FCC Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex

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

Overview of Federal Correctional Complex, Allenwood

FCC Allenwood sits along Route 15, approximately two miles north of the town of Allenwood in White Deer, Pennsylvania. The complex is located in Union County in the Susquehanna River valley of central Pennsylvania — a rural, heavily forested area far removed from the urban centers that supply most of its population. The nearest city of any size is Williamsport, about 30 miles to the north. Harrisburg, the state capital, is roughly 75 miles to the south. Philadelphia is approximately 170 miles southeast, and New York City is about 200 miles northeast.

The complex is administered under a single Complex Warden and shares centralized administrative functions — including human resources, financial management, and facilities maintenance — across all three institutions. Each facility, however, operates independently in terms of inmate management, programming, and daily operations. The three facilities are:

• FCI Allenwood Low — A low security Federal Correctional Institution housing approximately 1,009 inmates in dormitory-style housing with a double-fenced perimeter [1]
• FCI Allenwood Medium — A medium security Federal Correctional Institution housing approximately 1,055 inmates in cell-style housing with double fencing, electronic detection, and controlled movement [2]
• USP Allenwood — A high security United States Penitentiary housing approximately 306 inmates behind concrete walls, gun towers, and the most restrictive conditions in the complex [3]

All three facilities sit within the Middle District of Pennsylvania judicial district and fall under the BOP’s Northeast Region. The shared mailing address uses White Deer, PA 17887, though the physical location is accessible off Route 15 near Allenwood, PA 17810.

The Allenwood complex has a long history in the federal system. The original Federal Prison Camp at Allenwood opened in 1952 on the site of a former World War II prisoner-of-war camp. It gained notoriety during the Watergate era, when several conspirators — including Egil Krogh and James McCord — served their sentences there. The modern complex was developed in the early 1990s when the BOP expanded the site to include the medium security FCI (opened 1993) and the high security USP (opened 1993), transforming the single-institution site into a full federal correctional complex [4].

Understanding the complex structure matters for families. Each facility within FCC Allenwood has its own mailing address, visiting schedule, and phone number. If you send mail to the wrong facility, it will be returned. If you show up for visiting at the wrong institution, you will be turned away. Make sure you know which specific facility — Low (FCI), Medium (FCI), or High (USP) — your family member is housed at before making any arrangements.

FCI Allenwood Low — Low Security

FCI Allenwood Low is a low security Federal Correctional Institution with a current population of approximately 1,009 male inmates [1]. It is the largest facility in the Allenwood complex by population and one of the larger low security FCIs in the Northeast Region.

Housing and Physical Layout

The Low houses inmates in dormitory-style housing units with open floor plans. Inmates are assigned to bunk beds in large rooms, with lockers providing personal storage space. The compound is surrounded by a double-fenced perimeter with razor wire and electronic detection systems — the standard physical security for low security FCIs. Unlike a minimum security camp, you cannot simply walk off the compound, but unlike the Medium or USP, there are no concrete walls or gun towers.

The compound includes separate buildings for housing units, a dining hall, recreation yard, education department, chapel, medical services (Health Services), commissary, UNICOR factory, and administrative offices. The grounds are well-maintained, with open green space between buildings — a common feature of low security facilities that contributes to a less oppressive atmosphere than higher security institutions.

Who Gets Designated to FCI Allenwood Low

The BOP designates inmates to security levels based on a point system calculated in the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) and verified by the Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas. Inmates scoring 12 to 15 security points on the BOP’s classification instrument are typically designated to low security facilities [5]. Key factors that determine your score include:

• Severity of current offense (0-7 points)
• Criminal history (0-6 points)
• History of violence (0-3 points)
• History of escape or attempted escape (0-3 points)
• Detainers, warrants, or pending charges (0-3 points)
• Type of prior commitments (0-3 points)
• Voluntary surrender status (-3 points if applicable)

FCI Allenwood Low draws heavily from federal courts in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the District of New Jersey. The BOP policy generally favors designating inmates within 500 miles of their release residence, and Allenwood’s central Pennsylvania location puts it within that radius of most major Northeast cities. Drug offenses, fraud cases, and white-collar convictions make up a large share of the Low’s population.

