WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2009
Disciplinary Matters From Federal Prison--Part 4
After an inmate is found guilty of an infraction, he is free to use the Administrative Remedy in search of relief.
The first step is called Informal Resolution which does not require any paperwork. The inmate is supposed to attempt to speak directly with the staff member to try and resolve the matter. If the problem persists, a counselor will provide a BP-8 form which is the first step of the written procedure. The BP-8 form asks the inmate to state the problem, the attempts he has made to address it, and the relief he is seeking.
If the inmate is not pleased with the answer to the BP-8, he can request a BP-9 (a written complaint which goes to the Warden). The Warden will then hear both sides - one from the counselor and one from the inmate - and reach a decision.
If the inmate is not pleased with the Warden's answer, he may request a BP-10 form which is filed with the Regional Director. Finally, if the inmate is still not pleased, he may file a BP-11 which goes to the BOP (Bureau of Prisons) in Washington. BP-11 is the final step in the Administrative Process.
With more than nine months of prison camp behind me, I speak with authority when I write that the entire Administrative Remedy is an exercise in futility. It only makes a bad situation worse. Maintaining good relations with officers, including the one who gave the shot, is more important than raising hell, while fighting a battle that cannot be won. Take your medicine and move on.
I hope you've enjoyed my four-part series on the Disciplinary Process. If not, at least I am four days closer to home.
