FCC Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex

Call or Text 612-605-3989 for a confidential consultation about your FCC Lompoc designation.

FCC Lompoc Overview — Two Institutions, Two Camps, One Complex

Federal Correctional Complex Lompoc is one of the largest federal prison operations in California and among the most significant in the entire Western Region of the Bureau of Prisons. The complex consists of four distinct facilities spread across a sprawling property that originated as part of Camp Cooke, a World War II-era Army tank-training base that later became Vandenberg Air Force Base. In August 1959, the military’s disciplinary barracks on the former Camp Cooke property were transferred to the Bureau of Prisons to house civilian federal offenders — and the Lompoc federal prison complex was born. [1]

Today, FCC Lompoc includes:

• FCI Lompoc I — A low security Federal Correctional Institution located at 3600 Guard Road. Current population: approximately 847 inmates. [2]
• FCI Lompoc II — A low security Federal Correctional Institution (formerly USP Lompoc) located at 3901 Klein Boulevard. Current population: approximately 2,277 inmates total, including 1,957 at the FCI, 198 at the adjacent satellite camp, and 122 at Camp North. [3]
• Satellite Camp (SCP) — A minimum security camp adjacent to FCI Lompoc II, housing approximately 198 inmates.
• Camp North — A second minimum security camp housing approximately 122 inmates.

The combined complex population is roughly 3,124 inmates, making FCC Lompoc one of the largest federal prison populations in California. The complex falls within the Central District of California for judicial purposes and is part of the BOP’s Western Region. [2]

Geographically, FCC Lompoc occupies a unique position on California’s central coast. The city of Lompoc sits in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and agricultural land in northern Santa Barbara County. The climate is mild year-round — Mediterranean with cool coastal fog in summer and moderate temperatures in winter. Unlike many federal prisons built in remote, harsh environments, Lompoc’s location is comparatively pleasant. The complex is approximately 55 miles north of Santa Barbara, 175 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and about 280 miles south of San Francisco. [4]

Important naming change (2024): In April 2024, the BOP officially renamed USP Lompoc to FCI Lompoc II, along with five other former USPs nationwide, to reflect their actual security missions. The physical facility still bears the “United States Penitentiary” name on its exterior — a formal state historical survey must be completed before the facade can be changed. If you see older documents or the building itself still labeled “USP Lompoc,” this is why. Functionally, FCI Lompoc II now operates as a low security institution. [5]

Historical Significance and Notable Inmates

FCC Lompoc has a storied history in the federal prison system. The facility that is now FCI Lompoc II began as a military disciplinary barracks during World War II. When the Bureau of Prisons took over in 1959, it initially operated as a medium security institution. In the early 2000s, most high-security inmates were transferred to the newer USP Victorville, and USP Lompoc transitioned to a medium security mission. Then, beginning in 2023, the BOP began converting USP Lompoc to low security to address nationwide crowding pressures at that custody level, and the facility was officially redesignated in 2024. [6]

Over the decades, FCC Lompoc has housed some of the most prominent white-collar criminals in American history:

• Ivan Boesky — The infamous Wall Street stock trader who pleaded guilty to insider trading in 1987 as part of the largest securities fraud scandal of the 1980s. Boesky served 18 months at the Lompoc federal prison camp. His cooperation with prosecutors led to the conviction of Michael Milken. Boesky paid a $100 million fine — one of the largest individual penalties in securities enforcement history at the time. [7]
• Michael Milken — Known as the “Junk Bond King,” Milken pleaded guilty to six felonies related to securities violations in 1990. He was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and fined $600 million. Milken served 22 months at FCI Lompoc before his release. His case reshaped Wall Street regulation and enforcement. [7]
• Changpeng Zhao (CZ) — Co-founder and former CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Zhao pleaded guilty to money laundering and sanctions violations in 2023 and served his sentence at FCI Lompoc I. [8]
• Enrique Marquez Jr. — Currently serving a 20-year sentence for providing weapons to the perpetrators of the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack. [8]
• Christopher Faulkner — Texas oil-and-gas executive sentenced to 15 years for defrauding investors of millions and concealing income from the IRS.

The presence of high-profile white-collar defendants at Lompoc is not coincidental. The complex’s location in California, its historically favorable climate, and the availability of low and minimum security housing have made it a common designation for defendants convicted of financial crimes in the Central and Northern Districts of California.

