Webster County Jail
Webster County Jail
Physical Address
702 1st Avenue SouthFort Dodge, IA 50501
Jail Phone Number
515-573-1462Webster County Jail Inmate Search, Fort Dodge, Iowa
No inmate list for the Webster County Jail is online, so call 515-573-1462 to ask who is held.
The Webster sheriff posts no mugshots either.
Bond, warrants, federal and ICE holds, local police, phone calls, deposits and visiting follow.
Read inmate search answers
Read inmate search answers1. Which jails are nearby?
- Webster County Jail, 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501; 515-573-1462.
- Hamilton County Jail, 2300 Superior Street, Suite 8, Webster City, IA 50595; 515-832-8629.
- Humboldt County Jail, 430 Sumner Avenue, Humboldt, IA 50548; 515-332-2471.
- Boone County Jail, 1019 West Mamie Eisenhower Avenue, Boone, IA 50036; 515-433-0524.
2. Can I visit?
The sheriff's website does not publish visitation hours or rules. Call the jail at 515-573-1462 for today's schedule, how to book and what to bring.
↑ Back to the question list3. How do phone calls work?
No inmate phone provider is named on the county's sheriff pages. Ask jail staff which service carries calls and how to fund an account.
↑ Back to the question list4. How do deposits work?
The county site lists no deposit method. Phone 515-573-1462 to ask how funds for commissary and phone time can be added; our money guide explains the usual options.
↑ Back to the question list5. Where should letters go?
The sheriff's mailing address is the Law Enforcement Center, 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The county publishes no inmate mail rules; check with the jail before sending anything.
↑ Back to the question list6. What if they were sentenced?
Sign up with VINE for release or transfer notices. The Iowa DOC search covers state prisons, the BOP locator federal prisons and the ICE locator immigration detention.
↑ Back to the question list7. Where are juveniles held?
At the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center, 2317 Rick Collins Way, Eldora, IA 50627, 641-858-3852. The jail roster covers adults only.
↑ Back to the question list8. Are this county's mugshots posted?
We found no Fort Dodge booking photos posted. Journalists are free to ask the sheriff's office. ICE images need an approved FOIA filing. Federal photos are withheld unless the U.S. Marshals release them.
↑ Back to the question list9. How do I help my sister with a Webster County warrant?
Call the sheriff on 1st Avenue South in Fort Dodge, 515-573-1462, and ask which agency holds it. A lawyer can then arrange for her to turn herself in at the Webster County Jail at a set time. Fort Dodge posts no names; Iowa keeps no statewide lookup, though Iowa Courts Online shows her case. If she missed court, the clerk on Central Avenue (515-576-7115) may help.
↑ Back to the question list10. How is bond set and paid?
In Fort Dodge, most first bonds follow the statewide uniform bond schedule; for serious charges, Fort Dodge's magistrate sets it. Call 515-573-1462 for amounts.
- How to pay at 515-573-1462: cash, surety or Iowa property.
- Guide: our bail guide.
- Hearings: our court guide, or the clerk at 515-576-7115.
11. How do I find the charges?
Iowa Courts Online lists charges and dates by name; Fort Dodge's clerk answers at 515-576-7115. Under Iowa Code 815.10 a judge can appoint the State Public Defender; Fort Dodge's first appearance follows promptly (Iowa Code 804.22).
↑ Back to the question list12. Is the person in federal custody?
In Fort Dodge, federal arrests go to the U.S. Marshals Service; its Sioux City office answers at 712-252-3077. Cases are heard by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa; its clerk is at 320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712-233-3900. After a federal sentence, check the BOP inmate locator. Bond at 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 cannot lift a federal hold; only 712-233-3900 can.
↑ Back to the question list13. How does an ICE detainer work?
- The Webster County Jail receives DHS Form I-247A from ICE.
- Iowa Code chapter 27A makes the jail in Fort Dodge honor it, holding someone 48 hours longer at most (8 CFR 287.7(d)).
