Federal Prison Designation: How to Ensure You Go to a “Camp” (And Avoid a “Low”)
When a defendant hears the words "Federal Prison," their first question is usually: "How long?" But their second question—and the one that keeps them awake at night—is: "Where?"
There is a massive difference between a Federal Prison Camp (Minimum Security) and a Federal Correctional Institution (Low Security). One has no fences, dormitory housing, and a relatively calm environment. The other has double razor-wire fencing, armed patrols, and a higher volatility of inmate population.
Most defendants assume the Judge decides where they go. They are wrong.
The Judge can only recommend a facility. The actual decision is made by an obscure office in Grand Prairie, Texas, called the Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC).
If you want to secure the safest possible placement, you cannot rely on a judicial recommendation alone. You must understand the algorithm the BOP uses to classify you. I have helped over 300 clients get into the most desired federal prisons. Book a consultation to talk here: https://app.reclaim.ai/m/joseph--jnadvisor/high-priority-meeting
The Math: Understanding Your Security Point Score
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) does not guess where to put you. They use a rigid mathematical formula outlined in Program Statement 5100.08 (Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification).
Every defendant is assigned a Security Point Total.
0-11 Points: Minimum Security (Camp)
12-15 Points: Low Security (FCI)
16+ Points: Medium/High Security
If you score a 12, you are going behind a fence. If you score an 11, you are going to a Camp. One point changes your entire life for the next few years. I can do what your lawyer won’t and that is still get you in a camp even if you have higher than 12 points. Call me to discuss 646-588-8182 or book a face to face appointment here: https://app.reclaim.ai/m/joseph--jnadvisor/high-priority-meeting
How the Score is Calculated
Your score is based on factors found in your Pre-Sentence Report (PSR). This is why auditing your PSR before sentencing is critical.
Age: Older defendants get fewer points. (e.g., Age 55+ = 0 points).
Education: High School Degree/GED = 0 points. (No degree = 1 point).
Drug/Alcohol History: Documented abuse in the last 5 years adds points.
Criminal History Score: Based on the Sentencing Guidelines.
Severity of Offense: The "severity" of your crime on the BOP scale, not just the Judge’s scale.
The Strategy: We often see clients with "borderline" scores (e.g., 12 or 13 points). By correcting errors in the PSR or clarifying educational history before the designation packet is sent to Texas, we can often drop that score to an 11.
The Trap: Public Safety Factors (PSFs)
We see this tragedy constantly: A client has a perfect Security Score of 5. They should be a shoo-in for a Camp. But the designation letter arrives, and they are sent to a Low or Medium.
Why? Because of a Public Safety Factor (PSF). A PSF acts like a "Override" button. Even if your score is low, a PSF can force you into higher security.
Common PSFs that block Camp placement:
Greatest Severity Offense: If your crime is deemed "Greatest Severity" (even if non-violent), you are automatically disqualified from a Camp unless a waiver is granted.
Threat to Government Official: If your case involved any threat to a public figure.
Sex Offender: Automatically disqualifies you from Camp status.
Detainer: If you have an open warrant or pending charge in another state, you are considered a flight risk.
Sentence Length: If you have more than 10 years remaining on your sentence.
The Fix: If a PSF is applied incorrectly (e.g., a 20-year-old "pending charge" that was actually dismissed but never cleared from the database), you must fight to have it removed immediately.
The "Judicial Recommendation" Strategy
While the Judge cannot order the BOP to place you in a specific prison, their recommendation carries weight—IF it is written correctly.
A generic recommendation ("I recommend FCI Otisville") is often ignored. A policy-based recommendation is harder to ignore.
Example of a weak recommendation:
"The Court recommends the defendant be placed at FCI Otisville."
Example of a strong recommendation:
"The Court recommends the defendant be placed at FCI Otisville to facilitate family visitation with his minor children and elderly parents, which is critical for his rehabilitation, and to allow participation in the specific vocational training programs offered at that facility."
The BOP’s own policy states they must attempt to place inmates within 500 miles of their release residence. By aligning the Judge’s recommendation with the BOP’s own stated goals, we increase the success rate significantly.
Camp vs. Low: The Reality Check
Why does this matter? Is a "Low" really that much worse than a "Camp"?
Yes.
Federal Prison Camp (FPC): Often located on military bases or adjacent to larger prisons. No barbed wire. Inmates often work in the local community. The atmosphere is focused on "doing time and going home."
Low Security (FCI): Double fences with razor wire. Controlled movement. A mix of white-collar offenders and individuals with histories of violence or gang affiliation who have "worked their way down" from Mediums. The politics are real. The stress is higher.
Voluntary Surrender: Your First Victory
One of the easiest ways to influence your designation is to secure Voluntary Surrender (Self-Surrender). If you are allowed to drive yourself to prison rather than being taken into custody by U.S. Marshals:
It saves you from the "Diesel Therapy" transport system (shackled on buses for weeks).
It lowers your Security Score. The BOP views self-surrender as proof of responsibility.
It allows you to walk in with dignity, bringing your medical prescriptions and eyeglasses with you.
Don't Leave It to Chance
The difference between a Camp and a Low is often a single point on a scorecard or a single sentence in a PSR. Once the BOP designates you, it is incredibly difficult to get transferred. The time to fight for your placement is now, before the designation letter is printed.
At JN Advisor, we calculate your Security Score, audit your PSR for PSF triggers, and draft the specific designation language for your legal team to present to the Judge.
Don't just hope for a Camp. Engineer it. Call Joseph now at 646-588-8182