FCI Lompoc I — Low Security

FCI Lompoc I is the newer of the two main institutions in the complex, located at 3600 Guard Road. It is a purpose-built low security Federal Correctional Institution housing approximately 847 male inmates. [2]

Housing and Physical Layout

FCI Lompoc I uses dormitory-style housing typical of low security FCIs. Inmates are housed in open dormitory units with bunk beds, lockers, and shared bathroom facilities. Some housing units feature cubicle-style configurations that provide slightly more privacy than open-bay dormitories. The compound is surrounded by a double-fenced perimeter topped with razor wire, which is the standard physical security feature distinguishing low security FCIs from minimum security camps.

The facility includes indoor and outdoor recreation areas, a dining hall, education building, health services department, chapel, visiting room, and administrative offices. The grounds are well-maintained, and the mild central coast climate allows for outdoor recreation year-round.

Daily Life at FCI Lompoc I

Daily life follows the standard BOP low security schedule:

Movement at FCI Lompoc I is controlled — inmates move between areas at designated times or with specific callouts. This is a key distinction from the adjacent camps, where movement is relatively unrestricted. Every able-bodied inmate is required to work. Assignments include food service, facilities maintenance, landscaping, education department support, recreation orderly positions, health services orderly, laundry, and UNICOR factory jobs (the highest-paying positions in the facility).

Recreation

FCI Lompoc I has solid recreational facilities that benefit greatly from the mild coastal California climate. The facility offers outdoor recreation yards with walking and running tracks, softball and basketball courts, volleyball, and soccer. Indoor recreation includes weight equipment, card tables, televisions, a music room, and hobby craft areas. The facility also has activities including beading and leatherwork. The library provides both legal reference materials and general reading. Physical fitness is one of the most important factors in maintaining mental health during incarceration — we strongly advise every client to establish an exercise routine from their first week.

FCI Lompoc II (Formerly USP Lompoc)

FCI Lompoc II is the larger and older of the two main institutions. Located at 3901 Klein Boulevard, it currently holds approximately 2,277 inmates across the main FCI building and two adjacent camps. This facility has the most complex and interesting history in the complex. [3]

From Military Barracks to USP to FCI

The building that is now FCI Lompoc II was originally constructed as a military disciplinary barracks on Camp Cooke during World War II. Construction of Camp Cooke began in 1941 as an Army tank-training base. The disciplinary barracks housed military prisoners and was built with the imposing concrete and steel construction typical of military facilities of that era. [1]

In August 1959, the barracks were transferred to the federal Bureau of Prisons and converted to a civilian federal prison. For decades, the facility operated as a medium and at times high security United States Penitentiary (USP). The massive gray structure — visible from the road and unmistakable in its institutional severity — was built to contain the most dangerous federal prisoners. Gun towers, high walls, and multiple layers of security defined the institution during its USP era.

In the early 2000s, the BOP transferred most high-security inmates from USP Lompoc to the newly constructed USP Victorville, and Lompoc was redesignated as a medium security USP. Then, beginning in early 2023, the BOP initiated another major transition: converting USP Lompoc from medium to low security. This change was driven by nationwide population pressures — low security inmates represent the largest segment of the federal prison population (over 36%), and the BOP needed additional low security bed space after discontinuing use of privately operated low security prisons. [6]

In the first wave of the transition, approximately 300 low security inmates were received while medium security inmates were gradually transferred out. The BOP confirmed that USP Lompoc would no longer receive medium security inmates. In April 2024, the facility was officially renamed FCI Lompoc II. [5]

Physical Characteristics

Despite the redesignation, FCI Lompoc II retains the physical appearance and infrastructure of its USP past. The facility is a large, imposing concrete structure that looks very different from a typical low security FCI. Inmates arriving at FCI Lompoc II should be prepared for a building that looks much more serious than the security level suggests. The walls are high. The construction is heavy. The layout is institutional in every sense of the word.

However, the day-to-day operations are those of a low security facility. Housing uses dormitory-style and cubicle configurations rather than the locked cells that would characterize a medium or high security penitentiary. Movement is controlled but not as restrictive as medium security. The atmosphere is significantly more relaxed than what the building’s exterior implies.

Do not let the building scare you. FCI Lompoc II looks like a penitentiary because it was one. But the security level, the programming, the daily routine, and the inmate population are all low security. First-time self-surrenderers often experience anxiety when they see the imposing exterior. This is normal. Once you are inside and settled into the routine, the experience is comparable to other low security FCIs. We prepare every client for exactly what they will see and feel on arrival day.

