BOP Institutions

What are the closest institutions to home and what is their security level?

The BOP is a national prison system. Just because a defendant is sentenced in the Northern District of Ohio does not mean that he will serve his custody term in the same area. The BOP does make an effort to designate defendants to institutions within 500 miles of their home, but they must consider the defendant’s security level, medical care level, and population issues. To see a list of facilities at a specific security level see the BOP website at http://www.bop.gov/DataSource/execute/dsFacilityLoc.

Programming at the institutions

Programming varies by the institution. Some examples of programming/classes which are available at FCI Elkton, OH are: GED, ESL, Typing, Building Trades, Culinary Arts, Entrepreneurship, Solar Power Technology, Cooking Apprenticeship, HVAC, Electric, Parenting, Health and Nutrition, Weight Problems, Diabetes, National Federation of Professional Trainers Endurance, various physical fitness classes, Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), Non-Residential Drug Education, Drug Education Classes, NA/AA, Mental health counseling/medication, Correctional Counseling, Sex Offender Treatment Program, RPP (Release Preparation Program), Resume Development, Job Search, Banking and Budget, and Budget and Credit.

Which institutions allow an inmate to work toward a trade?

All institutions have some type of certification program which allow inmates to work toward a trade.

Can an inmate attend college while incarcerated?

Yes, inmates may attend college while incarcerated, but are responsible to pay the tuition.

How are jobs determined?

All inmates are expected to maintain a regular job assignment. When an inmate is assigned a job at the BOP, the needs of the institution and the skills of the inmate are considered. In addition, the inmate may be considered for a specific job if it will support the inmate’s job skills for a current training program. Inmates may request jobs and can request a job or make a job change every (approximate) 120 days.

What is the pay for the jobs at the BOP?

Inmates can earn from $5.25 to $50.00 per month, depending on the job. See BOP website at http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/work_prgms.jsp.

Does a state detainer affect an inmate’s job assignment?

What is the Financial Responsibility Program?

All inmates are required to develop a financial plan to meet their Court financial obligations (e.g., special assessments, fines, restitution). See BOP website at http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/victim_witness_notice.jsp#2.

Are conjugal visits allowed?

What is the visitation policy?

Each Federal prison has set up certain days and times, called "visiting hours," for family and friends to visit inmates. There are more than 105 prisons, and visiting hours may vary depending on location and other factors. See BOP website at http://www.bop.gov/inmate_locator/visiting.jsp and go to the individual institution's handbook for hours and policies specific to each institution online at http://www.bop.gov/DataSource/execute/dsFacilityLoc?.

Will I have access to the Internet?

Will I have access to E-mail?

The BOP allows inmates housed at institutions operating the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS) access to electronic messaging. Electronic messaging through the use of e-mail allows for text only correspondence in a secured manner between inmates and the general public. In order to maintain security and the good order of the institution, electronic messages are subject to monitoring. See more information at the BOP website at http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/trulincs_faq.jsp.

What is the telephone policy?

The BOP extends telephone privileges to inmates to help them maintain ties with their families and other community contacts. Ordinarily, the inmates pay for calls, but in some cases the receiving party pays. Limitations and conditions may be imposed upon an inmate's telephone privileges to ensure they are consistent with the BOP's correctional management responsibilities. A notice is posted next to each telephone advising inmates that calls are monitored. Unmonitored calls to attorneys are permitted in certain circumstances. An inmate is typically permitted 300 minutes per month. Each institution may have their own policy.

If an inmate is serving a sentence based upon revocation, is the inmate eligible for programming?

Yes. Eligibility for programming is the same as someone serving an initial custody term. However, there may be circumstances in which eligibility is different (e.g.: the inmate who violated while at a halfway house may not be eligible for halfway house placement).

Will someone assist inmates in taking care of outstanding warrants while in custody?

No, it is the inmate’s responsibility to take care of outstanding warrants while they are in custody.

Any external hypertext links found within this website contain information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. The links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information; nor does it control or guarantee the on-going availability, maintenance, or security of these Internet sites. Further, the inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended as an endorsement of any views expressed, products or services offered, or organizations sponsoring these sites.