- After 48 hours without ICE at 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, the hold ends.
- The ICE detainee locator tracks transfers by A-number or name.
14. When will the person get out?
In Fort Dodge, once bond clears at 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, release usually takes a few hours; 515-573-1462 knows. Prison sentences move people to the Iowa DOC offender search. Another county's hold keeps them; ask 515-573-1462. Federal or ICE holds go via 712-252-3077.
↑ Back to the question list15. What if the name is missing?
In Fort Dodge, new bookings can lag; call 515-573-1462. Anyone moved from Fort Dodge, or released, may show in the Iowa DOC offender search, or the BOP inmate locator. Juveniles are never listed (Iowa Code 232.147). If unsure, ask 515-573-1462.
↑ Back to the question list16. When does a judge see them?
In Fort Dodge, a magistrate reviews the arrest within 24 hours (Iowa Code 804.22). Bond can be changed later (Iowa Code 811.2). If money is short, the State Public Defender may be appointed. The clerk (515-576-7115) has the next date.
↑ Back to the question list17. Can someone get out without paying?
Yes. Fort Dodge's judges may release on a promise (Iowa Code 811.2), or with conditions, sometimes supervised by the Department of Correctional Services. Skipping court means forfeiture (Iowa Code 811.6) and a warrant; Fort Dodge's clerk (515-576-7115) has the terms.
↑ Back to the question list18. When is cash bail returned?
In Fort Dodge, the clerk (515-576-7115) refunds cash bail (701 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501) at case end, to the payer. A 10% bondsman fee is never returned; call 515-573-1462.
↑ Back to the question list19. Which sentences are served locally?
In Fort Dodge, misdemeanor terms are served at 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (Iowa Code 903.1). Longer terms mean prison; see the Iowa DOC offender search. Work release or weekends in Fort Dodge, Iowa, need a judge's OK; 515-573-1462 schedules it.
↑ Back to the question list20. Can a judge bar contact?
In Fort Dodge, judges can bar contact at hearings (Iowa Code 664A.3). Breaking it is a new crime (Iowa Code 664A.7). Only judges can change it; Fort Dodge's clerk (515-576-7115) keeps a copy at 701 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
↑ Back to the question list21. How is a free lawyer appointed?
In Fort Dodge, a free lawyer depends on income (Iowa Code 815.9). Ask in court on day 1, or call 515-576-7115. The State Public Defender covers most cases in Fort Dodge; families may hire private counsel.
↑ Back to the question list22. Is a bail call real?
In Fort Dodge, the Webster County Jail never takes gift cards or crypto; call 515-573-1462 before paying anyone. Fort Dodge's bond goes only to the clerk (515-576-7115) or the jail at 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Report scam calls to the Iowa Attorney General.
↑ Back to the question list23. Who polices Webster County?
- Webster County Sheriff's Office, 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501: office 515-573-1462, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; dispatch 24/7 515-573-1419. The sheriff also polices five communities under contract.
- Fort Dodge Police Department, same building: non-emergency 515-573-2323, administrative offices 515-573-1424.
- Gowrie Police Department, 1206 Market Street, Gowrie, IA 50543: 515-352-3800.
- Emergencies: 911.
Webster County Bail and Bond, Fort Dodge, Iowa
Bonding out of the Webster County Jail in Fort Dodge means paying the bail set by a magistrate or the schedule; release follows payment.
Call 515-573-1462 for the amount. Fort Dodge is the seat of Webster County in north-central Iowa.
Arrests from the city and the rural county are booked into the 56-bed jail inside the Webster County Law Enforcement Center, 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The jail answers around the clock at 515-573-1462; civil process and records use 515-573-1462.
1. How do I check whether someone was arrested in Fort Dodge?
The 24-hour jail line, 515-573-1462, can confirm custody and the bond set. VINELink shows Iowa custody status too, and our inmate search page offers other ways to search.
