Low Security Federal Prisons (FCIs)

Call or Text 612-605-3989 for a confidential consultation about your federal prison designation.

What Is a Federal Low Security Prison?

Low security federal prisons are designated as Federal Correctional Institutions (FCIs) by the Bureau of Prisons. They sit one step above minimum security camps and one step below medium security facilities in the BOP’s four-tier custody classification system. Low security FCIs are the workhorses of the federal prison system — they house more inmates than any other security level.

The defining physical characteristics of a low security FCI are:

• Double-fenced perimeters — Unlike minimum security camps, which have no physical barriers, low security FCIs are surrounded by two layers of fencing, typically topped with razor wire. Some facilities also use electronic detection systems along the perimeter.
• Dormitory or cubicle housing — Most low security facilities use open dormitory layouts where inmates sleep in large rooms with rows of bunk beds separated by partial walls or lockers. Some newer or renovated FCIs offer two-person rooms with doors — a significant quality-of-life upgrade. Housing assignments depend on the specific facility and your behavior record.
• Higher staff-to-inmate ratios — Low security FCIs have more correctional officers per inmate than camps, which means more direct supervision but also more structured programming and services.
• Controlled movement — Unlike camps where movement is relatively free, low security facilities use a controlled movement system. Inmates move between areas at designated times or with specific callouts (passes). You cannot simply walk across the compound whenever you want.
• Work assignments — Every able-bodied inmate at a low security FCI is required to work. Assignments include UNICOR factory positions (federal prison industries), facilities maintenance, food service, landscaping, education tutoring, and orderly positions. UNICOR jobs pay the highest wages — typically $0.23 to $1.15 per hour — and are highly sought after.

Many low security FCIs also have an adjacent satellite camp (minimum security) on the same property. Inmates who demonstrate good behavior and meet certain criteria at a low security FCI may eventually be recommended for transfer to the camp — which offers more freedom and is typically required for home confinement eligibility under the Second Chance Act.

Low security is not the same as minimum security. Many defendants and their families confuse the two. Low security FCIs have fences, controlled movement, higher staff ratios, and more restrictive conditions than federal prison camps. Understanding the difference before you self-surrender prevents false expectations and unnecessary anxiety.

Daily Life at a Low Security FCI

Daily life at a low security FCI is structured, predictable, and regimented. That structure is actually one of the advantages of low security — once you understand the routine, you can plan your days, build productive habits, and make the time work for you rather than against you.

Typical Daily Schedule

While every facility varies slightly, the general daily rhythm at a low security FCI follows this pattern:

Communication and Visiting

Staying connected to your family is one of the most important factors in a successful sentence — and one of the biggest concerns our clients have. Here is how communication works at a low security FCI:

• Phone calls — Inmates receive 300 minutes of phone time per month (roughly 10 minutes per day). Calls are 15 minutes each and are recorded and monitored. Rates have improved significantly under the FCC’s 2024 rate caps. All numbers must be on your pre-approved contact list.
• TRULINCS email — The BOP’s electronic messaging system allows you to send and receive text-only emails. You purchase credits through the commissary. Messages are monitored but not real-time — there is typically a delay. TRULINCS is one of the most valuable communication tools available.
• Visiting — Low security FCIs offer regular visiting hours, typically on weekends and federal holidays. Visitors must be on your approved visiting list and must pass a background check. Physical contact is limited to a brief embrace at the beginning and end of each visit. The visiting room environment at a low security FCI is generally less restrictive than medium or high security — many have outdoor visiting areas, vending machines, and children’s play areas.
• Mail — You can send and receive physical mail, including photos (per facility policy). Legal mail from attorneys is opened in your presence but not read. General correspondence is screened by staff.

Commissary and Daily Needs

The BOP provides basic necessities — food, clothing, bedding, and hygiene products — but the quality and variety are minimal. The commissary is where you supplement your basic needs. You can purchase food items (ramen, tuna, protein bars, coffee), hygiene products, stamps, TRULINCS credits, over-the-counter medications, and approved electronics (a basic MP3 player and radio at most facilities). The commissary spending limit is $360 per month. Having money on your commissary account from day one is important — we advise every client on how to set up their account before self-surrender.

