The 2014 Federal Prison Preparation Manual, written by current federal inmate Andrew Taghon, provides a clear and concise overview of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policies. The Manual outlines what is needed to properly prepare, what to expect, and how to live through the federal prison experience with the least negative impact. The information is relevant to male and female offenders preparing to serve time in a US Federal Prison. From determining what type of facility each offender will serve his/her sentence, to how they can make the most out of their imprisonment, the Manual is all-inclusive and sweeping in both its breadth and depth of policies, procedures, and information.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Manual
Q. Does the Manual provide information about how the Bureau of Prisons classifies it's institutions?
A. Yes. The Manual provides clear and concise explanations as to how the Bureau classifies it's institutions, and how they determine what security level facility to which each inmate will be designated to serve his/her sentence. Individual worksheets, similar to those used by BOP staff, are included to assist in determining the security level of prison to which you will be designated. There are also recommendations which may help you secure placement in a prison of your choice.
Q. Does the Manual provide information about how the BOP uses the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report?
A. Yes it does. The Pre-Sentence Report is utilized by the BOP from the time of initial designation and throughout an inmate's term of confinement. Because of its importance, a significant portion of the discussion in part one focuses on the Pre-Sentence Investigation and Pre-Sentence Report. Information to assist you in ensuring that your PSR contains complete accurate information is provided.
Q. I was told the Bureau of Prisons has a program in place that requires inmates to pay on their court-ordered assessments, restitution, and/or fines. Does the Manual offer information about this program?
A. Yes. The Bureau of Prisons has implemented the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program. The program is voluntary; however, individuals who refuse participation are prohibited from participating and receiving the benefits from other BOP programs. The Manual provides an overview of the program's policies including what obligations the BOP will attempt to collect and how payments are figured.
Q. Does the Manual provide information about the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)?
A. Yes. The Residential Drug Abuse Program is the only program (other than good time credit) that may reduce the amount of time you spend in a federal prison. However, participants must meet strict criteria. Therein not all individuals are eligible to receive the reduction in their sentence for successfully completing the program. The Manual delineates the Bureau's policies surrounding the program, as well as the numerous other cognitive-based treatment programs offered within the Bureau of Prisons.
Q. Does the Manual provide any information to assist those who have been convicted of sex offenses (child pornography included)?
A. Yes. For safety and security reasons the Bureau of Prisons has employed policies that effect how individuals convicted of sex offenses are managed. The Manual highlights these policies and also provides an overview of treatment programs offered to sex offenders.
