Unit Management and Inmate Program Review

By Elizabeth Franklin-Best, Esq., and Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA

Program Statement 5321.10 at a glance

Field	Value
Program Statement	5321.10
Subject	Unit Management Manual (retitled; the 2024 edition was called Unit Management and Inmate Program Review)
Effective / current edition date	September 3, 2026
Change notice	None. PS 5321.10 is a full reissue approved by Director William K. Marshall III, not a change notice.
Supersedes / rescinds	PS 5321.09 CN-1, Unit Management and Inmate Program Review (2/27/2025); PS 5050.47, Parole Hearings; Employees Serving as Inmate Representatives (12/16/1998); PS 5840.04, Staff Correspondence About Inmates (09/01/1999). PS 5321.09 had itself replaced PS 5321.08 and PS 5322.13 in 2024.
Governing statute	18 U.S.C. § 3632 (First Step Act risk and needs assessment); 18 U.S.C. § 4042(b), (c) (release notification); 5 U.S.C. ch. 61
Governing regulation (28 C.F.R.)	Part 524, subpart B — Classification and Program Review of Inmates, §§ 524.10 and 524.11
Related BP forms	BP-A0381 Inmate Activity Record; BP-A0394 Detainer Action Letter; BP-A0400 CIM Notice; BP-A0407 Acknowledgment of Inmate, Part 1 & 2; BP-A0408 Acknowledgment of Inmate, Part 3 & 4; BP-A0522 Supervision Release Plan; BP-A0571 Program Review Report; BP-A0624 Responsibilities of Employees Representing Inmates at Parole Hearings; BP-A0648 Sex Offender Registration and Treatment Notification; BP-A1121 Single-Cell Review Form
Official PDF	PS 5321.10 (bop.gov)

Checked against the BOP policy set · 2026-09-19.

Your unit team — the Unit Manager, Case Manager and Correctional Counselor assigned to your housing unit — is the group that meets with you every few months to review your custody level, your programming, your First Step Act status and your release plan. This Program Statement sets out who sits on that team, what each person is responsible for, and how often those meetings have to happen: an initial classification within 28 calendar days of arrival, then a program review at least every 180 days, tightening to every 90 days once you are within twelve months of your projected release date.

Read this alongside daily life in federal prison, which covers the practical side of unit living and what a team meeting actually feels like. This page is the rule book: the intervals, the notice requirements, the forms, and the parts of it that are regulation rather than policy. If the question is about how a PATTERN score or a First Step Act credit calculation gets made at one of these meetings, that is covered at PATTERN risk score.

The rule itself: the program review clock, the notice rules, and the unit team

The most useful thing in this Program Statement is a set of deadlines — and unusually for this batch, most of them are regulation, not just policy. The blue regulatory text in PS 5321.10 is 28 C.F.R. §§ 524.10 and 524.11, the only two sections in subpart B, “Classification and Program Review of Inmates.” Where a row below is marked regulation, it binds the Bureau; where it is marked policy, it is the Bureau’s own implementing instruction and does not carry the same force.

The program review clock

Event	Deadline	Source
Initial classification of a newly committed inmate	Within 28 calendar days of arrival at the institution designated for service of sentence	Regulation — 28 C.F.R. § 524.11(a)(1)
Sentence computation	Must be completed prior to initial classification; where delayed, initial classification is ordinarily completed within 14 calendar days of the completed sentence computation, and the reason for the delay is documented on the Program Review Report	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 13
Initial program review after a transfer	Within 28 calendar days of arrival at the new facility	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 13
Former study and observation cases	Scheduled for initial classification within 28 calendar days of receipt of the Inmate Central File, but no later than 90 calendar days after arrival if no Central File is available	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 13
Routine program review	At least once every 180 calendar days	Regulation — 28 C.F.R. § 524.11(a)(2)
Program review within twelve months of the projected release date	At least once every 90 calendar days	Regulation — 28 C.F.R. § 524.11(a)(2)
Review missed because of an outside hospital admission or a writ	Ordinarily within 14 calendar days of the inmate’s return; otherwise the next review occurs as scheduled	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 14
Review delayed by a Special Housing Unit placement	No separate SHU rule in PS 5321.10. Initial classification is due within 28 calendar days of arrival “including inmates assigned to the SHU” (p. 13), and the 14-day catch-up applies only to outside-hospital admissions and writs. PS 5321.09 had allowed a SHU-related delay of up to 14 calendar days.	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 14
Notice before appearing before the classification team	At least 48 hours, for initial classification and for every later program review; the inmate may submit a written waiver of the 48-hour notice	Regulation — 28 C.F.R. § 524.11(b)(1)–(2)
Notice before an unscheduled program review	At least 48 hours	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 15
Program review docket posted in the unit	At least 48 hours prior to the meeting, in a highly visible location; inmates without access to the posting must be otherwise notified at least 48 hours prior	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 15
Initial FSA risk and needs assessment	28 days after arrival at the initially designated facility	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 14
Subsequent FSA reassessments	Every 90 or 180 days, based on the projected release date	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 14
Release address finalized	If possible, 27 months before the FSA Conditional Placement Date or earliest release date	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 17
Release planning materials to a non-sentencing district	Ordinarily 27 months before the FSA Conditional Placement Date or earliest release date	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 17
Progress report and BP-A0522, Supervision Release Plan, to U.S. Probation	At least 90 days before a scheduled release directly to the community, or at the time of referral to a Residential Reentry Center	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 17
Correctional Programs meeting chaired by the Associate Warden	Quarterly	Policy — PS 5321.10 at p. 5

Source: PS 5321.10 at pp. 5, 13–15, 17; regulatory rows at 28 C.F.R. § 524.11.

Who is on the unit team, and what each one owns

The Program Statement provides that “[o]rdinarily, the Unit Manager will chair each initial classification and inmate program review and at a minimum, each initial classification and inmate program review will include the inmate’s assigned Case Manager and Correctional Counselor” (PS 5321.10 at p. 12).

Role	What this Program Statement assigns to them
Unit Manager	Supervises Case Managers, Correctional Counselors and Unit Secretaries; directs and manages the housing unit and is responsible for its operation and security; plans, develops, implements, supervises and coordinates individual programs; ordinarily chairs each initial classification and program review; ordinarily chairs Unit Disciplinary Committee meetings and attends SHU multidisciplinary meetings; reviews general-population housing so no one is ordinarily housed alone in a cell, documenting any single-cell placement on a BP-A1121, Single-Cell Review Form; ensures unit rules are posted in English and Spanish
Case Manager	Schedules initial classification and program review meetings; incorporates other disciplines’ input as measurable goals; determines Federal Time Credit eligibility and notifies the inmate via the inmate copy of the Program Review Report; generates PATTERN via the auto-PATTERN tool and gives the inmate a sanitized copy; completes needs assessments assigned to Unit Management; generates the SPARC-13 needs reassessment and gives the inmate a copy; reviews FSA Time Credits Assessments and gives the inmate a copy; reviews the Program Review Report for completeness and accuracy before filing; may change an inmate’s legal address on supporting documentation
Correctional Counselor	Individual counseling and staff-led structured group sessions, ordinarily at least once per quarter in each assigned unit (expressly “not therapeutic or treatment related”); monitors general adjustment, living quarters, sanitation, work assignments and program performance, including on-site visits; participates in program review meetings and follows up on recommended programs; at reviews, discusses program progress, reviews trust fund account activity and explains institution and unit expectations; unit expert on locally maintained personal property and trust fund activity; coordinates visiting-list approvals and NCIC checks; helps people releasing in the United States obtain identification documents and records their ID status in the Insight Application Suite

Source: PS 5321.10 at pp. 4–8, 12.