The Two Satellite Camps

FCI Lompoc II has two minimum security satellite camps: the main Satellite Camp (approximately 198 inmates) and Camp North (approximately 122 inmates). Camp inmates enjoy significantly more freedom than FCI inmates — no fenced perimeter, less controlled movement, and a more relaxed daily environment. Camp inmates typically perform work details including grounds maintenance, landscaping, and facility upkeep for the larger complex.

For inmates at the FCI who demonstrate excellent conduct, complete programming, and reduce their security points, transfer to one of the camps is a realistic and strategically important goal. Camp designation is typically required for eligibility for halfway house placement and home confinement during the final months of a sentence. We help every client build a plan from day one to position themselves for this step-down.

Programs at FCC Lompoc

FCC Lompoc offers a comprehensive range of programs across both institutions and the camps. The availability of strong programming is one of the most important factors in a successful federal sentence — both for personal growth and for building a record that supports the earliest possible release.

RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program)

FCC Lompoc offers the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP), which is widely considered the single most valuable program in the federal prison system. RDAP is a 9-month, 500-hour intensive residential treatment program focused on substance abuse and criminal thinking patterns. Participants live in a dedicated housing unit, attend group therapy sessions for 3 to 4 hours per day, and complete cognitive behavioral therapy modules. [9]

The payoff for completing RDAP is significant: eligible inmates can receive up to 12 months off their sentence. This sentence reduction is authorized by Congress under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e) and applies to inmates who successfully complete the residential phase and the follow-up transitional drug abuse treatment (TDAT) component.

To qualify for RDAP at Lompoc, you must have a documented substance use disorder — ideally identified in your Pre-Sentence Report (PSR). Not every inmate who completes RDAP is eligible for the sentence reduction. Certain offenses — particularly violent offenses, sex offenses, and some immigration-related offenses — disqualify inmates from the early release benefit even if they complete the program. If RDAP eligibility is relevant to your case, we work with your attorney to ensure proper documentation is in your PSR and request designation to a facility that offers the program.

Education

Both FCI Lompoc I and FCI Lompoc II offer comprehensive educational programming:

• GED preparation — Inmates without a high school diploma or GED are required to participate in the literacy program for a minimum of 240 instructional hours or until they obtain their GED. Completion of the GED is also a factor in First Step Act credit eligibility.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) — Required for inmates who do not speak English at a functional level. This is particularly relevant at Lompoc, which has a large Spanish-speaking population due to its California location and the Central District’s caseload demographics.
• College courses — Following the reinstatement of Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals in 2023, FCC Lompoc has expanded access to higher education programs through partnerships with local colleges. Inmates can pursue associate and bachelor’s degree coursework at no personal cost. This is a transformative change in federal prison education.
• Adult Continuing Education (ACE) — Non-credit courses in subjects like financial literacy, parenting skills, health education, and computer basics.

Vocational Training

FCC Lompoc offers several vocational training programs designed to provide inmates with marketable skills for post-release employment. Available programs vary by facility and demand but have historically included:

• Culinary arts — One of the facility’s newer vocational offerings, developed as part of the BOP’s expanded programming initiative during the FCI conversion.
• Barista program — A specialized vocational track unique to Lompoc that was added during the 2023-2024 transition period. [6]
• Computer skills and data entry
• Facilities maintenance trades — HVAC, electrical, plumbing
• Landscaping and horticulture

UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)

FCC Lompoc has a UNICOR operation that provides factory work positions to inmates. UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries, Inc.) is a wholly government-owned corporation established by Congress in 1934 that employs inmates in manufacturing and service operations. UNICOR positions are the highest-paying work assignments in the BOP, with wages ranging from $0.23 to $1.15 per hour, and top-grade workers earning more. [10]

UNICOR assignments are highly competitive and sought after — both for the higher pay and for the structured work experience they provide. Having UNICOR employment on your record also demonstrates a strong institutional adjustment, which supports classification reviews and program evaluations.

First Step Act Earned Time Credits

The First Step Act of 2018 created a system of earned time credits that can meaningfully accelerate an inmate’s release to a halfway house or home confinement. Eligible inmates at FCC Lompoc can 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). Inmates classified as “minimum” or “low” risk on the BOP’s PATTERN risk assessment tool earn the maximum 15 days per 30-day period, while “medium” risk inmates earn 10. “High” risk inmates are not eligible. [11]

Qualifying programs at Lompoc include RDAP, drug education, cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, parenting classes, financial literacy, vocational training, GED completion, college courses, and more. These credits accumulate throughout your sentence and can result in many months of early release. Not all inmates are eligible — certain disqualifying offenses are listed in 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4)(D). We help every client build a First Step Act credit strategy from the beginning of their sentence.

