BOP Program Statement 5576.14 § 1

Thi

s program statement is intended to authorize and regulate the issuance of stab-resistant

protective vests to Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) staff at institutions with Low, Medium, High

security level designations, as well as Administrative facilities. Vests are considered as personal

protective equipment (PPE) for staff when required under this program statement. The

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and its implementing regulations should be

consulted for any other safety matter concerning vests not detailed in this program statement.

a. P

rogram Objectives.

■ S

taff are provided an additional measure of protection while working within the secure

confines of Low, Medium, and High security institutions and Administrative facilities.

b. I

nstitution Supplement. None.

2. P

ROTECTIVE VEST ISSUANCE AND MAINTENANCE

A

ll staff at Low-, Medium-, and High-Security institutions and Administrative facilities will be

issued a stab-resistant vest.

The Captain at each institution is the point of contact (POC) for staff to direct e-mail requests,

questions, or concerns in reference to the vest. Staff must be notified of the Captain being the

vest POC during Introduction to Correctional Techniques (ICT) and Annual Training.

a. Fitting, Maintenance, and Care. Staff will be measured and fitted for a vest in accordance

with manufacturer’s specifications. Staff’s vest measurements must only be shared with persons

who have a need to know this information.

Each staff member receiving a vest must be provided instructions for the proper care and

maintenance. Staff are responsible for the routine cleaning and storage of their issued vest.

A newly-hired staff member will be fitted during ICT. A vest from the institution’s current

inventory will be provided until the staff member’s fitted vest arrives, at which time they must

return the temporarily issued vest.

Staff not assigned to a vest institution may request a vest. If requested, staff will be fitted for and

receive a vest. These staff will be required to wear the vest within the secure confines of the

institution in accordance with this program statement.

Vests returned by staff will be cleaned by the institution in accordance with according to vendor

instructions prior to issuance to another staff member.

Institution reserve vests must be stored in the Lockshop, armory, Control Center, or other secure

area outside the secure perimeter. This area should allow for vest storage in accordance with the

manufacturer’s wear and care requirements.

The process of surveying and disposing of vests will be determined by the Captain in

coordination with the Security Officer.

T-shirt style and/or Velcro strap style carriers or outer carriers are authorized for initial issuance

with the vest.

b. Transferring Staff. If a staff member transfers from one vest institution to another, their vest

will be transferred as accountable property using a BP-A0100, Store Requisition, Invoice and

Transfer Receipt form. Staff will retain their previously-issued vest for use at the new institution.

If a staff member transfers from a non-vest institution to a vest institution, they must be fitted

during initial orientation and issued a temporary vest from the institution’s current inventory. The

temporary vest will be returned upon receiving the fitted vest.

5576.14 9/3/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 2

c. Replacement. If a staff member loses their vest or it is stolen, they must immediately notify

the Captain or designee in writing and will be provided a temporary vest immediately until a new

fitted vest is provided.

If a staff member asserts their vest no longer properly fits or is unserviceable, they must notify

the Captain or designee. The staff member must be remeasured in accordance with vendor

specifications to determine if they require a different size vest. If a different size is warranted, a

new vest will be ordered within 30 days from the date of measurement. If a vest is ordered, a

temporary vest will be provided to the staff member from the institution’s current inventory.

Pregnant staff must be issued maternity vests as soon as practicable upon being requested.

Vests with an expired warranty according to vendor specifications, must be replaced as soon as

practicable.