Federal Prisons

Facing federal prison? Call 612-605-3989 or email info@federalcaseconsulting.com — we respond within 24 hours.

Understanding Federal Prison Security Levels

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) classifies every federal institution by security level based on physical features (fences, walls, towers), staffing ratios, internal security measures, and inmate accountability procedures. Your security designation is determined by a point-based system outlined in BOP Program Statement 5100.08, which scores factors including offense severity, criminal history, time remaining on sentence, history of violence, and detainers.

Understanding how this system works — and what you can do to influence your designation — is one of the most important steps you can take before surrendering to federal custody.

Source: BOP Population Statistics, updated February 2026.[1]

Minimum Security Federal Prison Camps

Federal Prison Camps (FPCs) are the lowest security level in the federal system, housing approximately 22,587 inmates (14.8%) of the BOP population. Camps have no perimeter fencing, dormitory-style housing, and the lowest staff-to-inmate ratio. They are work-focused environments where inmates maintain the facility or work at adjacent military bases, and they offer extensive programming including RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program), educational courses, and vocational training.

Camp designation typically requires security points between 0 and 11, no history of violence, no detainers, and less than 10 years remaining on the sentence. First-time white-collar offenders, tax fraud defendants, and non-violent drug offenders frequently receive camp designations.

Low Security Federal Prisons

Low Security Federal Correctional Institutions (FCIs) are the largest category in the BOP, holding 55,137 inmates (36.1%). These facilities have double-fenced perimeters, dormitory or cubicle housing, and more programs than camps — including UNICOR work programs, RDAP, GED and college courses (Pell Grant-eligible since 2023), and First Step Act programming. Low security FCIs require security points between 12 and 15.

Medium Security Federal Prisons

Medium Security FCIs hold 49,907 inmates (32.7%) and feature reinforced fencing with electronic detection systems, cell-type housing (not dormitories), higher staff-to-inmate ratios, and controlled internal movement. Inmates at medium security typically have security points between 16 and 23. Many individuals convicted of serious federal offenses — including those with longer sentences, prior criminal history, or violence-related factors — are designated to medium security.

High Security Federal Prisons

United States Penitentiaries (USPs) are the highest standard security level, holding 18,492 inmates (12.1%). USPs feature walls or reinforced fencing with gun towers, single or double-cell housing, the highest staff-to-inmate ratio, and the most restrictive daily routines in the federal system. Security points of 24 or higher result in USP designation. Above USPs sits ADX Florence, the federal supermax, which houses approximately 340 of the most dangerous or high-profile inmates under near-permanent lockdown conditions.

Administrative Federal Facilities

Administrative facilities are not a security level — they are specialized institutions with unique missions. This category includes Federal Medical Centers (FMCs) for inmates requiring ongoing medical or mental health care, Federal Detention Centers (FDCs) and Metropolitan Detention/Correctional Centers (MDCs/MCCs) for pre-trial detainees, ADX Florence (the federal supermax), and the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City (the hub of the JPATS air transport system).

Halfway Houses and Residential Reentry

Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers) are the final step before full release. Under the Second Chance Act, the BOP can place inmates in an RRC for up to 12 months before their projected release date. Residents live at the facility but work in the community, earn a paycheck, and gradually reconnect with family. The First Step Act expanded early release pathways, and a June 2025 BOP directive confirmed that FSA earned time credits and Second Chance Act eligibility are stackable — the most favorable policy environment for community placement in recent years.

Individual Federal Prisons

Click any pin on the map below to view our detailed guide for that facility — including daily life, programs, visiting rules, and how to get designated there.

Minimum Security Camps

• FPC Pensacola — Pensacola, FL
• FPC Alderson — Alderson, WV
• FPC Yankton — Yankton, SD
• FPC Montgomery — Montgomery, AL
• FPC Morgantown — Morgantown, WV
• FPC Bryan — Bryan, TX

Low Security FCIs

• FCI Fort Dix — Fort Dix, NJ
• FCI Danbury — Danbury, CT
• FCI Miami — Miami, FL
• FCI Loretto — Loretto, PA
• FCI Seagoville — Seagoville, TX
• FCC Allenwood — White Deer, PA
• FCC Lompoc — Lompoc, CA

Medium Security FCIs

• FCI Otisville — Otisville, NY
• FCI Terminal Island — San Pedro, CA
• FCI Schuylkill — Minersville, PA
• USP Leavenworth — Leavenworth, KS

High Security USPs

• USP Terre Haute — Terre Haute, IN
• USP Hazelton — Bruceton Mills, WV
• USP Lewisburg — Lewisburg, PA
• USP Atwater — Atwater, CA
• FCC Coleman — Coleman, FL
• USP Atlanta — Atlanta, GA

Administrative Facilities

• ADX Florence — Florence, CO
• MDC Brooklyn — Brooklyn, NY
• MCC New York — New York, NY
• FCC Butner — Butner, NC
• FMC Carswell — Fort Worth, TX
• FTC Oklahoma City — Oklahoma City, OK
• FDC Miami — Miami, FL