Two details in the Case Manager row are worth pulling out because they are entitlements to a document. The Program Statement directs that the inmate be given a copy of the PATTERN assessment, a copy of the SPARC-13 needs reassessment, and a copy of the FSA Time Credits Assessment, and that FTC eligibility be communicated “via an inmate copy of their BP-A0571, Program Review Report” (PS 5321.10 at pp. 6–7). The Correctional Counselor’s identification duty carries a priority rule: assistance in obtaining a Social Security card, birth certificate and driver’s license or non-driver state identification is provided “for inmates releasing in the United States, regardless of detainer status,” with priority to inmates “who are within two years of their projected release date, parole eligibility date, FSA Conditional Release date, or FSA Conditional Placement date” (PS 5321.10 at p. 8).

What the team must check in the Central File at every review

The Program Statement directs that “[d]uring initial classification and program reviews, the Inmate Central File will be reviewed by Unit Management staff to ensure the presence and accuracy of the following documents”:

• BP-A0407, Acknowledgment of Inmate, Part 1 & 2
• BP-A0408, Acknowledgment of Inmate, Part 3 & 4
• Judgment and Commitment Order
• Presentence Investigation Report
• Statement of Reasons, if applicable
• Central Inmate Monitoring (CIM) documentation
• BP-A0400, CIM Notice, if applicable

Source: PS 5321.10 at p. 12.

“Presence and accuracy” is the operative phrase. This is the Bureau’s own instruction to check whether the sentencing documents in the file are correct — which makes a program review the natural place to raise a wrong Judgment and Commitment Order, a missing Statement of Reasons, or a stale CIM assignment.

The Program Review Report

The regulation, not just the policy, governs this document. 28 C.F.R. § 524.11(c) provides that “[s]taff must complete a Program Review Report at the inmate’s initial classification. This report ordinarily includes information on the inmate’s apparent needs and offers a correctional program designed to meet those needs. The Unit Manager and the inmate must sign the Program Review Report, and a copy must be given to the inmate.”

The Program Statement adds that the report documents the initial classification, subsequent reviews, and “all associated program and treatment recommendations, and inmate discussions (e.g., release plans, transfer requests),” that the inmate is provided a copy at the conclusion of the meeting, and that “[a]ll programming recommendations must be stated in measurable terms and include short-term and long-term goals” (PS 5321.10 at pp. 13, 15). Under “Next Program Review Goals” no dates are needed, because the deadline is the next review; under “Long Term Goals” a target date is set and monitored at each review (PS 5321.10 at p. 15).

Attendance and refusal

28 C.F.R. § 524.11(b)(3) provides that “[t]he inmate is expected to attend the initial classification and all later program reviews. If the inmate refuses to appear at a scheduled meeting, staff must document on the Program Review Report the inmate’s refusal and, if known, the reasons for refusal, and give a copy of this report to the inmate.” The Program Statement adds a consequence the regulation does not state: “Ordinarily, if the program review meeting is properly scheduled and the inmate fails to appear, disciplinary action will be taken” (PS 5321.10 at p. 15).

Work programs

28 C.F.R. § 524.11(d) provides that “[e]ach sentenced inmate who is physically and mentally able is assigned to a work program at initial classification. The inmate must participate in this work assignment and any other program required by Bureau policy, court order, or statute.” It then adds the counterpart: “The inmate may choose not to participate in other voluntary programs.”

What unit management and program review mean for you

If you are the person inside: the 48-hour notice

Treat the 48-hour notice as a working deadline rather than a formality. The docket is supposed to be posted in the unit at least 48 hours before the meeting, and if you cannot see the posting, staff are directed to notify you another way (PS 5321.10 at p. 15). That window is your preparation time. Come with a short written list — the program you want recommended, the job you want, the address change you need entered, the document in the Central File you say is wrong — because the Program Statement directs that programming recommendations be “stated in measurable terms” with short- and long-term goals, and a specific ask is far more likely to end up written that way.

Leave every meeting with paper. You are entitled by regulation to a signed copy of the Program Review Report, and the Program Statement separately directs that you be given copies of your PATTERN assessment, your SPARC-13 needs reassessment and your FSA Time Credit Assessment worksheet. Read the report before you sign it, and if what was discussed is not on it, say so at the meeting rather than afterward. The Program Review Report is the document that later determines what the record says about your programming, your release plan and your First Step Act status.

Know which clock you are on. Program reviews are at least every 180 days until you are within twelve months of your projected release date, at which point they move to at least every 90 days — and that acceleration is regulation, not policy. If a review falls due while you are at an outside hospital or out on a writ, the Program Statement makes 14 calendar days after your return the ordinary catch-up window; the 2026 edition no longer has a separate delay rule for time in the Special Housing Unit.

If you are a family member: what happens at a program review

The single most consequential thing that happens at these meetings, for a family, is the release address. The Program Statement directs that “[i]f possible, the release address will be finalized 27 months before the FSA Conditional Placement Date or earliest release date,” and that for someone not returning to the sentencing district, release planning materials ordinarily go to the proposed district of supervision 27 months out (PS 5321.10 at p. 17). Twenty-seven months is much earlier than most families expect.

A Case Manager can change a legal address at a regularly scheduled program review, but only “if the inmate provides supporting documentation of a legal residence different from the one documented in the Presentence Investigation Report.” The documentation the policy names is “a letter from an approved visitor and verification of their address (e.g., a utility bill, rental agreement, or mortgage stub/receipt)” (PS 5321.10 at p. 17). If your household is where your loved one will live, that is the package to prepare — a signed letter plus a utility bill or lease — and to send well before a scheduled review rather than in the final months. The address drives the district of supervision, the nearer-release transfer analysis, and eventually the halfway house referral, so getting it right early is worth real effort.

If you are counsel: program reviews

Three practical points. First, the enforceability line here is unusually favorable. Most of this batch is pure agency policy, but the program review intervals, the 28-day initial classification, the 48-hour notice, the signed-and-copied Program Review Report and the work-program assignment are all in 28 C.F.R. § 524.11 — regulation adopted through rulemaking. An argument that a client received no program review for a year, or was never given a signed report, is an argument about the regulation.

Second, this is the policy that operationalizes the First Step Act inside the institution. The Program Statement’s purpose section ties itself to the FSA “codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3632,” and the Case Manager’s FSA duties — FTC eligibility determination, auto-PATTERN generation, SPARC-13 needs reassessment, review of FSA Time Credits Assessments, each with a copy to the inmate — run on the program review calendar. FTC eligibility is reviewed, and the needs reassessment and PATTERN are generated, “in conjunction with an inmate’s regularly scheduled program review,” with the initial FSA assessment 28 days after arrival and reassessments every 90 or 180 days (PS 5321.10 at p. 14). A dispute about credits or a PATTERN level therefore has a documentary trail that runs through these meetings.

