BOP Program Statement 5538.09 § 9

Electronic Custody Control Belts (e.g., REACT, Band-it) are approved for use with

MAXIMUM-custody inmates. When a MAXIMUM-custody inmate is being transported, only

the Warden or designee may approve using an Electronic Custody Control Belt. The approving

official authorizes using the belt only after determining an inmate requires greater security than

is afforded through conventional restraints and has no medical condition precluding its use.

Electronic Custody Control Belts are approved for use with inmates assigned a Special

Management Unit (SMU) designation or housed at a SMU facility. Only the Warden or designee

may approve using an Electronic Custody Control Belt for escorted trip purposes. The approving

official authorizes using the belt only after determining that an inmate requires greater security

than is afforded through conventional restraints and has no medical condition precluding its use.

a. Use of Other Restraints. The Electronic Custody Control Belt is not intended for use in lieu

of conventional restraints, but in addition to such restraints. Escorting staff may reduce minimum

restraint requirements only if the Warden has given specific prior approval.

While the Electronic Custody Control Belt is intended to provide a less-than-lethal security

option for high-risk escorts, in the interest of general safety, staff must follow the requirements

on the use of deadly force in the Program Statement Use of Force, Application of Restraints,

and Firearms.

b. Authorized Official. The OIC of any escort detail when the Electronic Custody Control Belt

is used must be a GS-11 Lieutenant trained in its use. In emergency situations, a GS-9 Lieutenant

certified in the use of the Electronic Custody Control Belt may be used at the discretion of the

Captain.

Training encompasses either training by a vendor representative or a Bureau staff member whom

a vendor has certified to provide training. Once the vendor provides the staff certification

documentation, the Employee Development Office will key the completion into the applicable

learning management system.

Only the escort detail’s OIC may carry and use the activating device for the belt. Only after

mandatory Electronic Custody Control Belt training may a GS-9 or GS-11 Lieutenant serve as

the OIC, or as a member of a team escorting an inmate approved to wear the belt.

Before applying the belt, the OIC completes the BP-A0599, Electronic Custody Control Belt

Documentation form. The justification for the approval to use the belt must be documented in

detail on the BP-A0502, Escorted Trip Authorization form.