dedication of jail staff across our state.”

In 2017, the Iowa DOC launched the “Best of the Best” award to formally recognize exceptional efforts in jail operations, and the award recognition was recently resumed following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The achievement underscores the diligence and professionalism demonstrated by all staff every day in pursuit of outstanding contributions to public safety and corrections.