Third, on remedies: section 3.4 of the Program Statement is two sentences long and it is the whole appeal right. “Through the Administrative Remedy Program, an inmate may appeal a decision made at initial classification or an inmate program review” (PS 5321.10 at p. 16). There is no separate classification appeal. Note also the ceiling — Moody v. Daggett, 429 U.S. 78, 88 n.9 (1976), holds that federal prison officials have “full discretion to control these conditions of confinement” and that a prisoner has “no legitimate statutory or constitutional entitlement sufficient to invoke due process” in classification or program eligibility. The productive claims here are procedural and documentary, not substantive challenges to a team’s judgment.

What changed in PS 5321.10

PS 5321.10, Unit Management Manual, dated September 3, 2026 and approved by Director William K. Marshall III, is the current edition. It rescinded PS 5321.09 CN-1 and folded two other policies into the same document: PS 5050.47, Parole Hearings; Employees Serving as Inmate Representatives (12/16/1998), now Chapter 5, and PS 5840.04, Staff Correspondence About Inmates (09/01/1999), now Chapter 2 (PS 5321.10 at pp. 1, 3). Its Summary of Changes lists updated roles for Unit Managers, Case Managers and Correctional Counselors; clarified Unit Management schedules for late nights, weekends and holidays; a new requirement to enter inmate identification data into the Insight Application Suite; updated BP-A0407 and BP-A0408 acknowledgment forms so that family and next-of-kin information stays current; and a clarified Unit Manager duty to monitor single-cell assignments in general population (PS 5321.10 at p. 1). The program review intervals did not change. Several details of the 2024 text are gone: the monthly unit employee meeting, the separate delay rule for reviews during a Special Housing Unit placement, monthly counselor-led groups (now ordinarily quarterly), and the statement that FSA assessments are automated and conducted independently of the team meeting.

The edition it replaced had a short life. The base Program Statement 5321.09 was dated April 8, 2024, approved by then-Director Colette S. Peters. It rescinded two older policies at once: PS 5321.08, Unit Management Manual (8/10/2017) and PS 5322.13, Inmate Classification and Program Review (5/16/2014) (PS 5321.09 at p. 2).

Combining those two documents was the point, and the 2024 Summary of Changes lists what else moved. It clarified the roles of Unit Manager, Case Manager and Correctional Counselor; modified unit management schedules for late nights, weekends and holidays; added language on Case Manager and Correctional Counselor caseload pairing; made responsibility for the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program a matter of local agreement; required Unit Managers to chair all initial classifications and program reviews; incorporated unit team duties required by the First Step Act, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3632, for Federal Time Credits and risk and needs assessments; defined an inmate’s initial classification; clarified that the sentence computation must be completed in order to conduct an initial classification; and clarified the time frames for conducting program reviews for inmates in the Special Housing Unit, at an outside hospital, or on writ (PS 5321.09 at pp. 2–3). It also replaced the word “staff” with “employee” throughout the black implementing text, noting that “the term ’employee’ is used in black implementing text and is intended to have the same meaning as the term ‘staff’ used in blue regulatory text.”

CN-1, dated February 27, 2025, approved by Acting Director William W. Lothrop, was the edition in force until September 3, 2026. Its stated purpose is narrow: it “removes language to ensure consistency with Executive Orders issued by the Executive Office of the President of the United States.” It touches section 3.a, Unit Manager, and the references list, which in the base edition included PS 5200.08, Transgender Offender Manual (1/13/2022). The change notice marks additions with a highlight and deletions with a strikethrough, and those markings do not survive text extraction — so we describe CN-1 by the Bureau’s own statement of what it did rather than asserting the precise post-amendment wording of section 3.a. That wording now matters only historically: PS 5321.10 replaced the whole document, and the Bureau no longer posts the change notice on its website. The current text is in the PS 5321.10 PDF.

The regulations behind all of this did not move. 28 C.F.R. §§ 524.10 and 524.11 carry an effective date of December 29, 2016 and were not amended when the 2024 Program Statement issued, when CN-1 followed in 2025, or when PS 5321.10 replaced it in 2026. That is why the program review intervals in the regulation and in the Program Statement match exactly — the Program Statement quotes the rule — while the FSA machinery layered on top of them, which did not exist in 2016, appears only in the Program Statement.

Where people get stuck when reviews slip the schedule

The reviews are not happening on schedule

This is the most common complaint, and it is also the one with the strongest footing, because the intervals are regulation. 28 C.F.R. § 524.11(a)(2) provides that “[i]nmates will receive a program review at least once every 180 calendar days,” moving to “at least once every 90 calendar days” within twelve months of the projected release date. Start with an Inmate Request to Staff — form BP-A0148 — to the Unit Manager, naming the date of your last review and asking when the next one is docketed. If informal resolution does not produce one, the route is the Administrative Remedy Program, which PS 5321.10 at p. 16 names as the appeal mechanism: a BP-9 to the Warden within 20 calendar days of the date the basis for the request occurred, a BP-10 to the Regional Director within 20 calendar days of the Warden’s signed response, and a BP-11 to the General Counsel within 30 calendar days of the Regional Director’s response. If no response arrives within the time allowed, the absence of a response may be treated as a denial at that level.

No signed copy of the Program Review Report

Ask for it by name, and cite the regulation rather than the Program Statement: § 524.11(c) provides that “[t]he Unit Manager and the inmate must sign the Program Review Report, and a copy must be given to the inmate.” The same subsection requires the report at initial classification. This matters more than it looks — the report is where FTC eligibility notice is given, where program recommendations become measurable goals with target dates, and where a refusal to appear is documented. Without a copy, a person has no record of what the team said it would do. The file itself, and how to get at it, is covered at the Inmate Central File and records (PS 5800.17).

A wrong document in the Central File

Because the team is directed to check the “presence and accuracy” of the Judgment and Commitment Order, the Presentence Investigation Report, the Statement of Reasons and the CIM documentation at every review (PS 5321.10 at p. 12), the review is the right forum to raise a discrepancy. This is worth doing carefully, because those same documents drive security designation and custody classification points and program eligibility under categorization of offenses. Where the underlying document is genuinely wrong — an unamended judgment, a Statement of Reasons that does not match the PSR — the correction usually has to come from the sentencing court, and that is a consult, not a cop-out.

The release address is wrong or out of date

The requirement is documentary and the policy names what it takes: a letter from an approved visitor plus verification of that person’s address, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or mortgage stub or receipt (PS 5321.10 at p. 17). Two things go wrong most often. The change is requested outside a regularly scheduled program review, when the policy contemplates it happening at one. Or the supporting documentation names a household member who is not an approved visitor. Fixing both before the next docketed review is usually faster than any grievance. Because the address feeds the nearer-release transfer analysis and eventually the halfway house referral, 27 months out is not too early.

