about

The Polk County Jail in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, like all jails is a maximum security facility. Because the inmates in this jail range from low level offenders to those being held for violent crimes like robbery, rape and murder, the security level is as high as is it is in any maximum security state prison. Some of the security features in this facility include security cameras, electronic detection and reinforced fencing topped with razor wire. Correctional officers in Polk County Jail are armed with mace and trained to use physical force to protect themselves and other inmates from violence. The men, women and juveniles being held in the Polk County Jail are either awaiting trial or have been sentenced in the Polk County Court System already and been sentenced to a period of time of one year or less. When an inmate is sentenced to a year or more, they are admitted into the Iowa Prison or Federal Prison System. Inmates in the Polk County Jail are fed three meals a day totaling 2,500 calories, are allowed access to phones to contact friends and family members, are allowed at least one hour a day for exercise, have access to books, bathroom and shower facilities. The inmates are allowed mail to be delivered to them as well as newspapers and magazine from trusted outside publishers. In addition, Polk County houses the following juvenile facility: Polk County Juvenile Detention Center.