Inmate Security Designation & Custody Classification

18 U.S.C. § 3621(b): PLACE OF IMPRISONMENT (FINAL SENTENCE)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a designation of a place of imprisonment under this subsection is not reviewable by any court.

The authority behind PS 5100.08.

CHANGE NOTICE (EXCERPT)

Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification. Approved by William K. Marshall III, Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons. Number 5100.08, CN-3. Date May 6, 2026.

This Change Notice (CN) implements a change to Program Statement 5100.08, Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification, dated September 12, 2006. Change notice updates Section 1, Purpose and Scope. The new language is highlighted. The deleted text has a Strikethrough.

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. This Program Statement provides policy and procedure regarding the Bureau of Prisons inmate classification system. The classification of inmates is necessary to place each inmate in the most appropriate security level institution that also meets their program needs and is consistent with the Bureau’s mission to protect society.

The Bureau’s classification, designation and redesignation procedures are consistent with the statutory authority contained in 18 U.S.C. § 3621(b). Designation and redesignation of an inmate’s place of imprisonment shall be consistent with the statutory authority contained in 18 U.S.C. § 3621(b), which requires the Bureau of Prisons to designate an inmate’s place of imprisonment subject to consideration of several factors.

28 U.S.C. § 509 provides, “[a]ll functions of other officers of the Department of Justice and all functions of agencies and employees of the Department of Justice are vested in the Attorney General.” In certain circumstances, the Attorney General may exercise authority to designate or redesignate the place of a prisoner’s imprisonment, consistent with the requirements of 18 U.S.C. § 3621(b).

Notice of the Attorney General’s intention to exercise vested authority to designate or redesignate the place of a prisoner’s imprisonment shall be provided to the Bureau of Prisons as soon as practicable. Absent such notification, procedures for making classification, designation and redesignation decisions as described herein should be followed by the Bureau of Prisons.

Where authority to determine the place of a prisoner’s imprisonment is invoked by the Attorney General, the Bureau may provide relevant information in order to facilitate the determination. The Bureau may also facilitate communication or correspondence between the inmate and the Office of the Attorney General.

All classification, designation and redesignation decisions are made without favoritism given to an inmate’s social or economic status.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION (EXCERPT)

Bureau of Prisons (BOP) institutions are classified into one of five security levels: MINIMUM, LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, and ADMINISTRATIVE based on the level of security and staff supervision the institution is able to provide. An institution’s level of security and staff supervision is based on the following factors: mobile patrol; towers; perimeter barriers; detection devices; internal security; type of inmate housing; inmate-to-staff ratio; and, any special institutional mission.

Similarly, BOP inmates are classified based on the following factors: The level of security and supervision the inmate requires; and, The inmate’s program needs, i.e., substance abuse, educational/vocational training, individual counseling, group counseling, or medical/mental health treatment, etc.

In summary, the initial assignment (designation) of an inmate to a particular institution is based primarily upon: The level of security and supervision the inmate requires; The level of security and staff supervision the institution is able to provide; and, The inmate’s program needs.

Additional factors that are also considered when designating an inmate to a particular institution include, but are not limited to: The inmate’s release residence; The level of overcrowding at an institution; Any security, location or program recommendation made by the sentencing court; Any Central Inmate Monitoring issues (see Program Statement Central Inmate Monitoring Program); Any additional security measures to ensure the protection of victims/witnesses and the public in general; and, Any other factor(s) which may involve the inmate’s confinement; the protection of society; and/or the safe and orderly management of a BOP facility.

Initial designations to BOP institutions are initiated, in most cases by staff at the Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC), Grand Prairie, Texas, who assess and enter information from the sentencing court, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorneys Office or other prosecuting authority and the U.S. Probation Office about the inmate into a computer database (SENTRY). The Bureau of Prisons shall designate the place of the prisoner's imprisonment, and shall, subject to bed availability, the prisoner's security designation, the prisoner's programmatic needs, the prisoner's mental and medical health needs, any request made by the prisoner related to faith-based needs, recommendations of the sentencing court, and other security concerns of the Bureau of Prisons, place the prisoner in a facility as close as practicable to the prisoner's primary residence, and to the extent practicable, in a facility within 500 driving miles of that residence.

