BOP Administrative Remedy Process Explainer
By Jeff Grant
If you have a complaint or concern about conditions of confinement in a federal prison — about programming, medical care, staff conduct, FSA credits, or almost anything else — the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Administrative Remedy Process is the formal channel for raising it. Understanding how it works is important both for getting relief and for preserving legal options.
The Four Steps
- Informal Resolution (BP-8): Before filing a formal remedy request, you must attempt to informally resolve the issue with staff. This is typically done using a BP-8 form or an informal resolution form. Keep a copy.
- Formal Remedy Request (BP-9): If informal resolution fails, file a BP-9 form with the Warden within 20 days of the event giving rise to the complaint. The Warden has 20 days to respond (extendable by 20 days).
- Regional Director Appeal (BP-10): If you are dissatisfied with the Warden's response, appeal to the Regional Director within 20 days of receiving the response. The Regional Director has 30 days to respond (extendable by 30 days).
- Central Office Appeal (BP-11): If you are dissatisfied with the Regional Director's response, appeal to the BOP Central Office within 30 days. The Central Office has 40 days to respond (extendable by 20 days).
Why This Matters
For many types of legal claims arising from federal custody — conditions of confinement, medical care, FSA credits — exhaustion of the administrative remedy process is required before you can file a lawsuit. Failure to exhaust can result in dismissal of your case regardless of its merits.
Keep copies of everything you file and every response you receive. Document dates carefully.
This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