Related BOP policy on unit management

Page	What it covers
Daily life in federal prison	Paired page: unit living and what a team meeting looks like in practice
PATTERN risk score	The recidivism risk instrument generated at each review
Security designation and custody classification (PS 5100.08)	The annual custody review that runs on this calendar
First Step Act time credits (PS 5410.01)	FTC eligibility, determined by the Case Manager at review
First Step Act assessments, programming and incentives (PS 5405.01)	The needs assessment and approved program list
Progress reports (PS 5803.08)	The final Progress Report that goes to U.S. Probation
Release preparation program (PS 5325.09)	The reentry curriculum coded at initial classification
Halfway house placement procedures (PS 7310.04)	Where release planning goes next
The Inmate Central File and records (PS 5800.17)	The file the team reviews at every meeting
Admission and orientation (PS 5290.14)	What happens in the 28 days before initial classification
Inmate Request to Staff (PS 5511.08)	The cop-out, BP-A0148
Administrative Remedy Program (PS 1330.18)	The only appeal route from a classification or review decision

Frequently Asked Questions About Unit Team and Program Review

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Program Statement 5321.09 (rescinded) — full text

PS 5321.09 was rescinded on September 3, 2026 and replaced by PS 5321.10, Unit Management Manual, summarized above and published by the Bureau as PS 5321.10 (PDF). The text below is the rescinded edition, kept for reference only: the Bureau of Prisons’ own language in Program Statement 5321.09, CN-1, reproduced without summary or abridgment. The Bureau no longer posts that edition on its website.

U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons

PROGRAM STATEMENT

OPI CPD/CPB

NUMBER 5321.09, CN-1

DATE February 27, 2025

Unit Management and Inmate Program Review

/s/ Approved: William W. Lothrop Acting Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons

This Change Notice (CN) implements the following changes to Program Statement 5321.09, Unit Management and Inmate Program Review, dated April 8, 2024. This CN removes language to ensure consistency with Executive Orders issued by the Executive Office of the President of the United States. Additions are marked with a highlight and deleted text is marked with a strikethrough.

3. UNIT TEAM ROLES

a. Unit Manager. A Unit Manager supervises the unit team members, including Case Managers,

Correctional Counselors, and Unit Secretaries. The Unit Manager directs and manages the housing unit and is responsible for the unit’s operation and security, within appropriate policy. The Unit Manager is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, supervising, and coordinating individual programs tailored to meet the specific needs of inmates in the unit. Such programming is often highly innovative, complex, and requires close supervision and evaluation. The Unit Manager chairs all initial classification and program review unit team meetings. During each inmate program review, the Unit Manager is responsible for reviewing work, programming, and housing unit assignments for transgender and intersex inmates with consideration given for the inmate’s view of their safety, per the Program Statements Sexually Abusive Behavior and Intervention Program. and Transgender Offender Manual. Reviews are documented in the Inmate Central File on the BP-A0381, Inmate Activity Record.

REFERENCES

5200.08 Transgender Offender Manual (1/13/2022)

U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons

PROGRAM STATEMENT

OPI CPD/CPB

NUMBER 5321.09

DATE April 8, 2024

Unit Management and Inmate Program Review

/s/ Approved: Colette S. Peters Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

To provide guidance in the application and implementation of Unit Management in the Bureau of Prisons (Bureau). Additionally, this Program Statement is intended to determine inmate program needs, monitor participation, and encourage prosocial behaviors benefiting employees, inmates, victims, and society, as well as to provide procedures for the initial classification and subsequent program review of the security, custody, recidivism risk, and program needs of inmates, in accordance with the First Step Act of 2018, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3632.

a. Summary of Changes.

Policies Rescinded 5321.08 Unit Management Manual (8/10/2017) 5322.13 Inmate Classification and Program Review (5/16/2014)

• Combines Program Statements Unit Management Manual and Inmate Classification and Program Review.
• Clarifies the roles of Unit Manager, Case Manager, and Correctional Counselor.
• Modifies Unit Management schedules regarding late nights, weekends, holidays, and the development of a local agreement.
• Adds language regarding Case Manager and Correctional Counseling caseload pairing.
• Clarifies responsibility for the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program (FRP) is to be determined by local agreement.
• Requires Unit Managers to chair all initial classification and program reviews.

Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 5321.09 4/8/2024 2

• Incorporates unit team duties as required by the First Step Act, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3632 for Federal Time Credits (FTC) and risk and needs assessments.
• Defines an inmate’s initial classification.
• Clarifies the Inmate Sentence Computation must be completed in order to conduct an initial classification.
• Clarifies time frames for conducting program reviews for inmates in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), at the outside hospital, or on writ.
• For the purposes of this Program Statement, the term “employee” is used in black implementing text and is intended to have the same meaning as the term “staff” used in blue regulatory text. The terms “staff” and “staff member(s)” have been replaced with the term “employee(s)” throughout the black implementing text.

b. Program Objectives. The expected results of this program are:

• Institution disruptions due to inmate misconduct as well as individual inmate behavioral problems will be reduced by frequent interaction between employees and inmates.
• Unit Managers, Case Managers, and Correctional Counselors will be accessible in their assigned unit daily during their scheduled hours of work to afford inmates the opportunity to communicate with unit employees. This could include touring the unit, holding open houses, and other ways to encourage employee and inmate interaction.
• All initial classification and program review decisions will be made by a team of correctional specialists focused on addressing specific inmate needs.
• All inmates will be reviewed within appropriate time frames in accordance with their security, custody, program needs, and recidivism risk.
• All departments will contribute to the classification and program review process.

2. EMPLOYEE ACCESSIBILITY TO INMATES AND HOURS OF DUTY

Ordinarily, Unit Managers, Case Managers, and Correctional Counselors will be accessible in their assigned unit daily during their scheduled hours of work. This may include touring the unit, conducting open houses, and encouraging other means of employee and inmate interaction. To foster better unit employee accessibility, no Case Managers, Counselors, or Unit Secretaries shall be required to work as Correctional Officers on an inequitable basis with other institution employees based on current established law.

Ordinarily, inmates housed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), the institution Health Services area, or other secure units (e.g., Secure Mental Health Unit) where unit team employees may not be readily accessible, must be visited daily by a member of the unit team. Each inmate’s Unit Manager must visit at least weekly. If there are no inmates from the unit housed in SHU under the supervision of a particular Unit Manager, unit team rounds are not required. In instances of

Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 5321.09 4/8/2024 3

leave or other absences, it is appropriate for employees from another unit team to cover SHU and hospital rounds. In these instances, the employee making rounds should forward pertinent information to the inmate’s unit team. Appropriate annotations must be made in the applicable log, and all inmates must be visited.

Inmates housed in community hospitals must be visited by a member of their unit team at least weekly and documented in the applicable log. These visits will be made during employee duty hours. The unit team may request a government vehicle be provided for commuting to community hospitals. In exigent circumstances (e.g., medical facility with excessive distance, non-responsive hospitalized inmates), the Institution Duty Officer may assist unit team with providing coverage for hospital visits.

Inmates housed in local jails must be visited by their Unit Manager, or Acting Unit Manager, at least weekly. For inmates housed in the SHU at another Bureau facility, the inmate will be assigned to a local unit team, and they will visit the inmate as prescribed by this section. The parent facility Unit Manager is responsible for providing information and updates regarding the inmate’s status to the local Unit Manager.

Unit employee’s schedules will be established in accordance with the Master Agreement. The Associate Warden will review and sign the quarterly unit schedule. The schedule must be posted in a highly visible location in the unit for viewing by both employees and inmates. Ordinarily, with consideration of unit team vacancies, the open house schedule should occur Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays and ensure employees have access to the Bureau’s Inmate Information System, Inmate Central Files, or other record systems to ensure inmate concerns are adequately addressed. Mainline may be used to address general questions but should not replace scheduled open house hours.