Daily Life at FCI Allenwood Low

Daily life follows the standard BOP schedule for low security facilities. Inmates are awakened for the 6:00 AM standing count, followed by breakfast in the dining hall. Work call begins at approximately 7:30 AM, and all able-bodied inmates report to their assigned work details — food service, facilities maintenance, education department, recreation, grounds keeping, UNICOR factory, or other institutional jobs. The 4:00 PM standing count is the most strictly enforced count of the day; you must be at your assigned bunk and standing when the count clears.

Movement on the compound is controlled — you move between buildings during designated movement periods (typically every 30 minutes) or with specific callout passes. Evenings are devoted to recreation, education programs, religious services, phone calls, and TRULINCS email access. Lights out is generally between 10:00 and 11:00 PM, though some facilities allow reading lights after the official lights-out time.

Inmates receive 300 minutes of phone time per month, with each call limited to 15 minutes. TRULINCS email credits are purchased through the commissary. The commissary itself is available on a scheduled basis (typically once per week, assigned by housing unit), with a spending limit of approximately $360 per month.

FCI Allenwood Medium — Medium Security

FCI Allenwood Medium is a medium security Federal Correctional Institution housing approximately 1,055 male inmates [2]. It represents a significant step up in security from the Low and houses inmates with longer sentences, more serious criminal histories, or institutional disciplinary issues.

Housing and Physical Layout

The Medium houses inmates in two-person cells within multi-story housing units — a stark contrast to the open dormitories of the Low. Each cell has a bunk bed, toilet, sink, desk, and limited shelf space. Cell doors are electronically controlled and locked during counts and at night. The compound is surrounded by a double-fenced perimeter with razor wire, augmented by electronic detection systems and roving patrol vehicles. Movement on the compound is more tightly controlled than at the Low, with specific movement periods and mandatory callouts for program attendance.

The Medium compound includes separate housing units, a central dining hall, indoor and outdoor recreation areas (including a gymnasium and weight equipment), education department, chapel, medical services, UNICOR factory, a law library, and administrative offices. The overall atmosphere is noticeably more institutional than the Low — more concrete, more steel, more visible staff presence, and less open green space.

Who Gets Designated to FCI Allenwood Medium

Inmates scoring 16 to 23 security points on the BOP’s classification instrument are designated to medium security facilities [5]. Medium security inmates typically have one or more of the following characteristics that push them above the low security threshold:

• More serious current offenses (drug trafficking, firearms, organized crime)
• Significant prior criminal history
• History of violence
• Longer sentences (particularly sentences exceeding 10 years)
• Prior BOP disciplinary history (if a returning inmate)
• Active detainers or warrants from other jurisdictions

Like the Low, FCI Allenwood Medium draws its population primarily from the major Northeast federal courts. It is a common destination for defendants convicted of drug trafficking conspiracies, organized crime offenses, and firearms charges in the Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey districts. The Medium also receives inmates who have been moved up from lower security due to disciplinary issues — and inmates from the USP who have earned their way down through good behavior and program completion.

Daily Life at FCI Allenwood Medium

Daily life at the Medium is more regimented than the Low. The basic schedule is similar — 6:00 AM wake-up count, breakfast, work call, afternoon count at 4:00 PM, dinner, evening recreation — but the restrictions are tighter. Movement is more controlled, with inmates required to carry their institutional ID card at all times and present it on demand. There are more frequent random pat searches, and housing units are subject to regular shakedowns (cell searches). The 9:00 PM count requires inmates to be in their cells, and cell doors are locked overnight.

Work assignments at the Medium mirror those at the Low but include some higher-skilled positions in the UNICOR factory. The Medium’s UNICOR operation provides inmates with the opportunity to earn the best wages in the institution — up to $1.15 per hour at top pay grades — while building marketable skills. Recreation options include a gymnasium, outdoor recreation yard with running track, weight equipment, and organized sports leagues. The recreation department also operates hobby craft programs where inmates can pursue leatherwork, painting, and other creative activities.

USP Allenwood — High Security

USP Allenwood is a high security United States Penitentiary housing approximately 306 male inmates [3]. It is the most restrictive facility in the Allenwood complex and among the most secure institutions in the federal system. The population at USP Allenwood has decreased significantly in recent years — the facility has the capacity for considerably more inmates — reflecting BOP-wide trends in high security population management.

Housing and Physical Layout

USP Allenwood is built behind reinforced concrete walls with gun towers staffed by armed officers. The perimeter is the most secure in the complex and includes multiple layers of fencing, concrete barriers, electronic detection, and constant surveillance. Inside, inmates are housed in single or double-occupancy cells within housing units that feature electronically controlled doors, reinforced walls, and sally ports (double-gated entry points controlled by central operations). Movement is strictly controlled — inmates move in escorted or closely monitored groups, and there is no unsupervised compound movement.