SENTRY then calculates a point score for that inmate which (for example, 18 points) is then matched with a commensurate security level institution. Security Level, Custody Level, Male, Female: MINIMUM, COMMUNITY and OUT, 0-11 points, 0-15 points. LOW, OUT and IN, 12-15 points, 16-30 points. MEDIUM, OUT and IN, 16-23 points, *. HIGH, IN and MAXIMUM, 24+ points, 31+ points. ADMINISTRATIVE, All custody levels, All point totals.

An inmate’s security point score is not the only factor used in determining a commensurate security level for an inmate. The application of a PSF or MGTV could effect placement at either a higher or lower level institution than the specified point total indicates. (SEE CHAPTER 5 FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION) NOTE: A security level cannot be assigned by SENTRY without completing an Inmate Load and Security Designation Form. If an inmate has not been assigned a security level, SENTRY will automatically assign “UNKNOWN” as the security level. * Female security level institutions are classified as Minimum, Low, High and Administrative.

Once all necessary information has been entered into the SENTRY database, a DSCC or Medical Designations Officer, (hereafter, Designator) selects an institution for service of sentence based on all the previously mentioned factors.

Redesignations (transfers) from one Bureau institution to another are considered in much the same manner using many of the same factors used at the time of initial designation. In addition, the inmate’s institutional adjustment and program performance are also carefully reviewed when redesignation is considered.

Finally, an initial custody level (COMMUNITY, IN, OUT, MAXIMUM) is also assigned to the inmate that is consistent with the institutions mission. (See previous chart). An inmate’s custody level within any given security level institution is routinely reviewed and may change for various reasons during the period of incarceration.

CHAPTER 2: DEFINITIONS (EXCERPT)

PRIVATIZED FACILITY. A prison, institution, or other correctional facility that is operated or supervised by a non-governmental entity. Privatized facilities are managed by private organizations or individuals with oversight provided by Bureau staff.

PUBLIC SAFETY FACTOR. There are certain demonstrated behaviors which require increased security measures to ensure the protection of society. There are nine Public Safety Factors (PSFs) which are applied to inmates who are not appropriate for placement at an institution which would permit inmate access to the community (i.e., MINIMUM security). The application of a PSF overrides security point scores to ensure the appropriate security level is assigned to an inmate, based on his or her demonstrated current or prior behavior.

REDESIGNATION. The reassignment of an inmate from one institution to another after initial designation. Unit staff submit a request to the DSCC, and the inmate’s case is reviewed for possible transfer. Approval of a redesignation results in an order from DSCC staff indicating a correctional institution to which an inmate is to be transferred. The actual movement of an inmate from one institution or facility to another is referred to as a transfer.

SECURITY DESIGNATION DATA (EXCERPT)

The Security Designation Data section (Items 1 to 18) of the Inmate Load and Security Designation form (BP-337) records sentencing, programing recommendations, and background information from the Judgment, the Statement of Reasons (SOR), and the PSR. This information is used to determine the inmate’s security level.

1. JUDGE. Enter the sentencing Judge's last name. 2. RECOMMENDED FACILITY. The court may recommend a specific institution or a geographical region for a newly committed inmate. Enter the name of the recommended institution or region. If a specific SENTRY facility code is entered, that facility will appear at the top of the list presented to the Designator for consideration. 3. RECOMMENDED PROGRAM. Enter the name or type of any program recommended by the sentencing Judge. 4. USM OFFICE. Enter the location of the USM Office (e.g., E/VA-NOR).

5. VOLUNTARY SURRENDER (EXCERPT)

This item allows for the subtraction of three points from the Security Point Total, Item 15, when the Judgment indicates the inmate was allowed to voluntarily surrender. For purposes of this item, voluntary surrender means the inmate was not escorted by a law enforcement officer to either the U.S. Marshals Office or the place of confinement. Additionally, this item applies only to post-sentencing voluntary surrender, and does not include cases where the inmate surrendered to the U.S. Marshals on the same day as sentencing. Voluntary Surrender Credit may only be applied to the initial term of confinement; it may not be applied to any subsequent Supervised Release, Mandatory Release or parole Violation return to custody.