To enhance employee continuity, Case Managers, Correctional Counselors, and Unit Secretaries will not be arbitrarily moved between various housing units. Caseloads for Case Managers and Correctional Counselors will be reviewed by management and balanced on a regular basis to minimize the disparity between caseload sizes. To ensure consistency with caseloads, ordinarily Case Managers and Correctional Counselors will be assigned paired caseloads.

The following guidelines will be followed when the unit employee’s work schedule is developed:

Coverage at the institution will be provided by at least one Unit Management employee and may include a Unit Manager. Schedules will include coverage by either a Unit Manager, Case Manager, or Correctional Counselor on weekends/holidays during day watch hours (6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). On days with regularly scheduled inmate movement (i.e.,

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airlift, bus, U.S. Marshal, or voluntary surrenders) occurring after 4:00 p.m., late night coverage beyond may be required. Institutions that have scheduled weekly or biweekly occurrences should include this on the quarterly bid schedule. There is no requirement all nights per week be covered. Unit Managers must be on duty at least one weekend day or holiday per month to provide sufficient support for other employees and to monitor unit operations. Unit Manager’s schedules will be included on the quarterly schedule.

In accordance with the Master Agreement, non-routine inmate movement coverage and/or inmate program coverage will be negotiated locally to add mission specific late-night coverage (i.e., overtime, voluntary roster adjustments, etc.).

Requests for compressed work schedules may be negotiated locally as prescribed by the Master Agreement and in accordance with Title 5 U.S.C. Procedures for submitting requests for compressed work schedules are addressed in the Program Statement Leave and Benefits.

3. UNIT TEAM ROLES

a. Unit Manager. A Unit Manager supervises the unit team members, including Case Managers,

Correctional Counselors, and Unit Secretaries. The Unit Manager directs and manages the housing unit and is responsible for the unit’s operation and security, within appropriate policy. The Unit Manager is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, supervising, and coordinating individual programs tailored to meet the specific needs of inmates in the unit. Such programming is often highly innovative, complex, and requires close supervision and evaluation. The Unit Manager chairs all initial classification and program review unit team meetings. During each inmate program review, the Unit Manager is responsible for reviewing work, programming, and housing unit assignments for transgender and intersex inmates with consideration given for the inmate’s view of their safety, per the Program Statements Sexually Abusive Behavior and Intervention Program. and Transgender Offender Manual. Reviews are documented in the Inmate Central File on the BP-A0381, Inmate Activity Record.

Regarding acting assignments, the Unit Manager’s responsibilities will be filled by an appropriate employee. Prior to non-bargaining employees being assigned in an acting capacity, bargaining unit employees may be solicited to volunteer in that capacity.

The Unit Manager ordinarily chairs all Unit Disciplinary Committee (UDC) meetings and attends Special Housing Units (SHU) meetings.

The Inmate Financial Responsibility Program (FRP) within Unit Management will be negotiated and assigned to Case Managers and/or Correctional Counselors locally.

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Through a memorandum to the Captain, Unit Managers will have input into the performance evaluation of Correctional Officers assigned to their units. The Unit Manager will provide input, after consulting with the Captain, Associate Warden, and the local Union, in accordance with the Master Agreement, to develop or alter post orders to closely fit the unit’s mission.

(1) Unit Team Employee Meetings

The Unit Manager ensures unit employee meetings occur at least monthly, and include all assigned Case Managers, Correctional Counselors, and Unit Secretaries. The Unit Manager chairs the meetings and requires all on-duty team members to participate. The Unit Manager maintains and distributes minutes of each meeting to the Associate Warden and other appropriate employees, including the local Union.

The Associate Warden will chair a quarterly Correctional Programs meeting that will include, at a minimum, all Unit Management employees and the Case Management Coordinator. This meeting may also include other programs disciplines for the purpose of cross-training and policy compliance.

In accordance with the Master Agreement, a Union representative must be invited to attend all employee meetings.

(2) Schedules of Programs, Services, and Activities

The Unit Manager develops a schedule of unit programs, services, and activities that specifies details such as time, place, frequency, title, etc. This document must be current, maintained continuously, and posted in the housing unit in a location easily accessible to employees and inmates. This schedule contains an explanation and list of all unit programs, services, and activities such as the following (when appropriate):

• employee schedule, including holiday coverage
• town hall meetings
• unit open house hours
• unit-based counseling groups
• classification and program review unit team meetings
• telephone/email/television schedule
• meal rotation

To ensure compliance with the First Step Act (FSA), the Unit Manager will ensure inmates assigned to their unit are given the opportunity to participate in employee-led group counseling.

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(3) Unit Rules and Sanitation Regulations

The Unit Manager will ensure all unit rules and regulations are included in all inmate orientation materials and posted on inmate bulletin boards in both English and Spanish. Ordinarily, unit rules should include, at a minimum, inmate dress code/appropriate clothing, quiet hours/lights out, room/cell assignments, room/cell sanitation expectations, personal property limits and authorized areas of storage, storage of excess legal materials, and intra-unit visiting limitations. Additionally, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) announcements and information, in English and Spanish, will be posted on the inmate bulletin board in compliance with the Program Statement Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program.

Each Unit Manager must ensure the highest level of sanitation is maintained. The Unit Manager and Correctional Services employees assigned to the unit share responsibility for the level of unit sanitation. Posted unit sanitation rules include:

• standards for unit sanitation
• a description of unit orderly responsibilities
• employee responsibilities for supervision of the orderlies
• employee responsibilities for sanitation inspections and how often/when they occur
• an explanation of how unit sanitation is assessed
• a description of any recognition/reward programs associated with unit sanitation
• any special unit concerns

The Unit Manager retains a copy of the above documentation and ensures it is provided to unit team employees, as well as posted on the inmate bulletin board.

b. Case Manager. The Case Manager is responsible for inmate classification material, progress

reports, release plans, Central Inmate Monitoring (CIM), Security and Custody Classification, Victim and Witness Notifications (VNS), correspondence with professionals regarding inmate cases, law enforcement release notifications, and other materials relating to the inmate’s programming, including ensuring the accuracy and completeness of all relevant Bureau inmate information system assignments (e.g., CMA, RLG, FRP, etc.).

The Case Manager is responsible for scheduling initial classification and program review unit team meetings for all inmates on their caseload. The Case Manager will notify other disciplines (i.e., Education, Psychology Services, and Health Services) in advance of the scheduled reviews, consistent with Section 5 of this Program Statement, via the team docket and solicit information regarding the inmate’s FSA needs and programming. The discipline assessing needs areas is responsible for recommending the program(s) by keying it into the Bureau’s Inmate Information System/Insight. The Case Manager will incorporate the recommended programs provided by the

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respective disciplines into the initial classification or program review as measurable goals and will notify inmates of needs and programming recommendations. The Case Manager is responsible for completing activities associated with the FSA, such as:

• Determining Federal Time Credit (FTC) Eligibility. See the Program Statement First Step Act of 2018 – Time Credits: Procedures for Implementation of 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4) and notify the inmate of their eligibility via an inmate copy of their Program Review Report.
• Generating Prisoner Assessment Tool Targeting Estimated Risk and Need (PATTERN) via the auto-PATTERN tool and providing the inmate a copy.
• Completing needs assessments assigned to Unit Management. See the Program Statement First Step Act Needs Assessment.
• Generating Standardized Prisoner Assessment for Reduction in Criminality (SPARC-13) needs reassessment and providing the inmate a copy.
• Generating FSA Time Credits Assessments (FTC Worksheets) and providing the inmate a copy. See the Program Statement First Step Act of 2018 – Time Credits: Procedures for Implementation of 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4).

c. Correctional Counselor. The Correctional Counselor provides counseling and guidance for

the inmates assigned to the unit regarding institutional adjustment, life skills, problem-solving, release planning, etc. Counseling and counseling groups referenced in this section are not therapeutic or treatment related.

