What the Federal Bureau of Prisons does

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is the division of the U.S. Department of Justice that runs federal prisons and holds people convicted of federal crimes. It is not the same as state prison systems, which hold people convicted under state law. The BOP operates over 120 facilities across the United States, ranging from minimum-security camps to high-security penitentiaries.

Federal crimes are different from state crimes. They include offences like bank robbery, drug trafficking across state lines, mail fraud, counterfeiting, kidnapping, and violations of federal law. A person sentenced in federal court goes to a BOP facility; a person sentenced in state court goes to a state prison. The two systems operate separately, though they follow similar structures for security levels and inmate management.

The BOP also manages community supervision for people released from federal prison. This includes monitoring through probation officers and halfway houses. The agency employs correctional officers, counsellors, medical staff, and administrative workers across its facilities.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Bureau of Prisons holds people convicted of federal crimes, not state crimes, and operates over 120 facilities with different security levels.
  • Federal facilities range from minimum-security camps where inmates may work outside the fence to high-security penitentiaries with controlled movement and locked cells.
  • The BOP assigns inmates to facilities based on security level, medical needs, programming availability, and proximity to family when possible.
  • The BOP maintains an inmate locator database where you can search for a specific person's current facility, register number, and release date.
  • People in federal custody can file complaints through the BOP's administrative remedy process, which requires following specific steps and timelines.

Security levels and facility types

The BOP sorts its facilities into five security levels. Minimum-security camps house inmates with the lowest risk of escape and violence. These facilities have no fences, and inmates often work outside the main compound in food service, maintenance, or landscaping. Camps are typically located on the grounds of larger facilities.

Low-security facilities have fences and more structured movement, but inmates have more freedom than in higher levels. Medium-security facilities use cell blocks, controlled movement between areas, and more staff presence. High-security penitentiaries hold inmates convicted of violent crimes or with histories of escape attempts. Cells are locked, movement is restricted, and surveillance is constant. Administrative facilities hold inmates in protective custody, those awaiting trial, or those with serious medical or mental health needs.

The BOP assigns an inmate to a specific security level based on their criminal history, the crime they committed, behaviour in custody, and escape risk. An inmate's security level can change if their behaviour changes or if they pose a different risk over time.

How the BOP assigns people to facilities

When someone is sentenced in federal court, the BOP does not automatically place them in the nearest prison. The agency uses a system called the Designation and Sentence Computation Center to decide which facility is appropriate. The BOP considers the inmate's security level, any medical or mental health conditions, the availability of programmes the inmate needs (such as substance abuse treatment or education), and the inmate's ties to family and community.

An inmate can request a transfer to a facility closer to family, but the BOP does not may provide this. Transfers are approved based on bed availability, security needs, and programme requirements. An inmate or their family member can write to the facility's counsellor to request a transfer, though approval can take months or may be denied.

The BOP also uses contract facilities run by private companies and residential reentry centers (halfway houses) for inmates nearing release. These are not traditional prisons but are part of the BOP's custody system.

Finding someone in federal custody

The BOP maintains a public inmate locator on its website where you can search for a specific person. You need either their full name or their BOP register number (a unique identifier assigned when they enter federal custody). The locator shows the person's current facility, their register number, their sentence length, and their projected release date.

If the search returns no results, the person may not be in federal custody—they could be in state prison, local jail, or already released. The locator is updated regularly but may lag by a day or two. If you cannot find someone and believe they are in federal custody, you can contact the facility directly or call the BOP's central office.

Visiting rules vary by facility and security level. Minimum and low-security facilities usually allow more visiting hours and fewer restrictions on contact. High-security facilities may limit visits to specific days and times, require advance notice, and restrict physical contact. Each facility publishes its own visiting schedule and rules on the BOP website.

Communication and mail policies

Inmates in federal custody can send and receive mail, make phone calls, and send emails through the BOP's approved email system called CorrLinks. Mail is screened for contraband and security threats, which can delay delivery. Incoming mail with cash, cheques, or items not on the facility's approved list will be rejected or returned.

Phone calls are monitored and recorded. Inmates can call approved numbers, but the calls are expensive—rates vary by facility but typically cost several dollars per minute. Collect calls are available at some facilities. Inmates cannot make outgoing calls freely; they must use the system during designated times.

CorrLinks allows inmates to send and receive email-like messages to people on their approved contact list. This is often cheaper than phone calls and faster than mail. Not all facilities offer CorrLinks, and access depends on the inmate's security level and behaviour record.

Release planning and reentry

Before an inmate's release date, the BOP begins reentry planning. This includes assigning the person to a residential reentry center (halfway house) for the final months of their sentence, where they can work or attend school in the community while under supervision. Not all inmates are placed in halfway houses—it depends on their security level, behaviour, and the availability of beds.

The BOP also coordinates with U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services to set up supervision after release. Most people released from federal prison are on probation or supervised release for a set period. The probation officer monitors compliance with release conditions, which may include drug testing, employment requirements, or restrictions on travel.

Inmates can work with their counsellor to prepare for release by taking educational programmes, vocational training, or substance abuse treatment while in custody. These programmes may reduce the length of supervised release or improve the person's chances of successful reentry.

Filing complaints and appeals

If an inmate believes they have been treated unfairly or a rule has been broken, they can file a complaint through the BOP's administrative remedy process. This is a formal system with specific steps and important date. The inmate must first file an informal complaint with staff at the facility, giving them a chance to resolve the issue. If that does not work, the inmate files a formal BP-8 form (a written complaint) with the facility's counsellor or captain.

The facility has 15 days to respond. If the inmate is not satisfied, they can appeal to the regional office, which has 30 days to respond. If still unsatisfied, they can appeal to the BOP's central office in Washington, D.C., which has 30 days to respond. This entire process must be completed before an inmate can file a lawsuit in federal court.

Complaints can be about medical care, safety, discipline, or any other aspect of custody. The BOP takes complaints seriously, but the process is slow and outcomes are not may provide. An inmate should keep copies of all forms and responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out what facility someone is in?

Use the BOP's inmate locator on its website. Search by the person's full name or their BOP register number. The locator shows their current facility, register number, sentence length, and projected release date. If the search returns no results, contact the facility directly or call the BOP's central office.

Can an inmate request a transfer to a different facility?

Yes, an inmate can request a transfer through their facility counsellor, usually to be closer to family. However, the BOP does not may provide transfers. Approval depends on bed availability, security level, and programme needs. Requests can take months to process or may be denied.

What is CorrLinks and how does it work?

CorrLinks is the BOP's email system for inmates. It allows approved contacts to send and receive messages with inmates at facilities that offer the service. Access depends on the inmate's security level and behaviour record. It is usually cheaper than phone calls and faster than mail.

What happens to someone when they are released from federal prison?

Most people released from federal prison are placed on supervised release (probation) for a set period. The BOP may place them in a residential reentry center (halfway house) for the final months of their sentence. A probation officer monitors compliance with release conditions, which may include drug testing, employment requirements, or travel restrictions.

How do I file a complaint about an inmate's treatment?

The inmate must file an informal complaint with staff first. If unresolved, they file a formal BP-8 form with the facility counsellor. The facility responds in 15 days. If unsatisfied, the inmate appeals to the regional office (30 days), then the central office (30 days). This process must be completed before filing a lawsuit.