The USP compound is physically separate from the Low and Medium, though all three facilities share the same overall property along Route 15. The USP has its own recreation yard, dining hall, education spaces, medical services, and administrative offices. The recreation yard at a USP is considerably smaller and more restricted than those at lower security levels, and access to outdoor recreation is subject to institutional lockdowns and staffing levels.

Who Gets Designated to USP Allenwood

Inmates scoring 24 or more security points on the BOP’s classification instrument are designated to high security facilities [5]. High security inmates typically have:

• Very serious current offenses (murder, major drug kingpin cases, racketeering, terrorism)
• Extensive criminal histories with multiple prior incarcerations
• Documented history of violence (including in-custody violence)
• Long sentences — often 20 years to life
• Prior escape attempts or escape history
• Gang affiliation or involvement in organized criminal enterprises
• Active high-profile detainers

USP Allenwood, like other Northeast Region high security institutions, receives inmates from across the federal system but draws particularly from courts in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and other Northeast states. It houses inmates convicted of violent drug trafficking, organized crime, murder-for-hire, racketeering (RICO), and other serious federal offenses. Some inmates are transferred to USP Allenwood from other USPs as part of routine BOP population management or for disciplinary separation.

Daily Life at USP Allenwood

Life at a USP is fundamentally different from the Low or Medium. Every aspect of daily routine is more restricted. Counts are more frequent. Movement is more controlled. Staff presence is constant and highly visible. Lockdowns — where all inmates are confined to their cells — occur regularly, sometimes for extended periods following security incidents. During a lockdown, there is no recreation, no visiting, no commissary, and no programming. Meals are delivered to cells.

When the institution is operating normally, the daily schedule follows a similar framework to lower security facilities — morning count, breakfast, work call, afternoon count, dinner, evening recreation — but with significantly less freedom of movement and more restrictions on every activity. Inmates are typically locked in their cells from the evening count until the morning unlock. Phone access (300 minutes per month) and TRULINCS email remain available, but access may be interrupted by lockdowns or disciplinary restrictions.

Even at USP Allenwood, preparation matters. Many clients and families assume that if you are going to a high security facility, there is nothing you can do to improve your situation. That is not true. Institutional behavior, program participation, and a documented record of positive adjustment can lead to security-level reductions over time. Inmates at USP Allenwood who demonstrate consistently good behavior can eventually be recommended for transfer to the Medium — and from the Medium to the Low. This “step-down” strategy is one of the most important things we help high-security clients plan for.

Programs Across the Complex

One of the advantages of being designated to a federal correctional complex is the breadth of programming available across multiple security levels. FCC Allenwood offers a comprehensive range of programs, though availability varies by facility.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP is available at FCI Allenwood Low and FCI Allenwood Medium, but not at USP Allenwood [6]. This is an important distinction. RDAP is a 9-month, approximately 500-hour residential treatment program that provides intensive cognitive behavioral therapy in a dedicated housing unit. Successful completion of RDAP can earn eligible inmates up to 12 months off their sentence — the single largest sentence reduction available in the federal system outside of a successful appeal.

To qualify for RDAP, you must have a documented substance abuse disorder, ideally identified in your Pre-Sentence Report. The BOP uses the criteria from the DSM-5 to evaluate eligibility. RDAP is highly competitive, and waitlists can be long — sometimes 6 to 12 months. If RDAP is part of your sentence reduction strategy, facility designation is critical: you need to be at a facility that offers the program, and you need to apply early. Certain offenses, particularly violent crimes and some immigration offenses, can disqualify you from receiving the sentence reduction benefit even if you complete the program [7].

For inmates at USP Allenwood who need substance abuse treatment, non-residential drug abuse treatment programs (NR-DAP) and drug abuse education courses are typically available. These programs do not carry the 12-month sentence reduction benefit but may support First Step Act credit accumulation and demonstrate positive institutional adjustment for future step-down consideration.

Education and Vocational Training

All three Allenwood facilities offer education 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 instructional hours or until they obtain their GED.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) — Required for inmates who cannot communicate in English at a functional level.
• Post-secondary education — Following the reinstatement of Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals in 2023, college-level courses are increasingly available at BOP institutions. Availability at Allenwood depends on partnerships with local educational institutions.
• Vocational training — Varies by facility and may include programs in HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, culinary arts, horticulture, computer applications, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) preparation. Vocational certificates earned in BOP custody are recognized credentials that support reentry employment.

UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)

FCC Allenwood has UNICOR factory operations at both the Low and Medium facilities [8]. UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) is a government corporation that manufactures goods and provides services for federal agencies. Inmates working in UNICOR earn the highest wages available in the BOP — ranging from $0.23 to $1.15 per hour, with experienced workers at the highest pay grades earning more. Beyond the pay, UNICOR employment provides genuine job skills, a structured work environment, and a favorable institutional record that supports security-level reductions and early release consideration.

UNICOR positions are highly sought after at every institution, and there is typically a waitlist. Priority is given to inmates with longer sentences, those who lack other programming, and those approaching reentry. We advise clients to apply for UNICOR early in their sentence and to maintain a clear disciplinary record to improve their chances of selection.

First Step Act Earned Time Credits

The First Step Act of 2018 allows eligible inmates to earn 10 to 15 days of credit for every 30 days of successful participation in approved Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs and Productive Activities (PAs). These credits can be applied toward early transfer to a Residential Reentry Center (halfway house) or home confinement. Inmates classified as “minimum” or “low” risk on the BOP’s PATTERN risk assessment earn 15 days per 30; “medium” risk inmates earn 10 days per 30. “High” risk inmates are not eligible.

First Step Act-eligible programs at FCC Allenwood include cognitive behavioral programs (Thinking for a Change, Moral Reconation Therapy), drug education, anger management, financial literacy, parenting classes, victim impact programs, employment readiness, and GED preparation. These credits accumulate throughout your sentence and can result in months of early release. Not all inmates are eligible — certain offenses listed in 18 U.S.C. Section 3632(d)(4)(D) are excluded. We help every client build a First Step Act credit strategy from day one [9].

Additional Programs and Services

Beyond RDAP, education, UNICOR, and First Step Act programming, FCC Allenwood offers:

• Mental health services — Psychology Services provides individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and residential treatment for inmates with serious mental health needs. The BOP’s STAGES program (Steps Toward Awareness, Growth, and Emotional Strength) may be available for inmates requiring intensive therapeutic support.
• Religious services — Chaplaincy services, group worship, faith-based programming, and study groups for multiple denominations and faiths.
• Recreation — Indoor gymnasiums, outdoor recreation yards with running tracks, weight equipment (at lower security levels), organized sports leagues, and hobby craft programs.
• Medical and dental care — Health Services departments at each facility provide routine and emergency medical care, sick call, dental services, and chronic care management. Serious medical cases may be transferred to a Federal Medical Center.
• Reentry programming — Release preparation courses, resume writing, job search skills, and coordination with the U.S. Probation Office for supervised release planning.

Visiting at FCC Allenwood

Visiting is one of the most important aspects of incarceration for both inmates and their families. FCC Allenwood has a complex-wide visiting supplement (ALX-5267.09C, dated March 15, 2024) that governs visiting procedures at all three facilities. Here is what you need to know [10].

Visiting Hours by Facility

Important visiting rules that apply across all three Allenwood facilities:

• All visitors must be on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list and must pass a background check completed by BOP staff before the first visit.
• FCC Allenwood is a tobacco-free complex. Visitors may not bring any tobacco products into any facility or visiting room.
• Visitors must arrange their own transportation to and from the complex. There is no public transportation to the facility.
• A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry. Visitors without proper identification will be turned away.
• Dress code requirements apply. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (khaki pants, green shirts), revealing clothing, camouflage, and clothing with offensive graphics are not permitted.
• Physical contact is limited to a brief embrace and handshake at the beginning and end of each visit. Excessive physical contact during the visit will result in the visit being terminated.
• Visitors may bring a limited amount of cash (typically $20-$40 in coins and small bills) for vending machines in the visiting room. Lockers are available for personal belongings.
• Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must be supervised at all times. Some visiting rooms have designated children’s areas.
• Attorney visits are conducted in private rooms and may be scheduled on non-visiting days through coordination with the Unit Team.