The Correctional Counselor is responsible for individual counseling and conducting employee-led, structured group counseling sessions on a monthly basis. These groups, led by Correctional Counselors, can include either locally developed and/or FSA programming, as described in the First Step Act Approved Programs Guide available on the Correctional Programs and Reentry Services Division’s intranet pages. Program delivery will be based on the need areas of the local inmate population and prioritize FSA programming in accordance with all applicable policies.

The Correctional Counselor monitors, to include on-site visits, the inmate’s general adjustment, living quarters, sanitation, work assignments, and performance in assigned programming. The Correctional Counselor actively participates in inmate program review meetings with other unit employees. The Correctional Counselor is responsible for following up with inmates on their progress regarding recommended programs. Additionally, Correctional Counselors will communicate with other departments regarding an inmate’s program placement, provide updates, and advise the unit team of concerns with recommended programs. During inmate program review meetings, the Correctional Counselor will discuss an inmate’s program progress, review inmate trust fund account activity, and explain institution and unit expectations to inmates.

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The Correctional Counselor serves as the unit expert and coordinator on matters pertaining to (a) locally maintained inmate personal property, including incoming and outgoing package approvals, and (b) trust fund activities, including inmate withdrawals and special purchase orders. Issues regarding inmate personal property, other than the locally maintained property referenced, are directed to Correctional Systems. Additionally, the Correctional Counselor coordinates any approvals/disapprovals to inmate visiting lists and conducts National Crime Information Center (NCIC) checks for those requesting placement on the visiting lists.

Counselors will assist the Reentry Affairs Coordinator (RAC) with acquiring identification (Social Security card, birth certification, and driver’s license or non-driver state identification) for inmates releasing in the United States, regardless of detainer status. Priority is given to inmates who are within two years of their projected release, parole eligibility date, and FSA Conditional Release date.

In accordance with the Program Statement Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program, the Correctional Counselor monitors the housing, work, and programming assignments of verified sexual abuse victims and perpetrators.

4. PATTERN RECIDIVISM RISK ASSESSMENT

The First Step Act of 2018, codified in part in Title 18 U.S.C. § 3632(a), required the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop and publicly release a Risk and Needs Assessment System. PATTERN is the risk assessment tool and one component of the FSA Risk and Needs Assessment System required by statute. Per the FSA, the risk portion of the system must:

• determine the recidivism risk of each inmate and classify each inmate’s risk level as minimum, low, medium, or high, and
• reassess the recidivism risk of each inmate in conjunction with regularly scheduled inmate program reviews.

a. Procedures for Determining Pattern Recidivism Risk Level. PATTERN is autogenerated

and calculates two risk scores, General Recidivism Risk, and a Violent Recidivism Risk. The General and Violent Recidivism Risk scores determine each inmate’s recidivism risk level identified as minimum, low, medium, or high.

The initial PATTERN risk level is assessed at initial classification, after the inmate has arrived at his or her designated facility. The unit team conducts subsequent reassessments at the regularly scheduled program review.

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Several PATTERN items are based on the current term of incarceration including program participation and sanctioned incident reports. The Bureau defines an incarceration as a continuous period of time in which one or more sentences are in effect. The incarceration starts when the inmate begins serving a sentence and ends when all sentences are satisfied (i.e., the entire period of incarceration to include the first and last day inclusively) and does not include the inmate’s time in pretrial confinement.

The inmate will receive a general recidivism score and a violent recidivism score based on the total of the individually scored items. They differ for male and female inmates. The General and Violent Recidivism Risk level is based on the inmate’s numeric scores. As with the numeric values for individual items, the risk level scores differ for male and female inmates. The overall PATTERN recidivism risk level is either the General Recidivism Risk level or the Violent Recidivism Risk level, whichever is highest.

While the PATTERN scoring instrument is automated, detailed information is published on the Correctional Programs Branch intranet page. Inmates may access this information in the institution’s electronic law library and electronic bulletin board system. Information is also available on the Bureau’s public website.

b. PATTERN Scoring Items

Below is the list of items which are used to determine an inmate’s recidivism risk score. The risk assessment is autogenerated, and the data is extracted from the Bureau’s Inmate Information System.

(1) Current Age. The inmate’s age at the time of scoring.

(2) Walsh Act with Conviction. Based on the documented history of unlawful sexual misconduct (inmate’s current offense or criminal history of conviction for sexual-related crimes) as defined in the Program Statement Certification and Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Persons.

(3) Current Offense of Violence. The current offense is violent if the inmate has a conviction for any offense codes found on the violent offense code list located on the Bureau’s intranet site and the Bureau’s public website.

(4) Criminal History Score. The PATTERN Criminal History score is based on the number of Criminal History Points as determined per the Program Statement Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification.

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(5) History of Escapes. History of escape is defined consistent with the Program Statement Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification.

(6) History of Violence. History of violence is defined consistent with the Program Statement Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification.

(7) Education Score. Inmate’s high school diploma/General Equivalency Diploma (GED), also known as High School Equivalency (HSE), completion status consistent with the Education Information status assignment found in the Bureau’s Inmate Information System.

(8) Drug Program Status. Drug Program status is determined by considering the inmate’s history of drug and alcohol abuse consistent with the Program Statement Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification coupled with the inmate completing either the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) or the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NRDAP). For inmates who have completed the RDAP or NRDAP program more than five years prior and have not experienced a return to use as documented by a Disciplinary Hearing Officer (DHO) finding of guilt of a violation of code 112, Use of narcotics, marijuana, drugs, alcohol, intoxicants, or related paraphernalia, not prescribed for the individual by the medical provider incident report, the Drug Program status is scored as “No Need.”

(9) All Incident Reports. Based on the number of incident reports occurring during the current term of incarceration, not including pretrial confinement, and within the past 120 months.

(10) Serious Incident Reports (Serious Infractions). Based on the number of incident reports involving 100- or 200-level incidents occurring during the current term of incarceration, not including pretrial confinement, and within the past 120 months.

(11) Time since Last Incident Report (Infraction). Based on the number of months since the inmate was last sanctioned for an incident report, during the current term of incarceration and excluding any incident reports during pretrial confinement.

(12) Time since Last Serious Incident Report (Infraction). Based on the number of months since the inmate was last sanctioned for a 100- or 200-level incident report, excluding incident reports during pretrial confinement.

(13) Financial Responsibility Program (FRP) Refusal. Inmate is in FRP refusal status at time of scoring.

(14) Programs Completed. Based on the number of completed PATTERN-approved programs during the current term of incarceration, not including pretrial confinement. The list of approved

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programs is located in auto-Pattern tool instructions found on the Correctional Programs Branch intranet page and on the Bureau’s public website.

(15) Work Programs. Based on the number of technical, vocational or apprenticeship programs completed or employment in UNICOR during the current term of incarceration, not including pretrial confinement.