Medical and Mental Health Services

FCC Lompoc is classified as a Care Level 2 medical complex, meaning it can manage inmates with chronic care conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, HIV, hepatitis, and other ongoing medical needs. Both institutions have on-site Health Services departments providing primary medical care, dental services, and mental health treatment. [4]

The complex’s COVID-19 experience in 2020 was severe — a Department of Justice Office of Inspector General investigation found that over 900 inmates at the FCI tested positive (more than 75% of the facility’s population at the time), and four inmates died. The OIG report cited preexisting medical staff shortages and insufficient correctional staffing as contributing factors. Since then, the BOP has worked to improve medical staffing and infectious disease preparedness at the complex. [4]

Psychology Services provides outpatient mental health care including individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychiatric medication management. 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.

Who Gets Designated to FCC Lompoc?

The BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas assigns every federal inmate to a facility based on a detailed point-based classification system outlined in BOP Program Statement 5100.08. Understanding how this system works — and where FCC Lompoc fits — can help you advocate for the best possible designation. [12]

Security Point Calculation

The BOP calculates security points based on factors including:

• Severity of current offense — Measured by your offense level and statutory maximum sentence
• Criminal history — Prior convictions, juvenile adjudications, supervision violations
• History of violence — Any documented violence in your background
• History of escape — Past escapes or attempted escapes
• Detainers — Outstanding warrants, immigration detainers, or pending charges
• Time remaining on sentence — Longer sentences can initially increase security points
• Drug and alcohol abuse — Documented substance use history
• Age — Older inmates generally receive lower points
• Education level — Higher education levels can result in lower points

The total points determine your security level:

Who Typically Gets Sent to Lompoc

FCC Lompoc most commonly receives defendants from:

• Central District of California (Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo counties) — The complex sits within this judicial district, and BOP policy favors placing inmates within 500 miles of their release residence.
• Northern District of California (San Francisco Bay Area) — Lompoc is one of the closest low security options for Northern California defendants.
• District of Nevada and District of Arizona — Western Region defendants who need low security placement.
• White-collar defendants nationwide — FCC Lompoc has a long tradition of housing financial crime defendants, and the facility’s climate and programming make it a frequent judicial recommendation for defendants convicted of fraud, embezzlement, tax offenses, securities violations, and other non-violent federal crimes.

If you have been sentenced in a California federal court or have a release residence in California, FCC Lompoc is likely among the facilities the DSCC will consider. We work with your attorney to prepare a comprehensive designation memorandum that addresses proximity to family, medical needs, program requirements (especially RDAP), and any other factors that support your preferred facility.

Visiting at FCC Lompoc

Maintaining family connections during incarceration is one of the most important factors in a successful sentence — and one of the biggest concerns our clients have. FCC Lompoc has a unified visiting policy that covers all four facilities in the complex. [13]

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours for FCI Lompoc I, FCI Lompoc II, and both camps are:

No visitors are admitted after the start of visiting hours. Arrive early — the processing line can take time, especially on holiday weekends when visitor volume is highest.

Rules and Requirements

• Approved visitor list — All visitors must be on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list. The application requires basic personal information and is subject to a background check. Processing can take several weeks, so submit applications as early as possible — ideally before self-surrender.
• Dress code — No clothing resembling inmate uniforms (khaki, orange, or olive drab), no revealing or excessively tight clothing, no open-toed shoes in some cases. Bring a change of clothes in your car in case you are turned away at the gate.
• What you can bring in — A valid government-issued photo ID (required), a small clear bag with car keys, up to $20 in coins for vending machines (in a clear bag), and any required medications (with documentation). Lockers are available for items you cannot bring into the visiting room.
• Physical contact — Limited to a brief embrace and handshake at the beginning and end of each visit. Holding hands during the visit is generally permitted.
• Children — Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor at all times. Most BOP visiting rooms have a small children’s area with books and games.

Getting to FCC Lompoc

FCC Lompoc’s central coast California location is accessible but requires planning:

The closest commercial airport is Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), roughly 50 minutes away. For families traveling from outside California, flying into LAX and renting a car for the drive north on Highway 101 is the most common route. The drive from LAX is scenic — up the coast through Ventura and Santa Barbara — but allow extra time for Southern California traffic, particularly on Friday afternoons.

