Winneshiek County Jail receives Iowa DOC "Best of the Best" Award
The Winneshiek County Jail has been recognized as one of the top-performing medium-sized jails in the State of Iowa, receiving the prestigious “Best of the Best” award from the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC).
The award recognizes the exceptional efforts and commitment demonstrated by jail staff in the daily operation and management of the facility. The achievement reflects the professionalism, dedication and attention to detail exhibited by the entire Winneshiek County Jail team.
The Iowa Department of Corrections established the “Best of the Best” award in 2017 to formally recognize exceptional efforts in jail operations. Some of the criteria for this award include but are not limited to:
Cleanliness: The daily condition and sanitation of the facility
Facility maintenance: The upkeep, repair, and overall stewardship of the physical plant
Records management: Meticulous, accurate, and complete documentation
Safety and treatment of staff and inmates: The security of the facility and the humane, professional treatment of everyone inside it
Overall management of jail operations: A well-managed operation in its entirety
The recognition celebrates jails that demonstrate excellence in operations and management while maintaining a strong focus on the safety and well-being of both incarcerated individuals and staff.
Under Iowa Code Chapter 356, all county jails in Iowa are subject to an annual inspection by the Iowa Department of Corrections to ensure compliance with the Iowa Administrative Code’s Jail Standards. The inspection process includes a comprehensive review of daily jail documentation, a tour of the facility, interaction with incarcerated individuals, and an operational review conducted by a DOC inspector.
The Winneshiek County Jail’s most recent inspection, conducted on September 23, 2026, was noted to have a clean, well-managed and well-maintained jail with complete and organized documentation by the Iowa Department of Corrections.
“This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire jail staff,” said Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx. “The work our jailers do each day is often behind the scenes, but it is extremely important. They are responsible for the safety and security of the facility while also ensuring the humane and dignified treatment of our inmates. This award is a well-deserved recognition of their commitment.”
The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to all current and former jail staff whose dedication and professionalism have contributed to the success of the Winneshiek County Jail.
Congratulations to the entire Winneshiek County Jail team on this outstanding achievement!