5. INITIAL CLASSIFICATION AND PROGRAM REVIEW

At a minimum, each initial classification and program review will include the inmate’s assigned Unit Manager, Case Manager, and Correctional Counselor. The purpose of initial classification is to develop a program plan for the inmate during incarceration that includes programs and activities commensurate with the inmate’s needs assessment. During subsequent program reviews, based on the needs reassessment, the inmate’s individual abilities, and input from other departments, progress in recommended programs is reviewed and new programs recommended. During initial classification and program reviews, at a minimum, the Inmate Central File will be reviewed by the unit team to ensure the presence and accuracy of the following documents:

• BP-A0407, Acknowledgment of Inmate, Part 1 & 2
• BP-A0408, Acknowledgment of Inmate, Part 3 & 4
• Judgment and Commitment Order
• Presentence Investigation Report
• Statement of Reasons, if applicable
• Central Inmate Monitoring (CIM) documentation
• BP-A0400, CIM Notice, if applicable

The inmate’s initial classification, subsequent program reviews, and all associated program and treatment recommendations, as well as inmate discussions (e.g., release plans, PREA, transfer requests, etc.), will be documented on the inmate’s Program Review Report using the Bureau’s Program Review system. The Case Manager will review the Program Review Report for completeness and accuracy before electronically filing it. The inmate will be provided a copy of the Program Review Report at the conclusion of the team meeting.

Education, Psychology Services, and Health Services will provide needs assessment information utilizing inmate the Bureau’s Inmate Information Systems. The needs assessment information will be incorporated into the Individualized Needs Plan and provided to the inmate via the Program Review Report.

§ 524.10 Purpose.

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The purpose of this subpart is to explain the Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) process for classifying newly committed inmates and conducting program reviews for all inmates except: (a) Pretrial inmates, covered in 28 CFR part 551; and (b) Inmates committed for study and observation. § 524.11 Process for classification and program reviews. (a) When: (1) Newly committed inmates will be classified within 28 calendar days of arrival at the institution designated for service of sentence. An initial classification is conducted within 28 calendar days of an inmate’s arrival to the initially designated institution, including inmates assigned to SHU.

An inmate’s sentence computation must be completed prior to the initial classification. When the sentence computation is delayed, the initial classification is ordinarily completed within 14 calendar days of the completed sentence computation. The reason for the delay will be documented on the Program Review Report.

Following a transfer, an initial program review is also conducted within 28 calendar days of an inmate’s arrival at the new facility.

Former Study and Observation cases will be scheduled for initial classification within 28 calendar days of receipt of the Inmate Central File, but no later than 90 calendar days after arrival if no Inmate Central File is available.

During the initial classification and program review, employees will reassess the inmate’s risk of sexual victimization or abusiveness using the PREA risk factors identified in the PREA Intake Objective Screening Instrument, available on the Correctional Programs intranet page or in the Program Statement Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program. This reassessment is based upon any additional, relevant information received or observed since the inmate’s intake screening. The reassessment will be documented on the Program Review Report, and if additional risk factors are identified, unit employees will notify Psychology Services.

Inmates subject to Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (VCCLEA) notification pursuant to Title 18 U.S.C. § 4042(b):

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• Will be notified via the file copy of the Program Review Report; and
• A copy of the Program Review Report with the notification statement will be filed in Section 5 (Release Processing) of the Inmate Central File.

Inmates subject to Sex Offender Registration and Treatment Notification pursuant to Title 18 U.S.C. § 4042(c):

• Will be notified at initial classification via the file copy of the Program Review Report.
• Will be re-notified at the last program review prior to release via the BP-A0648, Sex Offender Registration and Treatment Notification form which will be provided with release documents.
• The original BP-A0648, Sex Offender Registration and Treatment Notification form will be filed in Section 5 (Release Processing) of the Inmate Central File.

(2) Inmates will receive a program review at least once every 180 calendar days. When an inmate is within twelve months of the projected release date, staff will conduct a program review at least once every 90 calendar days.

In some cases, a program review date may occur while an inmate is admitted to the outside hospital or in the custody of other law enforcement agencies (i.e., writ). In these cases, the program review meeting will ordinarily occur within 14 calendar days of the inmate’s return. Otherwise, the inmate’s next program review will occur as scheduled.

When practical, unit employees will hold program reviews as scheduled when the inmate is held in the Special Housing Unit. However, any delay should ordinarily not exceed 14 calendar days from the originally scheduled review, and the reason for the delay is documented on the Program Review Report.

Per the FSA, FTC eligibility is reviewed, and Needs Reassessment and PATTERN is generated in conjunction with an inmate’s regularly scheduled program review.

The FSA Risk and Needs Assessment System encompasses the initial classification and program review process but is separate from the in-person initial classification and program review. To ensure consistency and fairness across all institutions and to ensure temporary delays or disruptions do not negatively impact the inmate, the FSA assessments and reassessments are automated and conducted independently in accordance with the initial classification and program review timelines as outlined above. The initial FSA assessment is conducted 28 days after the inmate’s arrival at their initially designated facility with subsequent FSA reassessments conducted every 90 or 180 days, based on the inmate’s projected release date.

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Inmates who are classified as CIM cases will be reviewed, and the CIM review will be documented on the file copy of the Program Review Report. This notation will indicate whether the CIM assignment is appropriate or whether declassification procedures will be initiated. (b) Inmate appearance before classification team: (1) Inmates will be notified at least 48 hours before that inmate’s scheduled appearance before the classification team (whether for the initial classification or later program reviews). A program review docket will be prepared for each program review meeting, listing the name and register number of each inmate scheduled for appearance, as well as the date and time of the meeting. Dockets will be posted in a highly visible location in the unit at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Inmates must be otherwise notified by employees at least 48 hours prior if they do not have access to such posting.

a. Unscheduled Reviews. Institution employees may schedule an inmate for a program review

more frequently than regularly scheduled. Upon request of either the inmate or employee, and with the concurrence of the Unit Manager, an unscheduled program review may be held. The inmate must be notified by employees at least 48 hours prior to an unscheduled program review. (2) Inmates may submit a written waiver of the 48-hour notice requirement. (3) The inmate is expected to attend the initial classification and all later program reviews. If the inmate refuses to appear at a scheduled meeting, staff must document on the Program Review Report the inmate’s refusal and, if known, the reasons for refusal, and give a copy of this report to the inmate. Ordinarily, if the team meeting is properly scheduled and the inmate fails to appear, disciplinary action will be taken. If the inmate refuses to appear, employees will document on the Program Review Report the inmate’s refusal, and the reason, if known. A copy of the Program Review Report will be forwarded to the inmate.

(c) Program Review Report: Staff must complete a Program Review Report at the inmate’s initial classification. This report ordinarily includes information on the inmate’s apparent needs and offers a correctional program designed to meet those needs. The Unit Manager and the inmate must sign the Program Review Report, and a copy must be given to the inmate. All programming recommendations must be stated in measurable terms and include short- and long-term goals.

All programming recommendations must be stated in measurable terms and include short- and long-term goals.

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On the Program Review Report, in the Section “Next Program Review Goals” no dates are necessary as it is clear the time limit is by the next program review. Under “Long Term Goals” a target date will be established and monitored at each program review for adjustment, if necessary.

