Policy IO-OR-06 - Incarcerated Individual/Client Grievance Procedures (Iowa DOC)

Iowa Department of Corrections Policy IO-OR-06, effective February 2025, governs grievances in state institutions and community-based corrections. A grievance must be filed with the Grievance Officer within 30 calendar days of the alleged incident using form IO-OR-06 F-1, with only one issue per form; informal resolution is required first except for allegations of sexual abuse. Within seven working days the Grievance Officer numbers the grievance and classifies it as emergency, non-grievable, not processed, or standard, and must provide a written response within 21 working days. A grievant may appeal to the Warden or District Director within 15 calendar days on form IO-OR-06 F-4, with a response due in 15 working days, then to the Deputy Director of Institutions or CBC Operations within 15 calendar days, with a response in 30 working days; that is the final step, and the whole process is capped at 103 working days. Sexual abuse, sexual harassment and retaliation allegations are not processed as grievances and are sent to the Division of Investigative Services. The policy states individuals may seek help at any time from the Office of Ombudsman, 1112 E. Grand Avenue, Des Moines, (515) 281-3592.