BOP Program Statement 5510.16 § 3

§ 511.13 Searches before entering, or while inside, a Bureau facility or Bureau grounds.

Bureau staff may search you and your belongings (for example, bags, boxes, vehicles, containers

in vehicles, jackets or coats, etc.) before entering, or while inside, any Bureau facilities or Bureau

grounds, to keep out prohibited objects.

§ 511.14 Notification of possible search.

We display conspicuous notices at the entrance to all Bureau facilities, informing all non-inmates

that they, and their belongings, are subject to search before entering, or while inside, Bureau

facilities or grounds. Furthermore, these regulations and Bureau national and local policies

provide additional notice that you and your belongings may be searched before entering, or while

inside, Bureau facilities or grounds. By entering or attempting to enter a Bureau facility or

Bureau grounds, non-inmates consent to being searched in accordance with these regulations and

Bureau policy.

An easily readable sign must be posted at all entrances to Bureau facilities. The sign must read as

follows, in both English and Spanish:

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS: CONSENT TO SEARCH

Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) staff may search you and your belongings (bags, boxes,

vehicles, containers in vehicles, jackets, coats, etc.) before you enter, or while you are on or

inside, Bureau grounds or facilities.

Consent to Search Implied. By entering or attempting to enter Bureau grounds or facilities, you

consent to being searched in accordance with Bureau policy and Federal Regulations in volume

28 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 511. If you refuse to be searched, you may be prohibited

from entering Bureau grounds or facilities.

5510.16 9/3/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 4

5510.16 9/3/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 5

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS: PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTS

You are prohibited from engaging in prohibited activities or possessing prohibited objects on

Bureau grounds, or in Bureau facilities, without the knowledge and consent of the Warden.

Violators may be detained or arrested for possible criminal prosecution, either by Bureau staff,

or local or Federal law enforcement authorities.

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, including,

but not limited to, violations of Titles 18 and 21 of the United States Code, Federal regulations,

or Bureau policies.

Prohibited Objects include, but are not limited to, 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.

A shorter notice must be posted at all entrances to Bureau grounds. It must be printed in large,

readable print, in both English and Spanish, and read as follows:

NOTICE – All persons entering this Federal property are subject to a search of their person and

belongings (bags, boxes, vehicles, containers in vehicles, jackets, coats, etc.).