How Prison Designation Works

The BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas assigns every federal inmate to a specific institution. The process uses a point-based security scoring system that evaluates:

1. Severity of current offense — Higher offense severity scores increase security points
2. Criminal history — Prior convictions and institutional violence add points
3. Time remaining on sentence — Longer sentences result in higher initial designation
4. History of violence — Any violent history significantly increases security level
5. History of escape — Past escapes or escape attempts are heavily weighted
6. Detainers and pending charges — Immigration detainers, state warrants, or pending charges can prevent camp designation
7. Type of prior commitments — Prior incarceration history affects scoring
8. Voluntary surrender status — Judicial recommendations for voluntary surrender can favor lower designation

Your Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) is the primary document the DSCC uses. Errors or omissions in the PSR can result in a higher security designation than necessary. This is why reviewing and challenging inaccuracies in the PSR — before sentencing — is one of the most impactful things a federal prison consultant can do.

How Federal Case Consulting Helps

We have been through the federal prison system ourselves. That firsthand experience — combined with deep knowledge of BOP policies, designation procedures, and program opportunities — is what sets Federal Case Consulting apart. We help our clients at every stage:

• PSR Review and Preparation — We review your Pre-Sentence Report for errors that could inflate your security score and work with your defense team to present the most accurate picture to the court
• Sentencing Hearing Preparation — We help you and your attorney prepare for the sentencing hearing, including supporting documentation for judicial recommendations
• Designation Advocacy — We prepare designation memoranda and supporting materials for the DSCC to advocate for the most favorable institution possible
• Prison Preparation — We walk you through exactly what to expect from self-surrender through your first weeks in custody
• Step-by-Step Guidance — From arrest through release, we provide a clear roadmap for every phase of the federal process
• Program Strategy — We identify RDAP, First Step Act, and other programming opportunities that can reduce your sentence and improve your prison experience
• Family Support — We help your family understand the system, maintain communication, and prepare for your return
• Post-Conviction Services — From transfer requests to reentry planning, we support you throughout your sentence

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my federal prison security level determined?

The BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) uses a point-based system that scores your offense severity, criminal history, sentence length, history of violence, escape history, and detainers. The total points determine your security level: 0-11 for minimum (camp), 12-15 for low, 16-23 for medium, and 24+ for high. Your Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) is the primary document used in this calculation, which is why reviewing it for errors before sentencing is critical.

Can I request a specific federal prison?

You can request a specific facility, and the judge can make a recommendation, but the BOP has sole discretion over your designation under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(b). The BOP considers five factors: available resources, the nature of the offense, your criminal history, any relevant policy statements, and judicial recommendations. A well-prepared designation memorandum addressing these factors can influence — but not guarantee — your placement.

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

Federal Prison Camps (FPCs) have no perimeter fencing, dormitory housing, and the most freedom of movement. Low Security FCIs have double-fenced perimeters, may have dormitory or cubicle housing, and involve more structured daily routines with controlled movement. Camps require security points of 0-11 with no violence history, no detainers, and typically under 10 years remaining. Low security requires points of 12-15. Both offer RDAP and First Step Act programming.

How can I get transferred to a lower security prison?

Your security points are recalculated periodically. Points decrease over time as your remaining sentence shortens and as you maintain a clean disciplinary record. Completing programs like RDAP, earning educational credentials, and avoiding incidents all contribute to lower security designation at your next review. A federal prison consultant can help you develop a strategy to systematically reduce your security score and advocate for transfer.

What programs can reduce my federal sentence?

RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program) can reduce your sentence by up to 12 months for eligible non-violent offenders. The First Step Act allows eligible inmates to earn 10-15 days of time credits for every 30 days of programming, which can be applied toward earlier transfer to a halfway house or home confinement. Good Conduct Time (GCT) provides up to 54 days per year of sentence reduction. Combined, these programs can significantly reduce time in custody.

What is a halfway house and how long can I stay?

A halfway house — formally called a Residential Reentry Center (RRC) — is a community-based facility where you live under supervision while working a regular job. Under the Second Chance Act, you can spend up to 12 months in an RRC before release. First Step Act earned time credits can further advance your release date. The June 2025 BOP directive confirmed that FSA credits and SCA eligibility stack, meaning more total time in community placement.

How can a federal prison consultant help me?

A federal prison consultant with firsthand experience helps you navigate every stage: reviewing your PSR for errors that could increase your security level, preparing designation advocacy materials, developing a program strategy to earn sentence credits, preparing you and your family for self-surrender, and planning for reentry through halfway house placement and home confinement. The difference between going in prepared and going in blind can affect years of your life.

Sources:

[1] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Population Statistics, updated February 2026. bop.gov

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

[3] 18 U.S.C. § 3621(b) — Place of Imprisonment. law.cornell.edu

[4] First Step Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-391. congress.gov

[5] Second Chance Act of 2007, Pub. L. 110-199; 18 U.S.C. § 3624(c). congress.gov

Disclaimer: Federal Case Consulting provides consulting and advocacy services. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. The information on this page is for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional legal counsel. BOP policies and procedures are subject to change.