↑ Back to the question list2. Typical bond amounts
Under Iowa's uniform bond schedule, a simple misdemeanor carries $300, a serious misdemeanor $1,000 and an aggravated misdemeanor $2,000. Class D felonies are $5,000, class C $10,000 and class B $25,000. Judges in the Second Judicial District may change the figure for an individual defendant.
↑ Back to the question list3. Charges that need a magistrate to set bond
There is no preset amount for domestic abuse assault, stalking, forcible felonies, or a violated no-contact or protective order. The list also includes first-, second- and third-degree sexual abuse, intimidating with a dangerous weapon, gun possession by someone with a felony record, and meth offenses involving making, selling or intent to deliver.
↑ Back to the question list4. Paying bond at the Law Enforcement Center
Ring 515-573-1462 before coming in to learn the amount and which payment the jail accepts. Iowa permits cash, a bondsman's surety or court-approved property.
↑ Back to the question list5. Senate File 2399
In effect since July 1, 2026, the law allows a written-promise release only where a misdemeanor (simple or serious) is free of violence and drugs, or medical needs justify it. Courts must also put in writing why they set bail below the schedule amount or chose another form of release. A report from the Judicial Council on adjusting bond figures for inflation is owed to the Iowa Supreme Court by July 1, 2027.
↑ Back to the question list6. Webster County clerk
Clerk of District Court, Webster County Courthouse, 701 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Phone 515-576-7115; email countyclerk.webster@iowacourts.gov.
↑ Back to the question list7. Missing a court date
A no-show typically brings a warrant and forfeiture of the bond. Iowa Code 811.6 allows a surety 30 days after notice to return the defendant. Under 811.2(8), not showing up is a separate crime: ordinarily a serious misdemeanor, though it is a class D felony for a felony defendant and for anyone who was out awaiting sentencing or appeal.
↑ Back to the question list8. Refunds of cash bond
After the case closes, the clerk returns cash bond to the depositor if the defendant made all appearances, after subtracting what is owed in fines, court costs and restitution. A bondsman's fee is not returned. For inmate accounts, see our money guide.
↑ Back to the question list9. Federal and ICE holds
On the federal side, Webster County is served by the Northern District of Iowa (Central Division); its clerk's office is at 320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712-233-3900, and the court also sits in Fort Dodge. Jails follow ICE detainers under Iowa Code chapter 27A, meaning a posted state bond may not free a person with a hold. Search the ICE locator for detainees.
↑ Back to the question list10. What about juvenile arrests in Fort Dodge?
No schedule bond is set. Detained youths are placed at the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center, 2317 Rick Collins Way, Eldora, IA 50627, 641-858-3852, and a juvenile judge holds a hearing within 1 working day.
↑ Back to the question listWebster County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
702 1st Avenue South
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
515-573-1462
Schedule Video Visits online with Securus
- On-site Visits are free.
- Visits are 20 minutes.
- Visitation schedule subject to change.
- Inmates are allowed one visit per day however the weekly limit is determined by the inmates classification.
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an on-site video session.
- All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| MONDAY | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| TUESDAY | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| THURSDAY | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| FRIDAY | NO ON SITE VISITS |
| SATURDAY | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Webster County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
Schedule Video Visits online with Securus
- All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Remote visits are charged a fee of $12.99 for a 20 minute visit.
- Visitation Schedule subject to change.
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| MONDAY | 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| TUESDAY | 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| THURSDAY | 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| FRIDAY | 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| SATURDAY | 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Attorneys have access to their clients during the following times:
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Inmates cannot be seen during mealtimes, lockdowns and emergency situations.
- Attorneys may call 515-573-1462 for questions or appointments.
CIDNET Video Visitation allows families to conduct live, face-to-face video visits with incarcerated loved ones from home. Using an internet-connected smartphone, tablet, or personal computer equipped with a webcam, visitors connect directly through housing-unit video stations or handheld tablets without traveling to the facility or waiting in jail visitor lobbies.
