Inmates get a Registration Number in the Federal Prison Camp
Aug 27th, 2008 by Rickey
Upon immediate self-surrender to a federal prison camp, the new inmate is given a registration number from the BOP (bureau of prisons). This registration number consist of 8 digits (xxxxx-xxx), the first 5 are the next set of numbers available but the last 3 are regional identification which indicate the city and state you are from.
This new number begins the administrative file, medical and dental records, and commissary funds account. It also becomes the inmate’s property ID number because the staff stamps it on your clothes and etched on personal items like padlocks and radios.
Inmates are responsible in remembering this number because during 4:00 pm count time they are asked to say their number while officers verify their picture in a log book with the ID number.
Each inmate is also given an identification card with their number and picture printed on it. It’s also the card they use to get commissary items. Basically it’s like a debit card. All inmates must carry this card while on a their work detail because correctional officers and other prison camp staff will ask for your ID when they choose to question you for any reason.
This number is also vital with the mail. All mailings going in and out of the prison camp must have the inmate’s registration number on it. Failing to write the number will deny letters coming in and they will also be rejected in mailing them out. A bit of advice, it’s best to print the inmate’s number on every page of your letters and inside every book cover to ensure proper delivery to your loved one.
I know a prisoner whose last three registration numbers are 748,
xxxxx-748. I have not been able to find out what these three numbers
mean.
Darryl, the last 3 digits are regional identification which indicate the city and state an inmate was prosecuted in and where they are from. For example, -075 is Nashville, TN.
Hi Rickey. That is also my impression but what would 748 signify.
It does not appear on judicial websites. The inmate I met with is
from Philadelphia. His last three digits should be 066.
Any thoughts?
Darryl, you are right that it’s an unusual number. My thoughts are and I am speculating that it has to do with something specific. Maybe a certain crime to alert the guards, military, making him stand out in the BOP, a high profile case or it may just be a change in their policy. Funny, but with all the people in prison it may just be that they ran out of numbers. definately a little mystery.