Why Security Classifications Exist
Prison security classifications serve a straightforward purpose: match inmates to facilities appropriate for their risk level. Housing a nonviolent first-time offender at a maximum security facility wastes resources and exposes low-risk inmates to unnecessary danger. Housing a violent recidivist at a minimum security camp creates obvious safety problems for staff and the public. The classification system is the mechanism that makes appropriate placement possible.
Federal and state systems use similar terminology but apply it differently. The federal Bureau of Prisons has five security levels with specific definitions. State systems vary considerably -- some use numbers, others use labels, and the conditions at a given level can differ substantially from one state to the next.
Federal Bureau of Prisons Security Levels
The BOP classifies facilities into five levels. Inmates are assigned a security score based on objective criteria and designated to a facility matching that score. Here is what each level means in practice:
Minimum
Minimum Security -- Federal Prison Camps
The lowest level of federal custody. Minimum security facilities are called Federal Prison Camps (FPCs) and are often satellite camps adjacent to a larger facility. They have no secure perimeter -- no fence, no towers. Inmates live in dormitory-style housing and move freely within the facility.
Who goes here: First-time nonviolent offenders with relatively short sentences, and inmates who have earned down-designation by serving a portion of their sentence at a higher level without incident. Many white collar cases result in camp designation. Minimum security inmates are trusted not to attempt escape -- those who walk away face felony prosecution and immediate transfer to a much higher security facility.
Housing Dormitory or open bay
Perimeter Open, no secure fence
Movement Relatively free within facility
Programming Work assignments, RDAP, education
Low
Low Security -- Federal Correctional Institutions
Low security Federal Correctional Institutions (FCIs) have a double-fenced perimeter and dormitory or cubicle housing. Movement is more structured than camps but there is still significant freedom for program participation, recreation, and work assignments.
Who goes here: Nonviolent offenders with moderate sentence lengths or criminal history scores that preclude camp designation. This is the most common designation for first-time federal drug and fraud offenders who do not qualify for camp. The programming available at Low security facilities is generally solid -- RDAP, education, vocational training, and work assignments are all available.
Housing Dormitory or cubicle
Perimeter Double fence with detection equipment
Movement Scheduled moves, controlled counts
Programming Full range of BOP programs available
Medium
Medium Security -- Federal Correctional Institutions
Medium security FCIs have reinforced perimeters with external patrols, more staff supervision, and significantly more restrictions on inmate movement. Housing is cell-style rather than dormitory. Counts are more frequent and movement is more controlled.
Who goes here: Offenders with longer sentences, prior criminal history, prior violence, or an in-custody infraction history that disqualifies them from Low designation. Many federal drug trafficking and robbery cases begin here. Inmates can work down to Low over time with clean conduct and program participation.
Housing Cell-style, two-person rooms
Perimeter Reinforced fence, external patrols
Movement Controlled with increased supervision
Programming Most BOP programs available
High
High Security -- United States Penitentiaries
United States Penitentiaries (USPs) are the most restrictive standard federal facilities. Movement is tightly controlled. Programming is more limited. The inmate population includes those with very long sentences, serious violent histories, and significant disciplinary records from lower levels.
Who goes here: Serious violent offenders, gang members with verified affiliations, inmates who accumulated significant disciplinary history at lower levels, and those serving very long sentences. Most people sentenced for nonviolent federal offenses will not be designated to a USP. If designation to a high security facility seems wrong for the offense, an attorney can file a request for redesignation with supporting documentation.
Housing Single cells, restricted movement
Perimeter Maximum security with armed posts
Movement Highly controlled, limited freedom
Programming Limited, security restrictions apply
Administrative
Administrative -- Specialized Facilities
Administrative facilities serve specific purposes outside the standard security level classification. They house inmates with special needs or circumstances rather than a specific security score.
Federal Medical Centers (FMC) -- Hospitals within the prison system for inmates requiring ongoing medical or mental health care.
Federal Detention Centers (FDC) -- Pretrial detainees awaiting trial or sentencing.
Federal Transfer Centers (FTC) -- Temporary housing for inmates in transit between permanent facilities.
ADX Florence -- The Administrative Maximum Facility in Colorado, the highest security federal facility in the country. Houses the most dangerous and highest-profile inmates.