5a. VOLUNTARY SURRENDER DATE. If the court has provided for voluntary surrender, enter the date of the voluntary surrender in this block. If the court provided for voluntary surrender but did not provide a specific date for the surrender, the DSCC will contact the court to establish a mutually agreeable date. NOTE: In cases where the court allows the inmate to voluntarily surrender but the inmate will not receive (-3) points on this item the date will still be entered on this item.

5b. VOLUNTARY SURRENDER LOCATION. The DSCC will note whether the inmate is to voluntarily surrender to the USMS or to the designated institution.

6. MONTHS TO RELEASE (EXCERPT)

This item reflects the estimated number of months the inmate is expected to be incarcerated. Consecutive federal sentences will be added together for classification purposes. Federal sentences may have different beginning dates, based on the Judgment Order. There may even be a computation in SENTRY with a beginning date in the future. Based on the inmate’s sentence(s), enter the total number of months remaining, less 15% (for sentences over 12 months), and credit for any jail time served. This item is not figured into the security point total but impacts the Sentence Length Public Safety Factor.

Example: An adult convicted of Breaking and Entering under the Sentence Reform Act is sentenced to eight years. The expected length of incarceration is (96 months x 85% = 81.6 months). Round to the nearest whole number to get 82 and subtract any jail time credit (180 days) = 76 months to release. NOTE: Enter 540 months for death penalty cases, life sentences, and Parolable life sentences for which a parole date has not been established.

MANAGEMENT VARIABLES (EXCERPT)

S PSF Waived. An inmate may receive up to three Public Safety Factors (PSFs). PSFs may be waived after review and approval by the DSCC Administrator. When Public Safety Factors are waived causing placement outside normal guidelines, this MGTV will apply. Application of this MGTV mandates that the DSCC Administrator determine the most appropriate level of security required by the inmate and apply a Management Security Level (MSL). The MSL must be at least one level less than the scored security level which is based on the Security Total and PSF(s).

Request for Public Safety Factor Waiver. Only the DSCC Administrator is authorized to waive a PSF. A request for waiver of a PSF will be submitted to the DSCC via form 409, available on SALLYPORT. The form 409 will indicate that the request is for waiver of a Public Safety Factor. Items 1 through 7 must be completed when submitting a request for waiver of a PSF.

U Long-term Detainee. Long-term detainees are given an initial custody and security level. However, Custody Classification Forms are not to be completed on long-term detainees due to the unavailability or non-applicability of certain data (i.e., current term of confinement, length of time remaining to serve, accurate criminal history). Therefore, transfers for positive or negative behavior may cause placement in a facility different from his or her scored security or custody level. When needed, this MGTV will be applied by the Detention Services Branch, Correctional Programs Division, Central Office. Long-term criminal detainees whose security or custody level does not match that of their facility will have this Management Variable applied. This applies as well if an inmate rolls over to the status of a long-term detainee after being ordered detained upon expiration of the federal sentence and the security or custody level does not match that of the designated facility.

V Greater Security. There may be security concerns which are not adequately reflected in the classification scheme. In circumstances where an inmate represents a greater security risk (i.e., pending charges, detainer, escape risk, etc.) than their assigned security level, they may be placed in an institution outside normal guidelines, and this MGTV will apply. When this MGTV is applied based on institutional behavior which is not supported by a UDC/DHO finding of guilt, staff will ensure compliance with the criteria as set forth in the Program Statement on Inmate Discipline and Special Housing Units. Application of this MGTV mandates the DSCC Administrator determine the most appropriate level of security required by the inmate and apply a Management Security Level (MSL). Designation will then be made to a DFCL commensurate with the inmate’s Management Security Level. The MSL must be at least one level greater than the scored security level which is based on the Security Total and Public Safety Factor(s). This MGTV requires up to a 24 month expiration date. W Lesser Security. There may be security concerns which are not adequately reflected in the classification scheme. In circumstances where an inmate represents a lesser security risk (i.e., detainer removed, positive adjustment, etc.) than the assigned security level, the inmate may be placed in an institution outside normal guidelines. For example, where age is largely the contributing factor in the inmate’s placement, this Management Variable will apply. Application of this MGTV mandates the DSCC Administrator to determine the most appropriate level of security required by the inmate and apply a Management Security Level (MSL). The MSL must be at least one level less than the scored security level which is based on the Security Total and Public Safety Factor(s).