Lompoc is a small city (population approximately 44,000), so lodging options are limited. Several budget and mid-range hotels are available in town, and additional options exist in nearby Buellton and Santa Maria. Book early for holiday weekends when visiting families fill local hotels.

Communication Beyond Visiting

• Phone — 300 minutes per month, 15-minute call limit. Calls are recorded and monitored. Rates have been reduced under FCC 2024 rate caps. All numbers must be pre-approved.
• TRULINCS email — Text-only electronic messaging. Credits purchased through commissary. Messages are monitored but not real-time. One of the most valuable communication tools available.
• Mail — Physical mail sent and received. Photos permitted per facility policy. Legal mail opened in inmate’s presence but not read.
• Video visiting — The BOP has been expanding video visiting capabilities at select facilities. Check with the institution for current availability at FCC Lompoc.

How Federal Case Consulting Helps with FCC Lompoc Designation

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

Here is specifically what we do for clients designated to — or hoping to be designated to — FCC Lompoc:

1. Designation advocacy — We analyze your security point calculation and work with your attorney to request FCC Lompoc specifically if it is the right fit. We prepare a comprehensive designation memorandum addressing proximity to family, medical needs, RDAP eligibility, and all other relevant factors. The BOP has discretion, and a well-documented judicial recommendation significantly influences where you are sent.
2. Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) review — The PSR is the most important document in your case. It determines your guideline range, your security designation, and your program eligibility. We review every line, identify factual errors, and prepare objections with your attorney. If RDAP eligibility depends on documented substance abuse in your PSR, we ensure that documentation is there.
3. Sentencing hearing preparation — We prepare you for allocution, coordinate character letters, and develop a sentencing memorandum strategy with your legal team that supports both a favorable sentence and a favorable designation.
4. Self-surrender preparation — We walk you through exactly what to bring, what to wear, what to expect on day one at FCC Lompoc, and how to navigate the intake process. We prepare you physically, mentally, and logistically. Clients who are prepared arrive with confidence rather than panic.
5. Program strategy — We map out which programs to enroll in at Lompoc, when to apply for RDAP, how to maximize First Step Act credits, how to position yourself for a camp step-down, and how to build a record that supports the earliest possible release to a halfway house or home confinement.
6. Family support — We help your family understand what to expect, how to get on the visiting list, how TRULINCS email works, how to manage finances while you are away, and how to maintain your family relationships through your incarceration. Families who are prepared cope far better than families who are not.

Frequently Asked Questions About FCC Lompoc

What is the difference between FCI Lompoc I and FCI Lompoc II?

Both are now low security Federal Correctional Institutions, but they are physically distinct facilities. FCI Lompoc I (3600 Guard Road) is a newer, purpose-built low security facility housing approximately 847 inmates. It has the typical appearance of a modern FCI — dormitory housing, double-fenced perimeter, and relatively open compound layout. FCI Lompoc II (3901 Klein Boulevard) is the former USP Lompoc — a much larger facility housing approximately 2,275 inmates that was converted from a World War II-era military disciplinary barracks. It retains the imposing concrete exterior of its penitentiary past but now operates as a low security institution with dormitory-style housing. FCI Lompoc II also has two adjacent minimum security camps. Both facilities share administrative leadership under the FCC Lompoc complex umbrella and follow the same visiting schedule. Your designation to one or the other depends on available bed space, your specific classification, and BOP operational needs.

Does FCC Lompoc offer RDAP, and how does it reduce my sentence?

Yes, FCC Lompoc offers the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP). It is a 9-month, 500-hour residential treatment program that uses cognitive behavioral therapy to address substance abuse and criminal thinking. Participants live in a dedicated RDAP housing unit, attend group sessions for 3 to 4 hours daily, and complete a transitional phase after the residential component. The major incentive: eligible inmates who complete RDAP can receive up to 12 months off their sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e). To qualify, you need a documented substance use disorder — ideally in your Pre-Sentence Report. Certain offenses (violent crimes, sex offenses, some immigration offenses) disqualify you from the sentence reduction even if you complete the program. We work with your attorney before sentencing to ensure RDAP documentation is properly in place.

Can I request to be sent to FCC Lompoc specifically?

You cannot choose your facility, but you can meaningfully influence the decision. The BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) makes the final call, but they consider several factors where advocacy matters: judicial recommendation (your judge can recommend Lompoc by name), proximity to release residence (if you live in California, Lompoc is within BOP’s 500-mile preference zone), medical needs, program needs (requesting RDAP), and family circumstances. We prepare a comprehensive designation memorandum with your attorney addressing all of these factors. While the BOP is not bound by recommendations, a well-documented request is significantly more effective than no request at all. Contact us at 612-605-3989 to discuss your designation strategy.

