WEBSTER COUNTY IOWA

Effective immediately,
The Webster County Sheriff’s Office is implementing some temporary changes in an effort to reduce some of the risks associated with COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This is being done in an effort to protect those we serve as well as our dedicated staff.

These are the precautionary measures we are taking:

•Corrections Division: We have a heightened intake screening process and are taking additional sanitary precautions. The Webster County Jail has SUSPENDED all jail visitation until further notice, other than attorney visits. Finger printing for the public is also SUSPENDED.

•Patrol Division: Our Deputies are still here to serve you and will still be available 24/7. We are, however, encouraging them to take additional precautions to reduce the risk potential. This may include taking reports by telephone, not allowing the public into the vehicle unless necessary when circumstances allow. Also Deputies are encouraged to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet when talking to anyone in public if possible. To practice hand washing and sanitizing on a regular basics.

•Concealed Handgun Licensing: "We are working to have the forms available on line at  www.webstercountyia.org and click on the Sheriff tab. We hope to have this implemented by the end of the working day Friday March 20th. A person can print off the forms whether it is a new application for permit to carry, a renewal, or a Permit to Acquire at their residence and fill them out. It must be mailed in to the Sheriff’s Office at 702 1st Ave South, Fort Dodge Iowa 50501.  Also please include a colored copy of your identification (Driver’s License), which must be your current address, along with a local check or money order.  If applying for the renewal include all of the above along with a copy of your permit.
The prices for each is as follows, Renewal $25. Or new $50.  You may also go to Iowa Department of Public Safety and print out the forms.

New Carry permit include: Application, Copy of Class Certificate of Training, Color Copy of Drivers License, $50.00 local check or money order
Renewal of Carry Permit: Application, Colored copy of Drivers license, Colored copy of Permit, and 
$25.00 local check or money order.
Acquire Permit-Application, Colored copy of Drivers License, and $25.00 local check or money order

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
WEBSTER COUNTY SHERIFF
702 1ST AVE SOUTH
FORT DODGE IOWA 50501

•Limited Access to Law Center: Webster County Sheriff’s Office has limited access to the Webster County Law Enforcement Center. Members of the public are encouraged to call in to the Sheriff’s Office first before stopping in (515) 573-1410 or Fort Dodge Police Dept. (515) 573-2323. If the public stops by limited access is in place for the protection of both department's staff. The public doors will remain unlocked to gain access to the lobby area only, from there the doors to jail visitation and administration offices will be locked. There is an intercom in the entry area that can be utilized so that contact can be made with a dispatcher. You will then be advised on how to contact the department that you would like to talk to administration offices, jail, a deputy or officer.

If anyone from the public needs a copy of an accident or incident report the preferred method would be that they can contact the department they are needing it from and a copy can be emailed, faxed and or mailed to you after payment of $5.00 is received by check or money order.

We continue to work with state and local officials regarding this issue. We will continue to monitor the situation and the temporary changes may be modified.

The Sheriff's Office encourages the community to remain calm and to follow the advice of official sources such as Webster County Board of Supervisors, City of Fort Dodge, Webster County Emergency Management, Webster County Public Health, Iowa Dept. of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control on what preventative measures you can take to help insure the safety of our citizens.

Respectfully,
Luke M Fleener
Webster County Sheriff