BOP Program Statement 5251.06 § 1

a. The Bureau of Prisons operates an inmate work program within its

institutions. To the extent practicable, the work program:

(1) Reduces inmate idleness, while allowing the inmate to improve and/or

develop useful job skills, work habits, and experiences that will assist in post-release employment; and

(2) Ensures that activities necessary to maintain the day-to-day operation of the

institution are completed.

Sentenced inmates who are physically and mentally able to work are required to

participate in the work program. When approved by the Warden or designee,

drug treatment programming, education, or vocational training may be

substituted for all or part of the work program.

b. The Warden may recognize an inmate’s work performance or productive

participation in specified correctional programs by granting performance pay.

c. Summary of Changes

Directive Rescinded:

P5251.05 Inmate Work and Performance Pay Program (12/31/98)

This revision requires that inmates receiving performance pay who are found through the

disciplinary process (Part 541 of this subchapter) to have committed a level 100 or 200 series

drug- or alcohol-related prohibited act will automatically have performance pay reduced to

maintenance pay level and be removed from any assigned work detail outside the secure

perimeter.

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

# Each physically and mentally able inmate will be assigned to a work program and perform a

work activity that contributes to the orderly operation of the institution.

# Necessary institution operations and services will be completed through the use of inmate

work.

# Inmate work performance will be evaluated and will form the basis for awarding

Performance Pay.

# Inmates who work well or otherwise successfully participate in self-improvement programs,

will receive monetary awards or other recognition.

# Inmate idleness and disciplinary code violations resulting from inactivity will be reduced.

# Inmate job skills, work habits, and marketability upon release will be improved, increasing

the likelihood of successful post-release employment.

e. Pretrial/Holdover and Detainee Procedures. Procedures specified in this Program

Statement do not apply to pretrial and U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (formerly

INS) detainees, unless the inmate waives his or her right not to work. Additional information

regarding the management of these inmates is contained in the Program Statement Pretrial

Inmates. Holdover inmates may participate in the Inmate Work and Performance Pay Program

at the Warden’s discretion.