Federal Bureau of Prisons - Central Office (Washington, D.C.)
Overview of the Facility
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Central Office is not a correctional facility but rather the administrative headquarters for the entire federal prison system. It oversees the operations of all federal prisons and provides centralized leadership for the bureau.
Contact Information
Address: 320 First Street, NW, Washington, DC 20534
Phone: 202-307-3198
Website: https://www.bop.gov/
Email: [email protected]
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate in the federal prison system, use the BOP's Inmate Locator tool available at https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. You'll need the inmate's full name or BOP registration number.
Visitation Information
As the Central Office is not a correctional facility, it does not have visitation hours for inmates. For information on visiting inmates at specific federal prisons, please check the individual facility's website or contact them directly.
How to Send Money
To send money to federal inmates, you can use the following methods:
- Online: MoneyGram or Western Union
- By Mail: Send a money order to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, inmate's full name and registration number, P.O. Box 474701, Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001
Phone Calls and Video Options
The BOP provides inmates with phone and video visitation options through its Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS). Specific details and restrictions vary by facility.
Inmate Services and Programs
The BOP offers various programs and services to inmates, including:
- Education and vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious programs
- Work programs
History of the Facility
The Federal Bureau of Prisons was established in 1930 to provide more progressive and humane care for federal inmates, to professionalize the prison service, and to ensure consistent and centralized administration of federal prisons.
Security and Management Information
The BOP Central Office provides oversight and management for all federal prisons, which are classified into different security levels: minimum, low, medium, and high security. The Central Office also manages private contract facilities and community-based programs.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates in federal custody have various rights, including access to legal materials, court-appointed attorneys if they cannot afford one, and the right to receive visits from family, friends, and legal representatives. Specific policies may vary by facility.
Booking and Release Process
The booking and release processes are handled at individual facilities, not at the Central Office. Generally, when entering federal custody, inmates undergo intake procedures including medical screening, security classification, and orientation. Release procedures may include pre-release programming and coordination with probation officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an inmate in the federal prison system?
Use the BOP's Inmate Locator tool on their website. You'll need the inmate's full name or BOP registration number.
Can I send packages to federal inmates?
Generally, inmates cannot receive packages from home. There are strict regulations on what can be sent, typically limited to letters and approved items from authorized vendors.
How often can federal inmates make phone calls?
Phone privileges vary by facility and security level. Most inmates have access to phones during designated hours, but calls are typically limited in duration and monitored.
What types of jobs are available to federal inmates?
Federal prisons offer various work assignments, including food service, maintenance, landscaping, and factory work through UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries).
Can federal inmates vote?
Federal inmates generally cannot vote while incarcerated. Voting rights for ex-felons vary by state after release.
