Fort Dodge Correctional Facility quickly brings disturbance under control

FORT DODGE – Iowa corrections official claim that an uprising in an Iowa prison Thursday was quickly brought under control.

At approximately 9:35 Thursday morning, April 16, a physical altercation began between two groups of inmates at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. The altercation took place in the main yard, in front of one of the living units. When security staff responded, the inmates refused to obey verbal commands to disengage. The responding officers then used oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray to gain compliance from the groups.

While the officers were gaining compliance and restraining this group of inmates, a second, smaller, physical altercation broke out between between two groups of inmates in front of a different living unit. Security staff were able to respond quickly and use verbal commands to gain compliance from those involved. In total, approximately 14 inmates were involved between the two incidents.

Due to the swift and effective efforts of the responding staff at the facility, there were no staff injured during these events, and no inmates suffered major injuries.

This incident remains under investigation.