BOP Program Statement 5510.16 § 2

a. § 511.11 Prohibited activities.

(a) “Prohibited activities” include any activities that could jeopardize the Bureau's ability to

ensure the safety, security, and orderly operation of Bureau facilities, and protect the public,

whether or not such activities are criminal in nature.

(b) Examples of “prohibited activities” include, but are not limited to: Introducing, or

attempting to introduce, prohibited objects into a Bureau facility or upon Bureau grounds;

assisting an escape; and any other conduct that violates criminal laws or is prohibited by

federal regulations or Bureau policies.

5510.16 9/3/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 2

b. § 511.12 Prohibited objects.

(a) “Prohibited objects,” as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1791(d)(1), include any objects that could

jeopardize the Bureau's ability to ensure the safety, security, and orderly operation of Bureau

facilities, and protect the public.

(b) Examples of “prohibited objects” include, but are not limited to, the following items and

their related paraphernalia: Weapons; explosives; drugs; intoxicants; currency; cameras of any

type; recording equipment; telephones; radios; pagers; electronic devices; and any other objects

that violate criminal laws or are prohibited by Federal regulations or Bureau policies.

18 U.S.C. § 1791 criminalizes providing, or attempting to provide, inmates with “prohibited

objects.” Visitors providing, or attempting to provide, “prohibited objects” to inmates are subject

to criminal prosecution.

Weapons are prohibited from being stored in vehicles on Bureau grounds, except as otherwise

authorized by Bureau policy. The term “weapons” includes “firearm,” “ammunition,” and

“destructive device,” as defined below:

■ Firearm. Any weapon (including a starter gun) that will, is designed to, or may readily be

converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of such

weapon; any firearm muffler or silencer; or any destructive device.

■ Ammunition. Cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellent powder for use in a firearm.

■ Destructive device. Any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket with a

propellant charge, missile, mine, or device similar to any of the devices described. This

includes any type of weapon, under any name, that may be readily converted to expel a

projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant. This also included is any

combination of parts designed or intended to convert a device into a destructive device or

from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.

c. Contraband. Material prohibited by law, or by regulation, or material that can reasonably be

expected to cause physical injury or adversely affect the security, safety, or good order of the

institution, as defined in 28 C.F.R. § 500.1(h).

d. Dangerous Contraband. Any drug, alcohol, narcotic, illicit drug, and other intoxicating

substance or controlled dangerous substance; any firearm, weapon, explosive, or any lethal or

poisonous gas; or any other substance or object designed or used to kill, injure, or disable

(including electrical shock devices). Tobacco products and paraphernalia are considered

dangerous contraband due to their potential value to inmates who are prohibited from using them

in facilities.

5510.16 9/3/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 3

e. Informant. An individual (inmate or non-inmate) who provides staff with information about

the commission of an offense, prohibited activity (past, current, or planned), prohibited object(s),

or other information. The informant’s reliability may be determined by a record of past reliability

or by other factors. To the extent practicable, staff must attempt to independently verify and

corroborate the information received.