OINLY SINATRA COULD DO IT “HIS-WAY.”

The BOP Is Still Doing It Their Way

Despite policy changes, many federal prisoners continue reporting delays in medical care, sentence-credit disputes, and prerelease placement issues.

At FMC Butner, a prisoner said a terminal brain cancer patient received a one-line response from the chief oncologist: “He has access to sick call.” Under current policy, families can seek compassionate release on a loved one’s behalf and should be assisted in doing so.

Another prisoner has reportedly waited since December 2025 for foot surgery despite an MRI showing severe nerve damage. His outside specialist prescribed a medical boot, but he says it was later confiscated. Documenting these gaps between outside medical recommendations and BOP treatment can become key evidence in compassionate release petitions.

Meanwhile, prisoners at Jesup Camp report delays of several months tied to disputed First Step Act credit calculations. Experts advise putting all credit disputes in writing and exhausting administrative remedies.

Questions also remain about halfway house and home confinement eligibility. Some prisoners report being told they cannot qualify because they have a residence and were asked to sign waivers. However, BOP guidance has stated that First Step Act and Second Chance Act authorities can be applied together to maximize prerelease custody opportunities. Prisoners are encouraged to review any waiver carefully and keep copies of all paperwork.

Derek Gilna, Director of Research, JD, (De Paul Law School, 1975), MARJ, (Vermont Law School, 2020), Federal Legal Center, 133 W. Market, #171, Indianapolis, IN 46204; dgilna1948@yahoo.com, dagilna1948@yahoo.com, firststeprelief@yahoo.com, federallegalnews@yahoo.com.