BOP Glossary

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is the federal agency responsible for operating federal prisons and caring for people in its custody.

A number the BOP uses to identify a person in its records. It can be used to find a record in the federal inmate locator.

The institution store and related trust-fund account system for approved purchases or services beyond what the institution provides. Offerings vary by facility.

The BOP process for assigning a person to an institution. It considers security classification, health care, programs, and administrative factors.

FCI means Federal Correctional Institution, FPC means Federal Prison Camp, and USP means United States Penitentiary. These names describe facility categories, but an acronym alone does not explain every detail of an individual placement.

Under the First Step Act, some eligible people may earn time credits for participating in qualifying programs or productive activities. The BOP determines eligibility and how earned credits may be applied.

A federal law with provisions related to BOP programming, good-conduct time, and federal time credits, among other subjects.

A sentence credit eligible people may earn for good behavior under federal rules. Eligibility and individual calculations depend on the law and sentence that apply.

The BOP’s most intensive substance-use treatment program, delivered in a residential setting. Participation and any sentence reduction are not guaranteed; eligibility and decisions are individual.

A contracted, supervised community placement—often called a halfway house—that may provide support and structure near release. The BOP decides placements individually.

A category the BOP uses to describe institution security features and guide placement. A facility’s label alone does not guarantee the exact conditions or housing of an individual.

The BOP calculates a sentence using applicable federal law and policy. An online projected release date is not a legal opinion and may change as calculations or circumstances change.

A Special Housing Unit is restricted housing used for different administrative or disciplinary reasons. The reason, conditions, and length of stay can differ from person to person.

The BOP’s controlled electronic messaging system for exchanging messages with approved contacts. Use is subject to restrictions and monitoring.

The institution staff group that handles program reviews and other case-related matters. It may include a unit manager, case manager, and counselor.