Recreation and Wellness

Low security FCIs generally offer solid recreational facilities. Most have both indoor and outdoor recreation areas, including:

• Outdoor recreation yards with walking/running tracks
• Softball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball courts
• Weight rooms and fitness equipment (though some facilities have reduced or eliminated free weights)
• Indoor recreation rooms with card tables, board games, and televisions
• Music rooms and hobby craft areas at some facilities
• Libraries with legal and general reading materials

Physical fitness is one of the best ways to maintain your mental health during incarceration. We strongly recommend establishing an exercise routine from your first week. The inmates who stay active do measurably better — physically, mentally, and emotionally — than those who do not.

Medical Care

Every low security FCI has an on-site Health Services department that provides primary medical care, dental services, and mental health treatment. Chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, HIV, hepatitis) are managed on-site. Serious medical needs are referred to outside hospitals or the BOP’s medical centers (FMC Butner, FMC Devens, FMC Fort Worth, FMC Lexington, FMC Rochester, FMC Springfield). If you have existing medical conditions or take prescription medications, we help you prepare proper documentation before self-surrender so there is no gap in your care.

Low Security Federal Prisons — Complete Facility List

The BOP operates approximately 50 low security FCIs across the country, plus low security components at several Federal Correctional Complexes (FCCs). The following table includes the most notable low security facilities. Your designation will depend on your security points, medical needs, judicial recommendation, proximity to your release residence, and available bed space.

Federal Correctional Complexes with Low Security Components

In addition to standalone FCIs, several Federal Correctional Complexes (FCCs) operate low security facilities as part of a multi-security campus. These include:

• FCC Allenwood (White Deer, PA) — Low, medium, and high security on the same complex. The low has RDAP.
• FCC Beaumont (Beaumont, TX) — Low, medium, and high security. Large complex in southeast Texas.
• FCC Butner (Butner, NC) — Low, medium, and the BOP’s premier Federal Medical Center. One of the most well-known complexes in the federal system.
• FCC Coleman (Coleman, FL) — One of the largest federal prison complexes in the country. Low, medium, high, and USP on the same property.
• FCC Florence (Florence, CO) — Home to the ADX Supermax. The low component is on the same complex but operates independently.
• FCC Hazelton (Bruceton Mills, WV) — Low, high, and USP. Rural West Virginia location.
• FCC Lompoc (Lompoc, CA) — Low and USP on the Central California coast. The low has a camp component.
• FCC Yazoo City (Yazoo City, MS) — Low and medium security. Central Mississippi location.

Being designated to a “complex” does not mean you interact with higher-security inmates. Each security level at an FCC operates as a separate institution with its own compound, housing, staff, and programming. The low component at FCC Coleman, for example, functions as its own standalone FCI — you will not encounter inmates from the USP or medium facility in your daily routine.

Who Gets Designated to Low Security?

The BOP uses a point-based classification system to determine each inmate’s security level. The system assigns points based on several factors, and the total score determines your custody level. Understanding this system is critical because it directly affects where you serve your sentence.

The BOP Security Point System

The BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas evaluates every federal inmate using the Custody Classification Form. Points are assigned based on:

• Offense severity — The severity of your conviction offense, measured by the offense level from the sentencing guidelines. Higher offense levels generate more security points.
• Criminal history — Prior convictions, especially violent ones, add points. First-time offenders receive the fewest points in this category.
• History of escape or violence — Any history of escape attempts, escape from custody, or violent behavior adds significant points and may automatically disqualify you from lower security levels.
• Detainers — Outstanding warrants, ICE/immigration detainers, or state charges pending against you add points and can prevent camp designation even if your other scores are low.
• Sentence length — Longer sentences generate more points. Inmates with more than 20 years remaining typically cannot be housed at low security.
• Age — Older inmates receive fewer points, reflecting lower statistical risk.
• Drug and alcohol abuse history — A documented history may add points but can also qualify you for RDAP, which is predominantly available at low security.
• Educational level and mental health history — These factor into the overall assessment.