Important: Advance Registration and Visitor Clearance Required
Detention centers do not permit unscheduled or unverified video sessions. Correctional facilities require prospective visitors to submit government-issued photo identification and receive administrative clearance before booking an appointment, an approval process that can take up to 48 hours depending on facility staffing. You should verify your visitor approval status with the facility prior to scheduling. If you do not register well in advance, you will miss your loved one's scheduled visiting window for the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Schedule a Video Visit
- Visit customer.cidnet.net or launch the CIDNET app.
- Register your visitor profile and upload a clear photograph of your government-issued ID and a verification photo.
- Wait for email notification confirming institutional visitor approval.
- Ensure your account has sufficient Data Points to cover the duration of the visit.
- Select Video Visitation, select the detention facility, and pick an available calendar time slot.
- Log into the website or mobile app 10 minutes prior to the start time on a device with a functioning camera, microphone, and stable high-speed internet connection.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate receives a schedule notification on their housing unit video kiosk or tablet. At the appointed time, they log in with their PIN and sit before the screen. Inmates and visitors must strictly observe jail dress and conduct rules; sessions are monitored by staff and will terminate immediately upon any violation.
Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal | Encartele Corporate
Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CIDNET
In addition to Remote Video Visitation, CIDNET provides several other communication channels:
- Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase the central credits that power video visitation, calling, and messaging.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data - Inmate Messaging & Digital Mail: Send electronic text messages and digital photo attachments directly to an inmate's terminal.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Messaging Portal - Phone PINs & Voice Calling: Fund prepaid telephone calling so your loved one can call your mobile device.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Phone Calling Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Voice Calling
Webster County District Court, Fort Dodge, Iowa
The Webster County Courthouse at 701 Central Avenue in Fort Dodge handles criminal cases for Iowa's Second Judicial District in this county.
The clerk's number is 515-576-7115.
Request counsel when you first see the judge and fill out a financial affidavit.
1. Who to contact
- Clerk of District Court: 701 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501; 515-576-7115; countyclerk.webster@iowacourts.gov.
- Webster County Attorney: 723 First Avenue South, Suite 150, Fort Dodge, IA 50501; 515-573-1452.
- Juvenile Court Office: 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501; 515-573-1449.
- Webster County Jail: Law Enforcement Center, 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501; 515-573-1462.
2. The initial appearance
Expect it the day after booking in most cases. Bond or release terms are decided there, the charge is explained, and a defendant can apply for appointed counsel. After an arrest made with no warrant, probable cause has to be found by a judge within 48 hours.
↑ Back to the question list3. Levels of judge
- Magistrates: simple misdemeanors, traffic and local ordinance cases.
- District associate judges: drunk driving and serious or aggravated misdemeanors.
- District judges: felonies; they also preside over juvenile court.
4. How a felony case moves
- Booking at the Law Enforcement Center, then the initial appearance.
- Prosecutors charge by trial information, usually within 45 days.
- Arraignment; many defendants file a not-guilty plea in writing instead.
- Pretrial discovery, depositions and motions.
- A trial due within 90 days after arraignment unless the defendant waives speedy trial.
- On conviction, a presentence investigation report and a sentencing hearing.
5. Finding a case
Public case information is available on Iowa Courts Online. Search by party name or case number; juvenile and sealed cases are not shown.
↑ Back to the question list6. Appointed counsel
Eligible defendants are assigned the public defender or a contract lawyer, though repayment of part of the fee may be ordered at sentencing.
↑ Back to the question list7. Juvenile matters
The Juvenile Court Office at the Law Enforcement Center, 515-573-1449, receives delinquency complaints, and the County Attorney files the petitions. Juvenile court officers can tell a parent where a detained child has been placed.
