Police and Law Enforcement

Advocates are raising concerns about recent restrictions put in place in some of Iowa's prisons. The changes come in the wake of the killings of two staffers at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, allegedly by two inmates. Some loved ones worry the conditions behind bars may lead to further violence.

An Iowa panel voted Monday to settle a lawsuit and pay five protesters who supported the Black Lives Matter movement and alleged constitutional rights violations when they were banned from the state Capitol grounds.

Law enforcement officials across Iowa have stated their support for protecting recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Extreme heat is posing a danger to vulnerable people throughout Iowa this week, with heat indices well above 100 degrees in some areas. The temperatures are especially concerning for some of the state’s prisons, which don’t have air conditioning.

Iowa public safety officials say the 27 state troopers and one agent deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border this month worked as a “force multiplier” for Texas law enforcement, and the additional cost to Iowa taxpayers for the mission is approximately $200,000.

Prosecutors sought to poke holes in new testimony presented in court Tuesday in the case of Cristhian Bahena Rivera. His attorneys want another trial after new evidence surfaced related to the 2018 death of Mollie Tibbetts.

A new study from Iowa State University finds a lack of sleep limits the information a person will offer during a police investigation.

A judge has denied the defense’s request for more information on other potential suspects in the death of Mollie Tibbetts. Cristhian Bahena Rivera, who was convicted of killing her, is seeking a new trial after new witnesses came forward in the case.

A sentencing hearing for the man convicted of killing Iowa college student Mollie Tibbetts has been delayed, after his attorneys requested a new trial and more time to review new evidence. Instead of sentencing Cristhian Bahena Rivera on Thursday, a judge will hold a hearing on defense requests to compel prosecutors to hand over information about other suspects.

Incarcerated Iowans are once again being allowed to visit with their loved ones face-to-face, after 16 months of no in-person contact. Visits at state prisons resumed on July 10, though social distancing and other restrictions remain in place.