BOP Program Statement 5100.08 § 1

and procedure regarding the Bureau of Prisons inmate

classification system. The classification of inmates is

necessary to place each inmate in the most appropriate

security level institution that also meets their program

needs and is consistent with the Bureau’s mission to protect

society.

The Bureau’s classification, designation and redesignation procedures are consistent with the

statutory authority contained in 18 U.S.C. § 3621(b). Designation and redesignation of an inmate’s

place of imprisonment shall be consistent with the statutory authority contained in 18 U.S.C. §

3621(b), which requires the Bureau of Prisons to designate an inmate’s place of imprisonment

subject to consideration of several factors.

28 U.S.C. § 509 provides, “[a]ll functions of other officers of the Department of Justice and all

functions of agencies and employees of the Department of Justice are vested in the Attorney

General.” In certain circumstances, the Attorney General may exercise authority to designate or

redesignate the place of a prisoner’s imprisonment, consistent with the requirements of 18 U.S.C. §

3621(b).

Notice of the Attorney General’s intention to exercise vested authority to designate or redesignate

the place of a prisoner’s imprisonment shall be provided to the Bureau of Prisons as soon as

practicable. Absent such notification, procedures for making classification, designation and

redesignation decisions as described herein should be followed by the Bureau of Prisons.

Where authority to determine the place of a prisoner’s imprisonment is invoked by the Attorney

General, the Bureau may provide relevant information in order to facilitate the determination. The

Bureau may also facilitate communication or correspondence between the inmate and the Office of

the Attorney General.

All classification, designation and redesignation decisions

are made without favoritism given to an inmate’s social or

economic status.