↑ Back to the question list8. Federal court
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Central Division, holds court in Fort Dodge; its clerk's office for this area is 320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712-233-3900. Case records are on PACER, and people in federal custody can be traced with the BOP locator.
↑ Back to the question list9. Bond
Our Webster County bail page covers amounts, payment and refunds.
↑ Back to the question list10. Where are Fort Dodge juveniles detained?
At the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center, 2317 Rick Collins Way, Eldora, IA 50627, 641-858-3852. A detention hearing must follow within 1 working day.
↑ Back to the question list11. Fort Dodge court warrant: deputies or city police?
Deputies from the sheriff's office on 1st Avenue South handle most district court warrants, and Fort Dodge police serve many city ones. The sheriff answers at 515-573-1462. No warrant names are posted, and Iowa has no public statewide search. Iowa Courts Online shows the case. The Clerk of District Court at 701 Central Avenue (515-576-7115) can explain asking for a new date.
↑ Back to the question list
JailATM Commissary Ordering allows family members to purchase pre-approved snack boxes, meat and cheese selections, hygiene bundles, and seasonal gift care packages sent directly to an incarcerated loved one. Each package is tailored to comply with local facility security rules, ensuring items clear intake smoothly without being rejected at the loading dock.
Important: Package Deadlines and Delivery Windows Vary
Detention centers do not all follow identical package distribution schedules. Some facilities allow weekly orders while others restrict shipments to bi-weekly or monthly windows, and spending limits differ widely across institutions. You should confirm the facility's active cutoff schedule and order allowances by calling them directly. If an order is placed after the weekly processing deadline, it will be held until the following distribution cycle, leaving your loved one waiting an extra cycle for fresh supplies.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Place a Commissary Package Order
- Confirm the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned booking identification number.
- Navigate to deposits.jailatm.com/webdeposits/ and sign into your account.
- Select Commissary Packs or Gift Packs from the service menu.
- Choose your state and detention center to open the jail's authorized product catalog.
- Search for the inmate to link the order to their active housing record.
- Browse available food bundles, hygiene kits, and clothing options, adding items up to the facility's allowed spending limit.
- Enter your billing details, complete checkout with a credit or debit card, and save your confirmation receipt.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need an active online account to receive care packages. JailATM fulfills the order in tamper-evident security containers and delivers it directly to the facility commissary department. Jail staff inspect the shipment and deliver the items during regular housing unit commissary distribution, where the inmate signs for receipt.
Official Provider: JailATM Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-877-810-0614
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by JailATM
In addition to Commissary Gift Packs, JailATM provides several other communication, financial, and visitation services at participating facilities:
- Inmate Trust & Commissary Money Deposits: Send money directly into an inmate's jail trust account for independent commissary spending.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Trust Deposits - Digital Messaging & Picture Sharing: Send electronic messages and photos directly to an inmate's housing unit kiosk.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Messaging - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Video Visits
Buy Commissary for an Inmate in the Webster County Jail
Webster County Jail Inmate Commissary - Sending Money or Purchasing Commissary for an Inmate
Webster County Jail allows inmates to purchase commissary. This can be snacks, hygiene products, stamps, stationary, clothing and even electronics.
You can buy commissary for an inmate using an online service called Jail ATM.
Questions? Call Jail ATM at 877-810-0914.
There is a monthly limit of $200-300 on how much inmates can spend on commissary items.
This amount is subject to change so call the facility at 515-573-1462 in order to confirm the amount that cannot be exceeded.
Inmates have access to both an in-house commissary store, and commissary packages that can be purchased and shipped to the inmate by friends and family.
Scroll down for information on the Webster County Jail's service they use for you being able to purchase commissary items online and have them shipped directly to the inmate.
You can also go to our Inmate Money page for information on how to send money to an inmate.
JailATM provides a secure electronic payment portal that allows friends and family members to deposit funds directly into an incarcerated person's jail trust and commissary account. Deposited money provides the financial balance needed for your loved one to purchase personal hygiene items, snacks, over-the-counter medical sundries, and correspondence supplies from the facility commissary.
