BOP Program Statement 5538.09 § 10

It is Bureau policy to use Electronic Custody Control Belts to prevent escapes or to prevent the

loss of life or grievous bodily harm.

a. Health Services Review. When Health Services staff review the BP-A0502, Escorted Trip

Authorization form, a specific indication is made for each MAXIMUM-custody or SMU inmate

as to whether any medical condition would preclude using a custody control belt. Disqualifying

medical situations include:

■ Pregnancy and postpartum inmates (the 12 weeks following a pregnancy outcome, as

determined by the health care provider)

■ Heart disease.

■ Multiple sclerosis.

■ Muscular dystrophy.

■ Epilepsy.

Only a health services professional (Physician, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner) may

conduct this review, which includes a review of the inmate’s health record and other

documentation at the institution.

b. Inmate Notification. Before applying the belt, the inmate is advised by the OIC that the belt

is going to be placed on them, and under what circumstances it can be activated. This is done by

allowing the inmate to read, or have read to them, the BP-A0600, Inmate Notification of

Electronic Custody Control Belt Use form.

If possible, the inmate is given the opportunity to sign the form. However, if this is not possible

or if the inmate refuses, staff document this refusal on the form.

5538.09 9/3/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 14

a. Escape Prevention. In an attempted escape, verbal orders to halt are first given to the inmate

wearing the belt. If the inmate fails to halt immediately, the belt is activated. If the inmate has

escaped and is out of the escorting officer’s view, a verbal warning to halt is not necessary.

This does not preclude, in certain circumstances, using deadly force, which may or may not be

used before activating the belt. For additional information refer to the Program Statement Use of

Force, Application of Restraints, and Firearms.

b. Preventing Loss of Life or Grievous Bodily Harm. Staff may use the custody control belt

when there is a reasonable belief that the inmate’s actions are likely to result in the loss of life or

grievous bodily harm to staff, inmates, or others.

The escort detail’s OIC must exercise sound judgment when making a decision to activate the

belt. Verbal orders are not required if the staff member reasonably believes a danger of death or

grievous bodily harm is imminent.