If you’re worried about what security level Federal Prison institution you will be sent to, you need to first understand how that is determined. The Designation, Sentence and Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie Texas takes several data points, primarily from your PSR, to develop a custody score. That custody score is what determines the security level of prison you’re going to.
There are 4 Different Security Levels of Institution In The Federal Bureau of Prisons
Minimum Security Camp
Most non-violent, first time, white collar offenders who’s net sentence is less than 10 years when they arrive in the actual BOP, will typically end up in a Federal Prison Camp. For the most part, there are two kinds of camps, stand alone camps and camps that are on a Federal Correctional Complex. Complex camps may have a small fence, and their inmate population generally works jobs that service the other facilities on the compound, like facilities, landscaping and orderly (custodial).
Stand alone camps are often on other federally owned property like military bases. Those camps inmate populations service the military base in the same fashion. At FPC Montgomery (Maxwell), many inmates had jobs that serviced the Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery or the Gunter Grounds Air Force Base, also in Montgomery. Unicor at FPC Montgomery provides laundry service for all of the military installations in Alabama.
Due to what is called “Public Safety Factor” sex offenders are not permitted at camp.
Federal Correctional Institution LOW
What seperates the lows from the minimums is typically the size of the inmate population, a razor wire fence, controlled movement and the presence of sex offenders.
Many of the low institutions have populations around 1000. For the most part they are non-violent and many of the inmates there are focused on getting home. There are several “active yards” at FCI Lows, such as Yazzoo, Elkton and Forrest City, among others. Inmates in FCI lows are housed in either cubicles or cells. They have controlled movement which means they can move from area to area one time per hour, typically between the hours of 7:30am and 8:30pm outside of count times and mainline.
Federal Correctional Institution MEDIUM
FCI Mediums is the first step towards “big boy prison”. Most mediums are active yards which means you will need to join a car. There are a handful of mediums that have an “S.O.” car whereas the SO population rides together and pretty much separate from the rest of the compound. However, many of the active mediums do not have SO cars and yes there are mediums where SO’s can’t walk. On those yards many SO’s “check in” until they can be moved to another institution. In many cases though being respectful, keeping your head down and minding your own business will thwart off many potential attacks.
United States Penitentiary (USP)
The USP is the highest security level. Inmates are housed in cells. There is controlled movement and unless it’s a “drop out” yard, it’s an active yard. There is an inherent security risk with USP’s.
Most people facing Federal Prison and reading this webpage are not going to the USP as most USP eligible offenders are awaiting sentencing and transport in the county jail. In all actuality as said above, it’s rare that a white collar first time offender starts anywhere except a minimum or low. One reason you may start at a medium is the length of sentence (20+ years) other than that you should start at a low
Custody Points Determine Your Plaecment
Custody points are what makes that determination. Your custody score is determined by a wide range of data points including:
- Age at arrest
- Length of Sentence
- Criminal History
- Faililial background and history
- Education
- Programattic needs (drug or SO treatment)
- “Life Skills”
Everything is assigned a point value and the points correspond to a security level
0-11 Minimum Security Camp
12-15 FCI Low
16-23 FCI Medium
23 and above USP
Now although the FCI Low has the smallest point range, low institutions actually have the largest population of the aggregate BOP population. This is primarily because SO’s top out at a low institution.
If you have questions, or think you would benefit from a Federal Prison Consultant (you would) please email info@federalprisontips.com or call 407-735-6995