Travel to FCC Allenwood

Getting to FCC Allenwood requires planning, especially for families traveling from urban areas. The complex is in rural central Pennsylvania with limited public transportation options:

• From Philadelphia: Approximately 170 miles, 3 to 3.5 hours by car via I-76 West to I-80 West to Route 15 North.
• From New York City: Approximately 200 miles, 3.5 to 4 hours by car via I-80 West to Route 15 North.
• From Harrisburg: Approximately 75 miles, 1.5 hours by car via Route 15 North.
• From Newark, NJ: Approximately 190 miles, 3 to 3.5 hours by car via I-80 West.
• Nearest airport: Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT), approximately 30 miles north. Limited commercial service. Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is approximately 80 miles south and offers more flight options. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is approximately 175 miles southeast.
• Lodging: Hotels and motels are available in Williamsport, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Danville — all within 15 to 35 miles of the complex. There are very limited lodging options in White Deer or Allenwood itself.

Plan your visit carefully. The rural location means there are no restaurants, gas stations, or services within walking distance of the complex. Fill your gas tank and eat before you arrive. Arrive early — processing visitors takes time, and arriving late cuts into your limited visiting hours. We always recommend calling the specific facility (Low, Medium, or USP) the day before your visit to confirm that visiting is proceeding as scheduled — lockdowns and institutional emergencies can cancel visiting without advance notice.

How Federal Case Consulting Helps With FCC Allenwood

FCC Allenwood’s three-facility structure creates both opportunities and complications. The facility you are designated to within the complex will define your experience — the housing, the restrictions, the programs available, and the path toward early release. At Federal Case Consulting, we have been through the federal system. We understand how designation works, what daily life looks like at each security level, and how to build a strategy that maximizes your time inside.

Here is specifically what we do for clients facing designation to FCC Allenwood:

1. Designation advocacy across security levels — If your security points put you on the borderline between low and medium, or between medium and high, the difference in experience is enormous. We analyze your security point calculation, identify any errors in the PSR that may be inflating your score, and work with your attorney to make the strongest possible case for the lowest appropriate security level. A judicial recommendation requesting a specific facility within the Allenwood complex — or requesting a different complex entirely — carries weight with the DSCC.
2. Step-down strategy — For clients designated to USP Allenwood or FCI Allenwood Medium, we develop a long-term plan to earn a reduction in security level. This means identifying which programs to complete, how to build a positive institutional adjustment record, and when to push for reclassification. The goal is to move from USP to Medium, or from Medium to Low — and eventually from Low to a minimum security camp that supports halfway house and home confinement eligibility.
3. PSR review and objections — The Pre-Sentence Report drives everything: your guideline range, your security points, your facility designation, and your RDAP eligibility. We review every section and prepare detailed objections where errors exist.
4. Self-surrender preparation — We walk you through what to bring, what to expect during intake at your specific facility, and how to navigate the critical first 48 hours. We prepare you physically, mentally, and logistically so you arrive ready.
5. RDAP enrollment strategy — If substance abuse treatment is relevant to your case, we ensure the documentation is in your PSR and advocate for designation to a facility that offers RDAP. At Allenwood, that means the Low or Medium — not the USP.
6. Family support and visiting preparation — We help your family understand the visiting process, set up TRULINCS, manage the approved contact list, and navigate the emotional challenges of having a loved one at FCC Allenwood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the three facilities at FCC Allenwood?

FCC Allenwood is a three-facility complex with distinct security levels. FCI Allenwood Low (~1,009 inmates) is a low security facility with dormitory housing, a double-fenced perimeter, and the most relaxed conditions in the complex — inmates scoring 12-15 security points are typically designated here. FCI Allenwood Medium (~1,055 inmates) is a medium security facility with two-person cells, double fencing with electronic detection, and tighter controlled movement — for inmates scoring 16-23 points. USP Allenwood (~306 inmates) is a high security penitentiary with concrete walls, gun towers, single or double cells, and the most restrictive conditions — for inmates scoring 24+ points. Each facility operates independently with its own housing units, programming, visiting schedules, and phone numbers, even though they share the same overall property in White Deer, Pennsylvania.

Does FCC Allenwood have RDAP, and which facility offers it?

Yes, RDAP is available at FCI Allenwood Low and FCI Allenwood Medium, but not at USP Allenwood. This is a critical distinction for inmates whose sentence reduction strategy depends on RDAP completion. The program is a 9-month, approximately 500-hour residential treatment program that can earn eligible inmates up to 12 months off their sentence. To qualify, you must have a documented substance abuse disorder in your Pre-Sentence Report. If RDAP is important to your case, we work with your attorney to ensure your PSR documentation supports eligibility and to request designation to a facility that offers the program. Inmates at the USP can access non-residential drug abuse programs, but these do not carry the 12-month sentence reduction benefit.

