BOP Program Statement 5335.02 § 3

a. Unit Requirements.

Prior to activation of an SMHU, all requests must be submitted to the Capacity Planning Committee

(CPC) for approval. If the activation requires a change of existing building structure, institutions

must submit all required documentation in accordance with the Program Statement Facilities

Operations Manual.

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Institutions with SMHUs provide, at a minimum, the following with regard to physical space and

equipment:

■ at least three therapeutic enclosures in a private room and/or a small group space for

inmates to participate in a therapeutic group;

■ a suitable examination room dedicated to routine healthcare in accordance with Program

Statement Patient Care;

■ indoor recreation space including cardiovascular and recreational equipment;

■ outdoor recreation space with access to natural elements;

■ a television connected to cable or satellite television service in the indoor group room(s)

and unit common areas when feasible;

■ clocks and calendars throughout the unit such that each inmate can see the correct date

and time during their day; and

■ paintings and/or murals on the walls promoting mental health recovery approved by the

Secure Treatment Team and are completed by inmates.

The indoor recreation space can be the same room as the group room.

When a suicide watch cell is located in an SMHU, the parameters in this policy apply. These

inmates must be seen according to Program Statement Suicide Prevention Program.

b. Cell Requirements. Each cell in each SMHU will be equipped with a secured television.

Each television will receive cable or satellite service when feasible, and each television will be

connected to a closed-circuit television channel for in-cell programming. If the television is

removed, the Secure Treatment Team will determine for how long and what is required from the

inmate for the television to be reissued. If an inmate is in an SMHU but is not restricted to their

cell, they are not required to have a television in their cell.

c. Personal Property. Access to personal hygiene items, clothing, bedding, and therapeutic

materials help mitigate the effects of restrictive housing settings on inmates with an SMI.

Therefore, inmates will receive property without delay in accordance with the guidelines below.

The only exception to these guidelines is inmates who are on suicide watch or have treatment

plan restrictions, as their property must be carefully monitored, and a psychologist may restrict it

for safety reasons. Any staff member may remove property for imminent safety reasons and

inform the mental health provider as soon as possible.

The minimum property ordinarily issued to SMHU inmates includes institution-issued uniforms

distinct from general population and Special Housing Unit (SHU) uniforms, one institution-issued

mattress, linens as appropriate, and institution-issued hygiene items to include at least one roll of

toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, soap, a cup, toothbrush, and toothpaste.

As described in the Program Statement Female Offender Manual, menstruating inmates will be

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allowed a choice of feminine hygiene products to include regular-size tampons, super-size

tampons, regular-size maxi-pads with wings, super-size maxi-pads with wings, and panty liners.

These are not limited to a one-to-one exchange. Staff are required to offer these products daily

and deliver these products upon request.

SMHU inmates who have previously purchased their own hygiene items from commissary will

be permitted to retain these items in their cells, unless a mental health provider determines there

is a specific safety issue. SMHU inmates who own radios or other electronic devices will be able

to have their radios with batteries (or an acceptable alternative) and headphones in the cell with

them. Psychology Services can provide Playaways and headphones as deemed appropriate by the

Secure Treatment Team. SMHU inmates who own sweatshirts, sweatpants, and shorts may wear

this clothing when authorized by the unit rules. SMHU inmates will be permitted at least two

books upon admission, as requested. SMHU inmates will be issued flexible pens or short pencils,

at minimum, and lined paper, as requested.

The Secure Treatment Team will determine which inmates and medications are permitted to be

retained amongst an inmates’ personal property based on each inmate’s treatment needs, safety

risks, and goals. These medications should be periodically monitored (e.g., spot checks and pill

counts performed) to assess for abuse, diversion, or non-adherence with treatment. Prescribed

medications not permitted to be carried by inmates admitted to SMHUs will be returned to

Pharmacy. Over the counter medication inmates have previously purchased from commissary

that they are not permitted to retain will be removed and logged into the inmates’ property as

required by Program Statement Inmate Personal Property.

Durable medical equipment issued to the inmate, as recorded on the Medical Duty Status form,

should remain with the inmate unless a safety risk precludes its use in the SMHU. Should such a

risk be identified, the Secure Treatment Team should notify Health Services immediately to

identify alternative treatments or interventions.

In the event an inmate abuses or misuses property, the Secure Treatment Team will make

decisions about removing property from an SMHU inmate’s cell. The Secure Treatment Team

will not ordinarily remove property unless this is the result of a formal disciplinary sanction, or

the presence of the property causes a safety issue. If property is removed, the Secure Treatment

Team will determine how long and what is required from the inmate for the property to be

reissued.