What was USP Lompoc, and why was it renamed?

USP Lompoc was a United States Penitentiary — a high and later medium security federal prison — that occupied the same building now called FCI Lompoc II. The facility originated as a military disciplinary barracks on Camp Cooke during World War II and was transferred to the Bureau of Prisons in 1959. For decades it held medium and high security inmates, including famous white-collar criminals like Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken. In the early 2000s, high-security inmates were transferred to USP Victorville, and Lompoc became medium security. Beginning in 2023, the BOP transitioned USP Lompoc to low security to address nationwide crowding. In April 2024, the BOP officially renamed it FCI Lompoc II as part of a broader initiative renaming six former USPs to match their actual security levels. The physical exterior still reads “United States Penitentiary” pending a state historical survey.

How do family members visit someone at FCC Lompoc?

Visiting hours at all FCC Lompoc facilities are Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. All visitors must be on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list, which requires an application and background check — plan to submit this well in advance (ideally before self-surrender). Visitors need a valid government-issued photo ID and can bring up to $20 in coins for vending machines. The closest airport is Santa Barbara (SBA), about 50 minutes away. LAX is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by car. Lompoc has limited but adequate hotel options; book early for holiday weekends. We help families navigate the entire visiting process — from application submission to what to wear and what to expect on visit day.

What First Step Act credits can I earn at FCC Lompoc?

Eligible inmates at FCC Lompoc can earn 10 to 15 days of earned time credit for every 30 days of participation in approved programs. If you score “minimum” or “low” risk on the BOP’s PATTERN assessment tool, you earn 15 days per 30 — the maximum. “Medium” risk scores earn 10 days. These credits can be applied toward early transfer to a halfway house or home confinement. Qualifying programs include RDAP, drug education, cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, parenting classes, financial literacy, vocational training, GED, and college coursework. The credits accumulate throughout your sentence and can add up to 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 maximization strategy from day one.

Is it possible to transfer from FCI Lompoc to one of the camps?

Yes. Inmates at FCI Lompoc I or FCI Lompoc II who maintain clear disciplinary records, complete programs, and reduce their security classification points can be recommended for transfer to the Satellite Camp or Camp North. The BOP reviews each inmate’s classification periodically (typically every 12 to 18 months), and your unit team can recommend a step-down to minimum security if your behavior and programming record warrant it. Camp designation is strategically critical because it is typically required for eligibility for halfway house (Residential Reentry Center) placement and home confinement under the Second Chance Act during the final months of your sentence. We help clients build a plan from their first day at the FCI to position themselves for the earliest possible camp transfer.

Sources:

[1] Wikipedia, Federal Correctional Institution, Lompoc II. en.wikipedia.org

[2] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCI Lompoc I. bop.gov

[3] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCI Lompoc II. bop.gov

[4] U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, Remote Inspection of Federal Correctional Complex Lompoc (Pandemic Response Report 20-086, July 2020). oig.justice.gov

[5] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Name Changes Approved for Seven FBOP Facilities (April 4, 2024). bop.gov

[6] Noozhawk, Lompoc’s Federal Penitentiary Switching to Housing Low-Security Inmates (June 7, 2023). noozhawk.com

[7] The New York Times, Ivan F. Boesky, Rogue Trader in 1980s Wall Street Scandal, Dies at 87 (May 20, 2024). nytimes.com

[8] Wikipedia, Federal Correctional Institution, Lompoc I. en.wikipedia.org

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

[10] UNICOR / Federal Prison Industries, Inc., About the Federal Prison Industries Program. unicor.gov

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

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

[13] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCC Lompoc Visiting Schedule and Procedures. bop.gov

Related Pages

• Federal Prisons — Complete Guide to the BOP
• Low Security Federal Prisons — What to Expect
• Minimum Security Federal Prison Camps
• Federal Halfway Houses (RRCs) and Home Confinement
• Preparing for Federal Prison — Self-Surrender Guide
• The Federal Pre-Sentence Report (PSR)
• Post-Conviction Services — Halfway House and Home Confinement
• RDAP and Sentence Reduction — What You Need to Know
• Securities Fraud — Federal Charges and Sentencing
• Insider Trading — Federal Penalties and Prison

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 March 2026.