Processing a New Convict

THESE ARE THE usual steps taken once you are found guilty and become state property:

1.   You will be housed in the municipal county jail where the crime was committed. You will wait for a transfer to a correctional institution, the security level* to be determined by your criminal history and the sentencing guidelines. This generally takes about a month but can take longer.

2.   You will likely then be taken to a transfer facility, where you will be held until the next bus, van, or airplane is available for transport. Your intake papers will be prepared during this time. You may be at a transfer facility or a holding unit for up to six months, maybe longer, waiting for your permanent placement. Prisoners at this stage of the process are disinfected, inspected thoroughly for contraband (this includes a cavity search), and issued orange uniforms.

3.   You will be assigned and transferred to a housing unit or block in a minimum, medium, or maximum security facility, anywhere in the United States where there is space. The Federal Bureau of Prisons can transfer you to another prison at anytime due to disciplinary infractions, overcrowding, or change in your custody status. Prisoners at this stage are again disinfected, inspected thoroughly for contraband, and issued clothes to match the color of the rest of the convict population in that facility, usually beige or dark green. Prison jobs are usually assigned at this time, so you will be physically and mentally evaluated.

4.   Six months prior to your release date, you will be considered for a halfway house placement to finish out your time. Sometimes you may be offered limited counseling for addiction or work rehabilitation. You will be given a set of clothes, a bus ticket, an inmate identification card, and a Social Security card upon release.

*Security Levels

Minimum-security Federal Prison Camp or Satellite Camp (FPC or SCP)

Low-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI)

Medium-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI)

High-security United States Penitentiary (USP)

Administrative Maximum Security (ADX)

Administrative Facilities (FMC, FTC, FDC)