For low security designation, inmates typically score in the range that is too high for minimum security (camp) but below the threshold for medium security. The exact point cutoffs are not publicly published by the BOP and can shift based on system-wide population pressures, but the general ranges are:

Common Low Security Profiles

In our experience, the typical profiles of inmates at low security FCIs include:

• Drug offenses with moderate criminal history — First-time drug defendants with significant quantities or co-conspirator roles who score slightly too high for camp. Drug offenses remain the single largest category in the federal system.
• White-collar offenders with higher loss amounts — Wire fraud, bank fraud, tax evasion, and embezzlement defendants whose offense severity score pushes them above camp eligibility. Loss amounts above roughly $400,000 often result in enough points for low security designation.
• Defendants with prior criminal history — Even a minor prior record can add enough points to move someone from camp to low security. A prior felony conviction almost always does.
• Defendants with detainers or holds — ICE detainers, outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions, or pending state charges automatically add points and frequently result in low security designation regardless of the underlying federal offense.
• Firearms offenses — Federal gun charges (felon in possession, straw purchases, illegal sales) typically result in low security or higher designation due to the nature of the offense.
• Longer sentences — Inmates with sentences exceeding 10 years who would otherwise qualify for camp are often designated to low security based on sentence length alone.

Your designation is not permanent. Inmates at low security who maintain clear conduct, complete programs, and accumulate good time can be considered for transfer to a minimum security camp. Conversely, disciplinary issues can result in transfer to a higher-security facility. We help clients understand exactly what factors affect their designation and what they can do to position themselves for eventual transfer to lower security.

Programs and Opportunities at Low Security

One of the most significant advantages of low security over higher custody levels is the range of programming available. Low security FCIs offer substantially more programs than medium and high security facilities, and many programs directly affect your sentence length through earned time credits under the First Step Act.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP is a 9-month intensive residential treatment program that is widely regarded as the single most valuable program in the BOP — not because it is easy, but because successful completion can earn you up to 12 months off your sentence. RDAP is available at many low security FCIs (see the facility table above). To qualify, you must have a documented substance abuse disorder as verified by BOP psychology staff, typically based on diagnoses recorded in your Presentence Investigation Report (PSR).

RDAP participants live in a separate housing unit, attend intensive group therapy sessions for approximately 500 hours, complete cognitive behavioral therapy modules, and participate in a community-based follow-up program after completion. The sentence reduction is substantial — and it stacks with other earned time credits. We help clients position themselves for RDAP eligibility before they even enter the system.

First Step Act — Earned Time Credits

The First Step Act of 2018 created a system of Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs and Productive Activities (PAs) that allow inmates to earn time credits toward early release to a halfway house or home confinement. Eligible inmates earn 10 to 15 days of credit for every 30 days of successful participation in approved programs. These credits accumulate over the course of your sentence and can result in months of early release.

Low security FCIs offer a wide variety of First Step Act-eligible programs, including:

• Drug education classes (non-residential)
• Cognitive behavioral programs (Thinking for a Change, Moral Reconation Therapy)
• Anger management
• Financial literacy and budgeting
• Parenting classes
• Victim impact programs
• Employment readiness
• GED preparation and completion

UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)

UNICOR is the trade name for Federal Prison Industries, Inc. — a government corporation that operates factories inside federal prisons. UNICOR factories produce everything from office furniture to electronics recycling to textiles to call center services. Low security FCIs with UNICOR operations offer inmates the opportunity to earn the highest wages available in the BOP system — typically $0.23 to $1.15 per hour, with top-grade workers earning more. Beyond the pay, UNICOR employment looks favorable on your record and can support requests for reduced security designation.