Important: Facility Deposit Rules and Window Intake Vary
Once a person is booked and moved to a housing unit, facilities do not always allow cash drop-offs or phone payments directly to the jail window. Some might and you should confirm this by calling the facility and asking. But if you do not register online and fund your loved one's trust account immediately, they may be forced to wait days or weeks for standard paper processing, leaving them without essential soap, clean undergarments, basic medical sundries or snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Deposit Funds
- Obtain the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned facility booking ID number.
- Navigate to deposits.jailatm.com/webdeposits/ on your computer or mobile device.
- Click Sign In or Register to set up your verified user account using your email address and password.
- Select the state and the detention facility where the inmate is currently housed.
- Search for the inmate using their ID number or legal last name to confirm an exact roster match.
- Enter your desired deposit dollar amount and review the calculated transaction and convenience fees.
- Input your debit or credit card billing details, complete payment authorization, and save your digital receipt.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need an internet account to receive funds. Once the electronic transaction clears, the balance posts directly to their jail trust ledger according to facility accounting schedules. The inmate can review their updated balance at a dayroom pod kiosk or on their weekly trust statement and place orders on their regular commissary day.
Official Provider: JailATM Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-877-810-0614
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by JailATM
In addition to Trust & Commissary Money Deposits, JailATM provides several other communication, store, and visitation services at participating facilities:
- Commissary Gift Packs & Store Ordering: Order pre-approved snack boxes, food packages, and hygiene bundles sent directly to the jail.
• Learn more on our website: Commissary Gift Packs Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Store Orders - Digital Messaging & Picture Sharing: Send electronic messages and photos directly to an inmate's housing unit kiosk.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Messaging - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Video Visits
Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Webster County Jail
The Easiest and Securest Way of Depositing Money for an Inmate
There are several methods for depositing money on an inmate's account:
1. To send money online to an inmate in the Webster County Jail use Jail ATM.
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2. If you prefer to use your credit or debit card and deposit money over the phone, you can call them at 877-810-0914.
3. Some jails also have a JailATM kiosk for cash or card deposits. Call the Webster County Jail at 515-573-1462 to ask whether it has one and where it is.
4. The Webster County Jail may also allow you to *mail an inmate a money order or cashier’s check from a trusted source such as the Post Office, a local bank, or Western Union. Ask the jail who the money order should be made out to and what to write on it. To confirm this option call the facility at 515-573-1462.
*When mailing a money order or cashier’s check, send it an envelope by itself. Never send it with a letter or photos for your inmate, unless the facility allows it. Never send personal checks or cash.
5. To ask whether the Webster County Jail takes deposits in person, and when, call 515-573-1462.
The Webster County Jail is part of the Webster County Law Enforcement Center on 1st Avenue South in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Letters, legal papers and publications all go to that building. Include the person's full name and their inmate ID so staff can match the mail to them.
Where to send letters, legal mail and publications:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Webster County Jail
702 1st Avenue South
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
- Sender's details: Your full name and return address in the upper left corner are a must, or the letter will most likely never reach the inmate.
- Greeting cards: Choose a plain card without sound or music.
- Writing: Letters to Fort Dodge should be in blue or black ink only. Leave out drawings, colored ink, crayon, marker, lipstick and perfume.
- Inside the envelope: Glitter, confetti and anything else slipped in with the letter are not allowed.
- Newspapers: They have to come straight from the publisher.
- Books and magazines: Send them new, shipped by the publisher or an approved store. Magazines with weapons, profanity or adult content are taken away, and violent or obscene books are thrown out.
- Packages: Only through the vendor the jail uses for commissary.
- Stamps: Family can't mail stamps. Inmates buy them through commissary, and those who can't pay get a few each week with paper and envelopes.
