BOP To Establish and FSA Task Force to Assist with Early Release

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) announced the formation of its First Step Act (FSA) Task Force earlier this month to target moving more inmates from federal prisons to community placement, known as prerelease custody. The BOP is also maximizing bed-space in Residential Reentry Centers (halfway houses) for those in most need of these important reentry services. This task force was formed due to ongoing issues with the Bureau of Prisons’ computer systems, which are struggling to accurately calculate FSA credits. Each month, eligible inmates can participate in programs to earn up to 15 credits, which reduce their sentences. While the maximum reduction is capped at 365 days, inmates serving sentences longer than 48 months can use these credits toward home confinement. Since the implementation of the final rule outlining FSA guidance, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has struggled with accurately calculating the credits. The agency has focused on calculating the monthly credits without considering the projected date for earning all credits. As a result, inmates who could be placed in community halfway houses or home confinement end up staying in prison longer than necessary. If you need assistance or have any questions feel free to call National Prison & Sentencing Consultants at 615-696-6153.