Newton State Representative Jon Dunwell is gathering information from other state lawmakers who have a correction facility in their district. Dunwell has deep concerns about the safety of correctional officers, and if what’s being done in prisons is preparing those incarcerated for life outside of prison.

“Is what we are doing healthy? Is it preparing them? Because they are going to become our neighbor and we don’t want to see them going back there. It’s an expense, it’s not a comfortable place. So this is a huge issue.”

The Newton Republican says Iowa’s prisons are about 22% overcrowded. In addition to meeting with other state lawmakers, Dunwell says he’s met with correctional officers, the union, lobbyists, and Correctional Department leadership. The Republican’s goal is to develop a long term strategy to address these and other issues within the Corrections System.