BOP Program Statement 5538.09 § 1

Purpose and scope.

T

he Bureau of Prisons provides approved inmates with staff-escorted trips into the community

for such purposes as receiving medical treatment not otherwise available, for visiting a critically-ill member of the inmate's immediate family, or for participating in program or work-related

functions.

Th

is program statement establishes procedures to be followed when considering an inmate for an

escorted trip and details the guidelines for selecting escort staff, their responsibilities, and

instructions for using restraint equipment including the Electronic Custody Control Belt for

MAXIMUM-custody inmates.

Escorted trips fall into two categories, medical and non-medical. The need or reason for an

escorted trip may arise unexpectedly (e.g., to visit a critically ill family member) or may be

planned in advance (e.g., to attend an educational function).

Th

e procedures detailed in this program statement apply to all inmates in the custody of the

Bureau of Prisons (Bureau), including pretrial and holdover inmates.

a. Program Objectives.

■ Escorted trips will be available for eligible inmates.

■ Escorted trips will be supervised by the correct number and type of staff.

■ Appropriate procedures, including those concerning restraint equipment, will be used during

all escorted trips.

■ The public will be protected from undue risk.

■ Application of an Electronic Custody Control Belt will be authorized only for MAXIMUM-custody inmates who requires greater security than can be afforded through conventional

restraints and where no medical condition precludes its use.

■ An Electronic Custody Control Belt will be applied only to prevent escape or serious bodily

harm and activated only for the purpose of controlling that inmate.

■ Lieutenants who apply the Electronic Custody Control Belt or escort an inmate wearing an

Electronic Custody Control Belt will be properly trained in its application, operation,

effectiveness, and follow-up requirements.

■ Every incident involving the activation of an Electronic Custody Control Belt will be

properly reviewed, documented, and reported.

■ Violations of escorted trips will be processed in accordance with regulations.

b. Institution Supplement. None.