When you are in federal custody at a charter facility, understanding your security level helps you navigate programs, movement, and release planning. This overview walks through the core factors used to assess and document your custody status.
The federal system uses a point-based assessment that considers institutional behavior, sentence length, criminal history, and program eligibility to assign a security level. Use the following sections to interpret your score and plan next steps.
| Security Level | Typical Custody Designation | General Movement & Program Access | Key Influencing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Camp, dormitory-style housing | Unrestricted movement in unit; many work and treatment programs | Low institutional points, no violent offense history, strong program participation |
| Low | Low or moderate security prison camp or unit | Supervised movement; most programs available | Moderate points, non-violent offenses, good conduct record |
| Medium | Medium-security facility with controlled movement | Restricted movement between tiers; some programs require approval | Higher points, more serious offense history, moderate behavioral risk |
| High | High-security unit or segregation | Limited movement; controlled access to programs; increased observation | Significant behavioral incidents, violence risk, escape history, high custody points |
Institutional Conduct and Point Accumulation
Your behavior inside the facility directly affects your custody level. Each incident, disciplinary report, or positive program completion is recorded and can raise or lower your points on the assessment matrix.
Maintaining a clean disciplinary record, participating in education and work assignments, and following unit rules are practical ways to lower your score and move toward a less restrictive level.
Sentence Length and Release Eligibility
Time remaining on your sentence is a major component of the federal security assessment. The system considers how much prison time you have already served and how much remains.
As you approach the end of your sentence, you may become eligible for placement in a less restrictive facility or community-based program, subject to risk and program availability.
Program Participation and Progression
Engaging in approved programs such as work details, education courses, and treatment services can reduce your custody points and improve your eligibility for lower security placement.
Consistent participation demonstrates responsibility and supports a narrative of rehabilitation, which case management teams review during custody review meetings.
Risk Assessment and Facility Matching
Risk assessment tools evaluate factors such as criminal history, substance use, community ties, and supervision needs to recommend an appropriate facility security level.
These assessments help match you to a setting that balances safety, treatment needs, and opportunities for reentry preparation.
Key Steps to Manage Your Federal Custody Security Level
- Review your assessment points regularly with your case manager
- Maintain a clean disciplinary record to avoid point increases
- Enroll in education, work, and treatment programs to earn points toward down-custody
- Track your time-served and remaining sentence for eligibility planning
- Communicate with your counselor about facility placement options
FAQ
Reader questions
How is my security level score calculated in federal custody?
Your score is calculated using a point-based matrix that weighs institutional conduct, sentence length, criminal history, program participation, and risk factors. Positive behavior and program completion can lower points, while disciplinary incidents can raise them.
Can I request a change in my custody level or security classification?
Yes, you can request a review by participating in programs, maintaining good conduct, and submitting a request through your case manager or facility classification office for reassessment.
What happens if I receive a disciplinary report while at a minimum security camp?
A disciplinary report can increase your custody points, potentially moving you to a higher security level such as low or medium, depending on the severity and your overall score.
How often is my security level reviewed during federal custody?
Reviews typically occur at set intervals, such as quarterly or biannually, and also happen after significant incidents, program completions, or sentence milestones.