The actual surrender day is less frightening when you know exactly what to expect. Here's an hour-by-hour breakdown of what happens from the moment you leave home.
Before You Leave Home
- Call the facility intake unit 2–3 days before to confirm the reporting time (often 2:00 PM but varies; some require noon).
- Keep your surrender letter in hand — not in a bag — when you walk up to the intake window.
- Give family their instructions: intake takes 4–8+ hours, no updates during that time, don't wait at the facility.
- All financial and legal affairs should be resolved before this day — not during the parking lot goodbye.
What to Bring vs. What Not to Bring
| Bring | Do NOT Bring |
|---|---|
| BOP surrender letter (required) | Cell phones or any electronic devices |
| Government-issued photo ID | Jewelry |
| Prescription medications (2–3 weeks, original bottles) | Food or beverages |
| Eyeglasses (one pair, plain frames) | Excessive clothing |
| Up to 10 approved family photos (4x6, unframed) | Books/magazines (must be mailed directly from publisher) |
| Small amount of cash (under $300) | Gang/offensive imagery items |
| Attorney contact info (written, not on phone) | Tobacco products (most facilities are tobacco-free) |
Intake Process Step-by-Step
- 1. Identity Verification
- 2. Property Inventory
- 3. Medical Screening — be complete and accurate; BOP only provides care for conditions it knows about
- 4. Fingerprinting and Photography
- 5. Clothing Exchange
- 6. Orientation and Paperwork — rules, phone system, visiting, programs. Pay attention.
- 7. Housing Assignment
Your First 24 Hours Inside
First night: make up your bunk, locate the bathroom, observe unit norms. Be observant, quiet, and respectful. Learn count schedule on day one — five formal standing counts occur daily plus overnight counts. Missing a count is a serious infraction. Within 24–48 hours, phone access becomes available.
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