PUBLIC SAFETY FACTORS (EXCERPT)

A Public Safety Factor (PSF) is relevant factual information regarding the inmate’s current offense, sentence, criminal history or institutional behavior that requires additional security measures be employed to ensure the safety and protection of the public. Public Safety Factors are normally applied on the Inmate Load and Security Designation Form (BP-337) prior to an inmate’s initial assignment to an institution, however, additions or deletions may be made at anytime there after via the Custody Classification Form, (BP-338). A maximum of three PSFs may be applied, however if more than three apply, those which would provide the greatest security and public safety will be utilized.

CODE PSF - DESCRIPTION (EXCERPT)

A None. No Public Safety Factors apply.

B Disruptive Group. A male inmate who is a validated member of a Disruptive Group identified in the Central Inmate Monitoring System will be housed in a High security level institution, unless the PSF has been waived. At the time of initial designation, if the Presentence Investigation Report or other documentation identifies the inmate as a possible member of one of the Central Inmate Monitoring Disruptive Groups, DSCC staff will enter a PSF on the BP-337. However, DSCC staff will not enter the CIM assignment "Disruptive Group." Upon loading this PSF on a not-yet-validated member, DSCC staff will (1) make a notation in the Remarks Section to indicate the need for validation upon arrival at the institution, and (2) notify the Central Office Intelligence Section, via GroupWise, to advise them of the inmate’s status. Upon the inmate's arrival at the designated institution, the intake screener will notify the institution's Special Investigation Supervisor of the inmate's PSF, to initiate the validation process.

C Greatest Severity Offense. A male inmate whose current term of confinement falls into the "Greatest Severity" range according to the Offense Severity Scale (Appendix A) will be housed in at least a Low security level institution, unless the PSF has been waived.

F Sex Offender. A male or female inmate whose behavior in the current term of confinement or prior history includes one or more of the following elements will be housed in at least a Low security level institution, unless the PSF has been waived. A conviction is not required for application of this PSF if the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR), or other official documentation, clearly indicates the following behavior occurred in the current term of confinement or prior criminal history. If the case was dismissed or nolle prosequi, application of this PSF cannot be entered. However, in the case where an inmate was charged with an offense that included one of the following elements, but as a result of a plea bargain was not convicted, application of this PSF should be entered. Example: According to the PSR, the inmate was specifically described as being involved in a Sexual Assault but pled guilty to Simple Assault. Based on the documented behavior, application of this PSF should be entered: (1) Engaging in sexual contact with another person without obtaining permission to do so (forcible rape, sexual assault or sexual battery); (2) Possession, distribution or mailing of child pornography or related paraphernalia; (3) Any sexual contact with a minor or other person physically or mentally incapable of granting consent (indecent liberties with a minor, statutory rape, sexual abuse of the mentally ill, rape by administering a drug or substance); (4) Any sexual act or contact not identified above that is aggressive or abusive in nature (e.g., rape by instrument, encouraging use of a minor for prostitution purposes, incest, etc.). Examples may be documented by state or Bureau of Prisons’ incident reports, clear NCIC entries, or other official documentation; (5) Attempts are to be treated as if the sexual act or contact was completed; and/or, (6) Any offense referenced in the Sex Offender Notification and Registration Program Statement.

G Threat to Government Officials. A male or female inmate classified with a Central Inmate Monitoring assignment of Threat to Government Official will be housed in at least a Low security level institution, unless the PSF has been waived.

