BOP Program Statement 5580.10 § 1

It is the policy of the Bureau of Prisons that an inmate may possess ordinarily only that property

which the inmate is authorized to retain upon admission to the institution, which is issued while

the inmate is in custody, which the inmate purchases in the institution commissary, or which is

approved by staff to be mailed to, or otherwise received by an inmate, that does not threaten the

safety, security, or good order of the facility or protection of the public. These rules contribute to

the management of inmate personal property in the institution, and contribute to a safe

environment for staff and inmates by reducing fire hazards, security risks, and sanitation

problems which relate to inmate personal property. Consistent with the mission of the institution,

each Warden shall identify in writing that personal property which may be retained by an inmate

in addition to that personal property which has been approved by the Director for retention at all

institutions.

Procedures outlined in this program statement apply to all inmates housed in Bureau of Prisons

(Bureau) institutions, including pretrial and holdovers inmates.

5580.10 5/7/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 1

a. Program Objectives.

 Inventory records be fully completed and will correctly list each inmate’s personal property.

 Inmates be allowed to keep and store their authorized personal property.

 Any contraband found with inmates or in their living or work areas be properly identified,

handled, and disposed of.

b. Institution Supplement. All institutions will develop an Institution Supplement describing

procedures regarding inmate personal property. At a minimum, the supplement must:

■ Identify personal property which may be retained upon commitment and maintained in the

housing unit. During admission and orientation inmates will be notified of the following:

 Management of personal property must contribute to a safe environment.

 Management of personal property must not contribute to fire hazards, security risks, and

sanitation problems by having excessive property.

■ Identify areas within the institution for property storage. Such storage areas are to be secured,

with limited staff access and no access by inmates. Property storage may not be in Unit

Management or Correctional Services offices.

■ Establish a procedure to ensure a property inventory whenever an inmate’s status requires

such action (e.g., admission, placement in a Special Housing Unit (SHU), transfer, or

release). At a minimum, this will include completion of the BP-A0383, Inmate Personal

Property Record, for identifying property and documenting valuables, particularly property

valued over $100.

■ Establish a procedure to ensure documentation in the Inmate Central File of all major items

received through the mail.

A copy of the Institution Supplement will be forwarded to the appropriate Regional Correctional

Programs Administrator for review prior to initial issuance or any change.