(BOP) - As of August 17, 2021, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has transferred over 30,000 eligible inmates (including inmates who have completed service of their sentence) to Home Confinement since receiving the memorandum from the Attorney General on March 26, 2020, instructing us to prioritize home confinement as an appropriate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This milestone number also includes inmates eligible for Home Confinement under the emergency authority exercised by the Attorney General on April 3, 2020 in accordance with the CARES Act.
In response to COVID-19, the BOP instituted a comprehensive management approach that includes screening, testing, appropriate treatment, prevention, education, and infection control measures. The BOP continues to aggressively screen all potential inmates, identifying those who have COVID-19 risk factors as described by the CDC, for appropriate placement in Home Confinement. Additional COVID-19 Home Confinement Information, including the most recent numbers and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on the BOP's public website.
Inmates do not need to apply to be considered for home confinement. Case management staff continue to review all inmates to determine which ones meet the criteria established by the Attorney General on March 26, 2020 and April 3, 2020. The Department has also increased resources to review and make appropriate determinations as soon as possible. All inmates are being reviewed for suitability, however, any inmate who believes they are eligible may request to be referred to Home Confinement and provide a release plan to their Case Manager. The BOP may contact family members to gather needed information when making decisions concerning Home Confinement placement.
The BOP is deeply concerned for the health and welfare of those inmates who are entrusted to our care, and for our staff, their families, and the communities where we live and work. It remains our highest priority to continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our facilities.
The BOP appreciates the dedication and significant work of our staff in carrying out an already difficult mission in the face of the nationwide public emergency. The BOP continues to be thankful for the support and assistance of the Attorney General, the CDC, the Public Health Service, and our state and local community partners in forming and carrying out the BOP's COVID-19 response.