Federal defendants come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and yes, even handicaps. There are quite a few handicapped inmates being held in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. So what happens if you’re handicapped and facing Federal Prison.
First things first, start a relationship with Federal Prison Tips LLC, which can help you navigate your time through Federal Prison. But after that, here’s what happens.
Housing and Transportation
Unless you’re facing an incredibly long amount of time, have an enormously violent charge or an extremely heinous sex charge, they will most likely let you self report. This is going to save the Marshal’s from issues housing you in a county jail and transporting you on one of their busses or ConAir.
When you arrive to your Federal Prison institution you will be automatically assigned “Care Level 2” or higher. Care Level 2 is “stable, chronic care”. This is designed for inmates with easy to maintain conditions such as diabetes, IBS, basic cardiac ailments and even some physical handicaps. For instance if you’re a right leg amputee below the knee, and have been that way for years, you will most likely be a “care 2”. Most BOP institutions house Care 2 inmates with just a few exceptions.
If you have a more complex disability, need consistent care by a medical professional or any kind of continued intravenous maintenance you will most likely be designated “Care 3”. Care 3 inmates are housed at the Bureau of Prisons medical facilities. These facilities, or complexes, house every security level, predominantly on different “compounds”. They also feature and FMC which is a Federal Medical Center, essentially a hospital. Those FMC’s are often overseen by doctors from top tier hospitals on the outside. For instance, FMC Butner is supervised by doctors from Duke while FMC Devins is supervised by doctors from Harvard. In Rochester Minnesota the FMC is supervised by doctors from the Mayo Clinic.
Provided you are going to a regular facility that houses “Care 2” inmates, you will be mixed into general population however your cell or cube will be handicapped accessible (if you’re in a wheel chair). The handicapped accessible cells and cubes are a little wider and often have extra rails and things needed to assist you.
When you’re assigned to a medical facility you will find hospital style beds (if need be) with T bars and other devices to assist in your mobility.
At either placement if you need assistance getting from place to place you will be assigned an Inmate Care Provider. The ICP is tasked with taking you to and from the chow hall, recreation, education and medical appointments. ICPs receive payment and this is their job, and that’s the extent of their job. In many situations the ICP and the person they are providing care for, establish relationships that may include more services, like cleaning your cell or cube, preparing commissary food and other tasks. Those tasks however are separate and the handicapped inmate and the ICP work out the terms for compensation.
When the handicapped inmate is at a facility that houses Care 2 inmates, their goal is for that inmate to have a similar experience as the rest of the population. At the medical facilities they try and have activities that cater to their handicapped population. For instance at Butner they have handicapped recreation contests every quarter, like wheelchair races and basketball tournaments.
Many handicapped defendants are disillusioned in thinking that their handicap will somehow prevent them from having to serve time in Federal Prison. This is completely false. If you do the crime and get convicted of it, if you’re still breathing the BOP has a facility for you.
How Will I Be Treated By Other Inmates?
Believe it or not, the handicapped population in Federal Prison is often times one of the most respected, as long as you maintain a mutual respect.
A respectful (read not onerous) handicapped person will pretty much be protected by other inmates. You’ll see some of the hardest criminals take the time to help push handicapped inmates in wheelchairs or assist them with the commissary bags. You’ll also see inmates jump to their rescue if the handicapped person becomes the target for harassment. Inmates treating handicapped inmates badly is just not accepted by the general inmate population.
If you’re headed to Federal Prison or have a loved one headed to Federal Prison we have a wide range of services available in an “all in” package. Email info@federalprisontips.com or use this contact form.