Education and Vocational Training

Every low security FCI is required to offer educational programming, including:

• GED preparation — Inmates without a high school diploma or GED are required to participate in the literacy program for a minimum of 240 hours or until they obtain their GED.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) — Required for inmates who do not speak English at a functional level.
• College courses — Following the reinstatement of Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals in 2023, many low security FCIs now partner with local colleges and universities to offer associate and bachelor’s degree programs at no cost to inmates. This is a transformative change.
• Vocational training — Varies by facility but may include HVAC, welding, electrical work, plumbing, culinary arts, computer skills, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) preparation.

Mental Health Services and STAGES

Low security FCIs provide outpatient mental health treatment through the Psychology Services department. For inmates with more serious mental health needs, some facilities offer the STAGES program (Steps Toward Awareness, Growth, and Emotional Strength) — a residential mental health treatment program modeled on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) principles. STAGES participants live in a dedicated housing unit and receive intensive therapeutic support. Religious services, including chaplaincy, group worship, and faith-based programming, are also available at every facility.

How Federal Case Consulting Helps

We built Federal Case Consulting because when we went through the federal system ourselves, we saw how badly people needed real, honest preparation from people who actually understand what happens inside. We are not lawyers giving you theoretical advice from behind a desk. We have lived this. We know what the intake process feels like. We know what the first night is like. We know which programs actually matter and which ones are a waste of time.

Here is specifically what we do for clients facing low security designation:

1. Designation advocacy — We analyze your security point calculation and work with your attorney to request the most favorable facility. The BOP has discretion, and a well-reasoned judicial recommendation can influence where you are sent. Proximity to family, medical needs, program availability (especially RDAP), and climate preferences all factor into our recommendation strategy.
2. Pre-Sentence Report preparation — The PSR is the single most important document in your case. It determines your guideline range, your security designation, and your program eligibility. We review every line, identify errors, and prepare objections with your attorney.
3. Sentencing hearing preparation — We prepare you for allocution, coordinate character letters, and develop a comprehensive sentencing memorandum strategy with your legal team.
4. Self-surrender preparation — We walk you through exactly what to bring, what to expect on day one, and how to navigate the intake process. We prepare you physically, mentally, and logistically.
5. Program strategy — We map out which programs you should enroll in, when to apply for RDAP, how to maximize First Step Act credits, and how to build a record that positions you for the earliest possible release to a halfway house or home confinement.
6. Family support — We help your family understand what to expect, how visiting works, how to manage finances while you are away, and how to maintain the family unit through your incarceration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between low security and a federal prison camp?

The differences are significant. Federal prison camps (minimum security) have no fences, no armed guards, and allow relatively free movement within the compound. Low security FCIs have double-fenced perimeters with razor wire, controlled movement (you move between areas at designated times or with specific callouts), higher staff-to-inmate ratios, and more restrictive conditions overall. However, low security FCIs typically offer more programming options than camps — including RDAP, UNICOR, and a wider range of educational and vocational programs. The housing is different too: camps generally use open dormitories, while some low security FCIs offer two-person rooms with doors. Both levels are significantly less restrictive than medium or high security facilities, which have cells, gun towers, and much more limited movement.

Can I be transferred from low security to a camp?

Yes. Inmates at low security who maintain clear conduct, complete programs, and have their security points reduced through institutional adjustment can be recommended for transfer to a minimum security camp. This is called a “step-down” and is one of the key goals we help clients work toward. The BOP reviews each inmate’s classification periodically (typically every 12 to 18 months), and your unit team can recommend you for lower security if your behavior and programming record warrant it. Getting to camp is strategically important because camp designation is typically required for eligibility for halfway house placement and home confinement during the final months of your sentence. We help clients build a plan from day one to position themselves for this transition.

How does RDAP work at a low security FCI, and can it really reduce my sentence?

Yes, RDAP completion can earn you up to 12 months off your sentence. The program is a 9-month residential treatment program where you live in a dedicated housing unit with other RDAP participants, attend group therapy sessions totaling approximately 500 hours, and complete cognitive behavioral therapy modules. After the residential phase, there is a follow-up community treatment component. To qualify, you must have a documented substance abuse disorder — ideally identified in your Pre-Sentence Report. Not all low security FCIs offer RDAP, so facility designation matters. If RDAP eligibility is relevant to your case, we work with your attorney to ensure the proper documentation is in your PSR and request a facility that offers the program. Certain offenses (particularly violent offenses and some immigration-related offenses) can disqualify you from receiving the sentence reduction even if you complete the program.

