BOP Program Statement 5510.16 § 1

1.10 Purpose and scope.

(a)

This subpart facilitates our legal obligations to ensure the safety, security, and orderly

operation of Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) facilities, and protect the public. These goals are

furthered by carefully managing non-inmates, the objects they bring, and their activities, while

inside a Bureau facility or upon the grounds of any Bureau facility (Bureau grounds).

(b) Purpose. This subpart covers:

(1) Searching non-inmates and their belongings (for example, bags, boxes, vehicles,

containers in vehicles, jackets or coats, etc.) to prevent prohibited objects from entering a

Bureau facility or Bureau grounds;

(2) Authorizing, denying, and/or terminating a non-inmate's presence inside a Bureau facility

or upon Bureau grounds; and

(3) Authorizing Bureau staff to remove from inside a Bureau facility or upon Bureau

grounds, and possibly arrest and detain, non-inmates suspected of engaging in prohibited

activity.

(c) Scope/Application. This subpart applies to all persons who wish to enter, or are present

inside a Bureau facility or upon Bureau grounds, other than inmates in Bureau custody. This

subpart applies at all Bureau facilities and Bureau grounds, including administrative offices.

This program statement provides staff procedures and guidance for searching inmate visitors,

both social and legal, official visitors, contractors, and volunteers entering Bureau of Prisons

(Bureau) grounds and facilities, to maintain the safety, security, and orderly operation of those

facilities, and protect the public.

This policy also provides staff procedures and guidance for detaining and arresting visitors

pursuant to their Bureau statutory arrest authority, 18 U.S.C. § 3050, and involving federal local

and local law enforcement agencies in detention and arrest situations.

a. Program Objectives.

■ Provide clear notification of the Bureau's search authority by posting notices at entrances to

Bureau grounds and facilities.

■ Instruct Bureau staff on appropriate circumstances and methods for conducting authorized

searches.

■ Prevent visitors entering Bureau grounds and facilities from conducting prohibited activities

or possessing prohibited objects, by conducting authorized searches.

■ Ensure that any detentions or arrests by Bureau staff are pursuant to statutory authority and

coordinated with local and Federal law enforcement agencies.

b. Institution Supplement. None.