Example A: Next Program Review Goals: Recommend enrollment in Anger Management counseling group. Enroll in GED program.

Example B: Long Term Goals: Complete GED by MM/YY. Enroll in the BRAVE Program by MM/YY.

Progress towards previously stated goals during the prior initial classification or program review will be noted in the “Progress since last review” Section of the Individualized Needs Plan.

Program Review Reports should be archived electronically as close to the completion of the team meeting as possible, ordinarily no more than 14 days following the team’s completion.

(d) Work Programs: Each sentenced inmate who is physically and mentally able is assigned to a work program at initial classification. The inmate must participate in this work assignment and any other program required by Bureau policy, court order, or statute. The inmate may choose not to participate in other voluntary programs.

For additional information regarding the inmate work program, see the Program Statement Inmate Work and Performance Pay.

6. INMATE RELEASE PLANNING

Inmates have the responsibility to develop and submit to institution employees a release plan for investigation and verification by United States Probation Office (USPO) employees in the district of their supervision. This is documented in both the BP-A0522, Supervision Release Plan and the inmate’s final Progress Report.

During a regularly scheduled program review, a Case Manager may change an inmate’s legal address in the Bureau’s Inmate Information System if the inmate provides supporting documentation of a change in legal residence from what was documented in the Presentence Investigation Report. Supporting documentation includes a letter from an approved visitor and verification of their address (e.g., a utility bill, rental agreement, or mortgage stub/receipt). If possible, the release address will be finalized 27 months before the projected release date.

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a. Inmates Returning to Their Sentencing District. During final release planning, at least 90

days before a scheduled release directly to the community or at the time of referral to a Residential Reentry Center (RRC), employees forward a Progress Report and Supervised Release Plan to USPO employees in the district of supervision for verification of residence and employment.

b. Inmates Who Are Not Returning to Their Sentencing District. During final release

planning, approximately 27 months before the release date, the following release planning materials are to be forwarded to the proposed district of supervision:

• sentence monitoring computation data.
• final Progress Report.
• Supervision Release Plan.
• Judgment and Commitment Order.
• Presentence Investigation Report.

c. International Treaty Transfer Cases. The U.S. Parole Commission (USPC) retains

jurisdiction over international treaty transfer cases. The USPC is empowered to reestablish a specific term of confinement and impose a term of supervised release in accordance with sentencing guidelines for inmates transferred to the United States under the International Treaty Transfer Program. See the Program Statement Transfer of Offenders To or From Foreign Countries.

The release plan for a treaty transfer case is approved at the time the Post-Sentence Investigation Report is completed.

d. Unresolved Pending Charges. Consistent with the FSA and its recidivism reduction goals,

releasing through a community-based residential reentry program is a critical component of an inmate’s successful re-integration back into the community, and the resolution of pending charges or warrants is a vital step in the reentry process. Correctional Systems employees are responsible for ascertaining the status of any pending charges, warrants, or possible detainers which would interfere with an inmate’s placement in a Residential Reentry Center (RRC) and advising the inmate’s unit team and the inmate.

While it is the sole responsibility of the inmate to resolve pending charges, warrants and/or detainers, the unit team is to assist the inmate, as necessary once the case status is known. Examples of assistance include, but are not limited to, facilitating legal phone calls, verifying dates of incarceration, and/or developing a payment plan to resolve court obligations. If updated

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information is received, unit team will inform the Records Office of any developments regarding an inmate’s pending charges.

e. Pregnancy and Child Placement. The final Progress Report will include information

regarding women who gave birth while incarcerated in an institution, in the Mothers and Infants Together (MINT) program, or at the Residential Parenting Program (RPP) in the Washington Department of Corrections. Information will include delivery date, location of child custody status or temporary care provider, parent programming, adjustment/completion status of MINT or RPP (if applicable), and access to social services. For inmates releasing prior to their due date, information will include expected delivery date, access to outside health care, and any other relevant information to aid in the transition from prison to supervision. When necessary, Health Services and Social Work will provide relevant information to the Case Manager for inclusion in the Progress Report.

7. APPEALS PROCEDURE

An inmate may appeal, through the Administrative Remedy Program, a decision made at initial classification or program review. See the Program Statement Administrative Remedy Program.

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REFERENCES

Program Statements 1330.18 Administrative Remedy Program (1/6/2014) 3630.02 Leave and Benefits (2/1/2017) 5100.08 CN-1 Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification (9/4/2019) 5140.42 CN-1 Transfer of Offenders To or From Foreign Countries (4/9/2019) 5200.08 Transgender Offender Manual (1/13/2022) 5251.06 Inmate Work and Performance Pay (10/1/2008) 5324.12 Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program (6/4/2015) 5394.01 Certification and Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Person (2/1/2016) 5400.01 First Step Act Needs Assessment (6/25/2021) 5410.01 CN-2 First Step Act of 2018 – Time Credits: Procedures for Implementation of 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4) (3/10/2023) 5800.17 Inmate Central File, Privacy Folder, and Parole Mini-Files (4/3/2015) 5803.08 Progress Reports (2/27/2014) 7310.04 Community Corrections Center (CCC) Utilization and Transfer Procedure (12/16/1998) 7331.05 Pretrial Inmates (8/1/2023)

Bureau Forms BP-A0381 Inmate Activity Record BP-A0400 CIM Notice BP-A0407 Acknowledgment of Inmate, Part 1 & 2 BP-A0408 Acknowledgment of Inmate, Part 3 & 4 BP-A0522 Supervision Release Plan BP-A0648 Sex Offender Registration and Treatment Notification

Federal Regulations 28 C.F.R. §§ 524.10 & 28 C.F.R. 524.11

Federal Statutes 5 U.S.C. Chapter 61 18 U.S.C. § 4042 (c)

Other References First Step Act (FSA) of 2018 Pub. L. 115-391, 132 Stat.194 Master Agreement between the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Council of Prison Locals

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ACA Standards American Correctional Association Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions – 5th Edition: 5-ACI-1A-15, 5-ACI-1G-06, 5-ACI-2B-02, 5-ACI-2B-03, 5-ACI-3A-06, 5-ACI-3A-11, 5-ACI- 4A-12, 5-ACI-5B-05,5-ACI-5B-01, 5-ACI-5B-02,5-ACI-5B-03,5-ACI-5B-04, 5-ACI-5B-05,5-

ACI-5B-06,5-ACI-5B-07,5-ACI-5B-08,5-ACI-5B-09,5-ACI-5B-10,5-ACI-5B-11 5-ACI-5E-08,

5-ACI-5F-01, 5-ACI-5F-02, 5-ACI-5F-03, 5-ACI—5F -05, 5-ACI-5F-06, 5-ACI-5A-03, 5-ACI- 5A-04, 5-ACI-5A-05, 5-ACI-5D-05, 5-ACI-5E-08, 5-ACI-7A-01, 5-ACI-7A-02

American Correctional Association Performance Based Standards for Adult Local Detention Facilities: None.

American Correctional Association Standards for Administration of Correctional Agencies: None.

Records Retention Requirements Requirements and retention guidance for records and information applicable to this program are available in the Records and Information Disposition Schedule (RIDS) on the Bureau’s intranet site.

Reviewed for legal accuracy by Elizabeth Franklin-Best, Esq., Principal Attorney·September 2026