What kinds of jobs are available at low security?

Every able-bodied inmate at a low security FCI is required to work. Common assignments include food service (kitchen, serving line, bakery), facilities maintenance (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, grounds), education department (tutor, library clerk), recreation department (orderly, equipment manager), health services (orderly), laundry, and administrative clerical positions. The most desirable work assignments are UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) positions, which pay the highest wages in the BOP and provide actual job skills. UNICOR factories produce a range of goods and services — furniture manufacturing, electronics recycling, textiles, call center operations, and data services. UNICOR wages range from $0.23 to $1.15 per hour, and top-grade workers can earn more. We help clients understand which job assignments are available at their designated facility and how to position themselves for the best options.

How many minutes of phone time do I get, and can my family visit?

Inmates at low security FCIs receive 300 minutes of phone time per month, with each call limited to 15 minutes. All calls are recorded and monitored (except attorney calls, which are nominally protected). Phone rates have been significantly reduced under the FCC’s 2024 rate caps. For visiting, low security FCIs offer regular visiting hours — typically on weekends and federal holidays, with some facilities also offering weekday evening hours. All visitors must be on your pre-approved visiting list and must pass a background check through BOP staff. Physical contact is limited to a brief embrace and handshake at the beginning and end of each visit. Most low security facilities have indoor visiting rooms with vending machines, and some have outdoor visiting areas. TRULINCS email is also available — you purchase credits through the commissary and can send and receive text-only messages. We help families navigate the visiting application process and set up TRULINCS before self-surrender.

What are First Step Act earned time credits, and how do they work?

The First Step Act of 2018 allows eligible inmates to earn 10 to 15 days of credit for every 30 days of participation in approved Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs and Productive Activities (PAs). These credits can be applied toward early transfer to a halfway house (Residential Reentry Center) or home confinement. Inmates classified as “minimum” or “low” risk on the BOP’s PATTERN risk assessment tool earn 15 days per 30, while “medium” risk inmates earn 10 days. “High” risk inmates are not eligible. The programs that qualify are wide-ranging and include drug education, cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, parenting classes, financial literacy, vocational training, and more. These credits accumulate throughout your sentence and can result in many months of early release. Not all inmates are eligible — certain offenses (listed in 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4)(D)) are excluded. We help every client build a First Step Act credit strategy from the beginning of their sentence.

Can I influence which federal prison I am sent to?

You cannot choose your facility, but you can influence the decision. The BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas makes the final designation, but they consider several factors where advocacy matters: judicial recommendation (your sentencing judge can recommend a specific facility or region), proximity to your release residence (the BOP policy favors facilities within 500 miles of your home), medical needs (documented conditions that require specific care), program needs (requesting a facility with RDAP, for example), and family circumstances. We work with your attorney to prepare a comprehensive designation memorandum that addresses all of these factors and requests the most favorable facility. While the BOP is not bound by judicial recommendations, they do carry weight — and a well-documented request is far more effective than no request at all. Contact us at 612-605-3989 to discuss your designation strategy.

Sources:

[1] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Statistics: Inmates by Security Level (February 2026). bop.gov

[2] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Our Facilities. bop.gov

[3] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Program Statement 5100.08: Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification. bop.gov

[4] U.S. Department of Justice, First Step Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-391). congress.gov

[5] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). bop.gov

[6] UNICOR / Federal Prison Industries, Inc., About Us. unicor.gov

[7] Federal Communications Commission, Incarcerated People’s Communications Services Rate Caps (2024). fcc.gov

Disclaimer: Federal Case Consulting does not act as your legal representation and cannot guarantee any outcomes. The information on this page is for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation. Bureau of Prisons policies, facility designations, and program availability are subject to change without notice. The statistics referenced on this page reflect publicly available BOP data as of February 2026.