Can I be transferred between facilities within FCC Allenwood?

Yes. One of the significant advantages of a federal correctional complex is the ability to transfer between security levels without the complications of a full institutional transfer. If you are at USP Allenwood and demonstrate sustained good behavior, complete programs, and reduce your security points through positive institutional adjustment, your unit team can recommend you for a step-down to FCI Allenwood Medium. Similarly, inmates at the Medium can earn their way down to the Low. This step-down path is one of the most important strategic considerations for inmates at higher security levels, and it is something we help clients plan for from the beginning of their sentence. The BOP reviews each inmate’s classification periodically — typically every 12 to 18 months — and can adjust your security level at that time.

How do I get to FCC Allenwood for visiting? Is there public transportation?

There is no public transportation to FCC Allenwood. The complex is located in rural central Pennsylvania off Route 15, approximately 2 miles north of the town of Allenwood. You will need a private vehicle or a hired car service. From Philadelphia, the drive is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. From New York City, it is 3.5 to 4 hours. From Harrisburg, about 1.5 hours. The nearest airports are Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT), about 30 miles north with limited service, and Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), about 80 miles south. Hotels are available in Williamsport, Lewisburg, and Selinsgrove. We strongly recommend calling the specific facility the day before your visit to confirm visiting is proceeding as scheduled — lockdowns can cancel visiting without notice.

What work assignments and UNICOR jobs are available at FCC Allenwood?

All able-bodied inmates at FCC Allenwood are required to work. Standard assignments include food service, facilities maintenance, grounds keeping, laundry, education department support, recreation, and administrative clerical positions. The most desirable jobs are UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) positions, which are available at both the Low and Medium facilities. UNICOR inmates earn the highest wages in the BOP — from $0.23 to $1.15 per hour — and gain marketable job skills. UNICOR positions are competitive and typically have a waitlist. Priority is given to inmates with longer remaining sentences and those who lack other programming options. We advise clients to apply for UNICOR as early as possible and maintain a clean disciplinary record to improve selection chances.

What are the visiting rules at FCC Allenwood?

All visitors must be on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list and must pass a BOP background check before the first visit. Visiting hours at the FCI (Medium) and USP are Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The FCI Low also offers Friday visiting. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. FCC Allenwood is a tobacco-free complex — no tobacco products may be brought onto the grounds. Physical contact is limited to a brief embrace at the beginning and end of each visit. Visitors may bring a small amount of cash (coins and small bills) for vending machines. A dress code is enforced — no khaki pants, green shirts, camouflage, revealing clothing, or offensive graphics. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Attorney visits can be scheduled on non-visiting days through the Unit Team.

Can I influence whether I am sent to Allenwood or to a different facility?

You cannot choose your facility, but you can influence the designation 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 a specific facility or region), proximity to release residence (BOP policy favors facilities within 500 miles of home), medical needs, program needs (such as RDAP), and family circumstances. We work with your attorney to prepare a comprehensive designation memorandum that addresses each factor. If Allenwood is a good fit — or if a different facility would better serve your needs — we make the case. A well-documented request is far more effective than no request at all. Contact us at 612-605-3989 to discuss your designation strategy.

Related Federal Prison Resources

• Federal Prisons — Complete Guide
• Low Security Federal Prisons
• Medium Security Federal Prisons
• High Security Federal Prisons (USPs)
• Minimum Security Federal Prison Camps
• Preparing for Federal Prison
• Federal Pre-Sentence Report (PSR)
• Halfway Houses and Home Confinement

Sources:

[1] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCI Allenwood Low — Facility Profile. bop.gov

[2] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCI Allenwood Medium — Facility Profile. bop.gov

[3] Federal Bureau of Prisons, USP Allenwood — Facility Profile. bop.gov

[4] Wikipedia, Federal Correctional Complex, Allenwood. wikipedia.org

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

[6] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Residential Drug Abuse Programs and Locations. bop.gov

[7] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. bop.gov

[8] UNICOR / Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Factory Locations by Region. unicor.gov

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

[10] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCC Allenwood Complex Supplement: Visiting Regulations (ALX-5267.09C), March 15, 2024. bop.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 population figures and program availability referenced on this page reflect publicly available BOP data as of March 2026.