H Deportable Alien. A male or female inmate who is not a citizen of the United States. All long-term detainees will have this PSF applied. When applied, the inmate or the long-term detainee shall be housed in at least a Low security level institution. The PSF shall not be applied, or shall be removed when the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) have determined that deportation proceedings are unwarranted or there is a finding not to deport at the completion of deportation proceedings. The Institution Hearing Program CMA of NO IHP or IHP CMP ND will then be applied. Additionally, the PSF shall not be applied if the inmate has been naturalized as a United States citizen.

I Sentence Length. A male inmate with more than ten years remaining to serve will be housed in at least a Low security level institution unless the PSF has been waived. A male inmate with more than 20 years remaining to serve will be housed in at least a Medium security level institution, unless the PSF has been waived. A male inmate with more than 30 years remaining to serve (including non-parolable LIFE sentences) will be housed in a High security level institution unless the PSF has been waived.

K Violent Behavior. A female inmate whose current term of confinement or history involves two convictions (or findings of commission of a prohibited act by the DHO) for serious incidents of violence within the last five years will be assigned to at least a Low security level institution, unless the PSF has been waived.

L Serious Escape. A female inmate who has been involved in a serious escape within the last ten years, including the current term of confinement, will be assigned to the Carswell Administrative Unit, unless the PSF has been waived. A male inmate who has escaped from a secure facility (prior or instant offense) with or without the threat of violence or who escapes from an open institution or program with a threat of violence will be housed in at least a Medium security level institution, unless the PSF has been waived.

M Prison Disturbance. A male or female inmate who was involved in a serious incident of violence within the institution and was found guilty of the prohibited act(s) of Engaging, Encouraging a Riot, or acting in furtherance of such as described in, but not limited to institution disciplinary codes such as 103, 105, 106, 107, 212, 213 or 218. Such a finding must be in conjunction with a period of simultaneous institution disruptions. Males will be housed in at least a HIGH security level institution and females will be assigned to the Carswell Administrative Unit, unless the PSF has been waived.

N Juvenile Violence. A male or female offender, currently of juvenile age, who has any documented single instance of violent behavior, past or present, which resulted in a conviction, a delinquency adjudication, or finding of guilt. Violence is defined as aggressive behavior causing serious bodily harm or death or aggressive or intimidating behavior likely to cause serious bodily harm or death (e.g., aggravated assault, intimidation involving a weapon, or arson).

O Serious Telephone Abuse. A male or female inmate who utilizes the telephone to further criminal activities or promote illicit organizations and who meets the criteria outlined below, must be assigned a PSF for Serious Telephone Abuse. A conviction is not required for the PSF if the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR) or other official documentation clearly indicates that the above behavior occurred or was attempted. An inmate who meets this criteria must be housed in at least a Low security level institution, unless the PSF is waived. The PSF should be entered if any one of the following criteria applies.

(1) PSR or comparable documentation reveals the inmate was involved in criminal activity facilitated by the telephone who: meets the definition of a leader/organizer or primary motivator; or utilized the telephone to communicate threats of bodily injury, death, assaults, or homicides; or utilized the telephone to conduct significant fraudulent activity (actual or attempted) in an institution; or leader/organizer who utilized the telephone to conduct significant fraudulent activity (actual or attempted) in the community; or, arranged narcotic/alcohol introductions while confined in an institution. (2) Federal law enforcement officials or a U.S. Attorney’s Office notifies the Bureau of Prisons of a significant concern and need to monitor an inmate’s telephone calls; (3) The inmate has been found guilty of a 100 or 200 level offense code for telephone abuse. NOTE: 200 level offense codes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. (4) A Bureau of Prisons official has reasonable suspicion and/or documented intelligence supporting telephone abuse. NOTE: Any inmate who is assigned the Serious Telephone Abuse PSF may be subject to telephone restriction in accordance with the Telephone Regulations for Inmates Program Statement.

Source: PS 5100.08 (5/6/2026), bop.gov/policy/progstat/5100_008_cn-3.pdf. U.S. government work, public domain. Excerpts only; the official PDF controls.