The institution has 1,250 beds, and it has 1,312 inmates (1,162 at capacity) and another 75 in segregation (as of 29 April 2018).

The Fort Dodge facility is based on a campus model, with administration and treatment buildings, five living units, and support structures such as warehouse and power plant buildings.

The living areas are divided into units to provide easier supervision and control of inmates.

Perimeter security is provided by a double fence with electronic detection.

The facility offers a highly structured five-month program called RIVERS (Redirecting Individual Values, Energy, Relationships, and Skills) that helps inmates to adjust to life and employment outside the correctional system.