- Contraband: All mail is inspected. Sending drugs or other banned items can lead to criminal charges for both you and the inmate.
Staff at 515-573-1462 can answer questions about mail.
CIDNET Phone Calling enables incarcerated individuals to place outbound voice calls from housing-unit wall phones or handheld tablets directly to approved cell phones and landlines. Because jail phone systems cannot accept incoming calls, setting up a CIDNET account and purchasing Data Points ensures outbound calls connect immediately without wireless carrier collect blocks.
Important: Mobile Networks Block Inmate Calls Without Data Points
Wireless cellular carriers automatically block collect calls originating from jail telecommunications systems. While some traditional landline telephone providers may support monthly operator billing, mobile smartphones and VoIP numbers require an active prepaid CIDNET balance, which you can verify with your provider. If you do not register your 10-digit number online and purchase Data Points immediately, your loved one will hear an automated operator recording stating that your phone number cannot accept calls.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Set Up and Fund Voice Calling
- Go to customer.cidnet.net or launch the CIDNET Customer mobile app.
- Register your account using the primary 10-digit telephone number where you want to receive calls.
- Upload your driver's license or state ID for identity verification.
- Select the detention center where the inmate is held and link them to your contact profile.
- Purchase Data Points using a debit or credit card to cover per-minute calling rates.
- Confirm your mobile phone allows calls from automated or unknown correctional numbers and does not send them to spam.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate approaches a pod wall phone or opens the phone app on their tablet, enters their assigned inmate PIN, and dials your 10-digit number. CIDNET's automated system verifies that your account has sufficient Data Points and connects the call once you accept the automated prompt. All non-privileged conversations are recorded and monitored by the facility.
Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal | Encartele Corporate
Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CIDNET
In addition to Phone Calling, CIDNET operates messaging and video visitation services:
- Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase the central credits used to pay for telephone talk time.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Video Visits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Video Visitation - Inmate Messaging & Digital Mail: Send text messages and digital photo attachments directly to an inmate's terminal.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Messaging Portal
Information for this service is currently unavailable.
CIDNET provides secure handheld wireless tablets designed specifically for correctional housing units. Operating over a private, encrypted facility network, these devices allow incarcerated individuals to exchange messages, place voice calls, conduct remote video visits, read approved digital books, access law library materials, and complete rehabilitative courses directly from their cells.
Important: Tablet Hardware Deployment and Rental Rules Vary
Detention centers do not manage tablet distribution identically. While some agencies issue individual personal tablets to every detainee at booking, others utilize shared pod docking stations or restrict tablet use to specific dayroom hours, which you should confirm with the facility directly. Although core educational and legal resources are generally provided free of charge, sending messages or making calls from the tablet requires an active balance of Data Points funded by friends or family.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Support Tablet Use
- Confirm that CIDNET handheld tablets are active and deployed at your loved one's specific detention facility.
- Register your verified user account at customer.cidnet.net.
- Complete identity verification by uploading your government photo ID.
- Link the inmate to your profile and purchase a reserve of CIDNET Data Points.
- Notify your loved one that funds are available so they can open the communication apps on their tablet.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate unlocks their assigned tablet using biometric verification or their unique facility PIN. Once logged on, they can browse institutional announcements, access educational materials, or select approved outside contacts to read messages and start calls. When quiet hours begin or tablets require recharging, inmates return devices to designated pod docking carts.
Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal | Encartele Corporate
Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CIDNET
In addition to Inmate Tablet Services, CIDNET provides several core communication channels:
- Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase the digital currency required to power all tablet communications.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data - Inmate Messaging & Digital Mail: Send text messages and photos directly to an inmate's tablet screen.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Messaging Portal - Remote Video Visitation: Conduct scheduled live video calls directly to their tablet or pod kiosk.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Video Visits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Video Visitation
Webster County Juvenile Facilities
- Jail (Main): 515-573-1462
The Webster County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Webster County: Duncombe and Fort Dodge.