How Federal Designation Works
After sentencing, new federal inmates are processed through a designated receiving facility -- often a Federal Transfer Center or the nearest FCI with receiving capacity. The Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas handles all BOP designations and applies a standardized scoring system.
The score is based on: severity of the current offense, sentence length, prior criminal history, history of violence, history of escape or attempts, age, and any detainers. The score maps to a security level range. Within that range, the DSCC attempts to designate the inmate to a facility within 500 miles of their release address and considering any programming needs such as RDAP.
Factors That Affect Security Score
▲ Increase Score
Violent current offense
Long sentence (over 10 years)
Prior felony convictions
Prior violence history
Prior escape or attempt
Gang affiliation
Detainers from other jurisdictions
▼ Decrease Score Over Time
Clean disciplinary record
Program completion (RDAP, education)
Passage of time served
Approaching release date
Stable work history in facility
Community ties and release plan
🔎
How JailGuide Uses Security Levels
Each facility listing in the JailGuide database includes a security level designation so you can quickly understand what type of facility your loved one is at. JailGuide uses a numeric classification combining the security levels present at each facility -- a facility with both Low and Medium housing is scored differently than a pure Minimum camp. Use the inmate search to find a facility and see its current security level designation.
Security Level FAQ
How does the BOP decide which facility to send an inmate to? +
The BOP uses a classification scoring system through the Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC). Points are assigned based on offense severity, sentence length, criminal history, history of violence, escape risk, and age. The score places the inmate in a security level range. The DSCC designates a specific facility within that level, attempting to place inmates within 500 miles of their release address when bed space allows. Family proximity and RDAP eligibility are also considered.
Can an inmate move to a lower security level? +
Yes. Inmates are reclassified periodically -- typically every 12 months. Clean disciplinary record, program completion, and the passage of time all reduce the security score. An inmate who starts at Medium can work down to Low or eventually Minimum over the course of a longer sentence. The Case Manager handles reclassification reviews and can prepare the necessary documentation. Disciplinary infractions reset progress and can increase the security level.
What is the difference between a federal camp and a regular federal prison? +
Federal Prison Camps are Minimum security facilities with no secure perimeter, dormitory housing, and relatively free movement. They are often physically located next to a larger Medium or High security facility and use its staff and resources. Conditions at a camp are dramatically better than at higher security facilities in terms of freedom, stress, and quality of daily life. The BOP designates camps for nonviolent offenders who pose minimal flight risk. Walking away from a camp is technically an escape -- a federal felony with serious consequences.
What is administrative segregation? +
Administrative segregation (Ad Seg) is solitary confinement used to isolate inmates who pose a threat to others or themselves, are under investigation for a serious infraction, or require separation from the general population for protection. Ad Seg inmates are confined to their cell approximately 23 hours per day with severely limited programming, recreation, and contact. It is distinct from disciplinary segregation (the SHU), which is a punishment. Extended solitary confinement has well-documented severe mental health effects.
What is ADX Florence? +
ADX Florence (Administrative Maximum Facility) in Florence, Colorado is the highest security federal prison in the United States. It houses approximately 400 inmates considered the most dangerous or highest escape-risk in the federal system, including convicted terrorists, cartel leaders, and inmates who committed serious violence at other federal facilities. Inmates spend 22-24 hours per day in individual cells with minimal human contact. Most people in the federal system will never encounter ADX Florence in any way.
How do state security levels differ from federal? +
State systems use similar terminology but apply it differently. Some states use numbered levels (Level 1 through Level 5), others use descriptive terms (Minimum, Medium, Close, Maximum, Supermax). Classification criteria are similar -- offense severity, criminal history, behavior -- but the standards vary by state. Conditions at a state Medium facility may be very different from a federal Medium depending on the state DOC, funding, and the specific institution. Always look at the specific facility rather than relying solely on the level label.
Can a family request a facility closer to home? +
Yes, through a formal redesignation request. The inmate submits a request to the Case Manager to be transferred closer to their release address. The BOP policy includes proximity to release as a consideration, but bed availability, security level requirements, and programming needs take priority. An attorney can submit a letter supporting the request and citing the benefit to family connections and reentry planning. These requests are frequently granted when there is a good-faith basis and a vacancy at an appropriate facility closer to home.