The main role of the IMCC is to serve as a reception and classification center for adults being sent to prison.

IMCC is also the home of the Iowa Forensic Psychiatric Hospital which holds up to 28 patients while being evaluated for mental competency.

IMCC also provides medical, educational, and social services to other Iowa prisons.

It holds a medium security general population of about 300 Incarcerated Individuals, who work to maintain the facility.

In February 2007 a portion of the perimeter fence surrounding the center was damaged in an ice storm.