An inmate transfer can happen with little or no warning and the period of silence that follows, when families do not know where their loved one is or how to reach them, is one of the most anxious experiences in the entire incarceration journey. This section covers why transfers happen, how the transfer process works in federal and state systems, what diesel therapy is and why it occurs, how long the transit period typically lasts, why an inmate may temporarily disappear from the BOP locator during a transfer, and what families can do to locate their loved one and restore communication as quickly as possible. The guidance here comes from real experience with the transfer process, including what it feels like from inside and how families on the outside can best support someone going through it. See also our sections on Inmate Search, Inmate Phone Calls, and Send Inmate Mail.
Subject: Inmate transfer
It depends on the custody level of the inmate. Movement does have "meaning" but it's not always a bad reason. In most cases, movement is nothing to be concerned about. Movement of bunk assignment is commonplace. Maybe 20% of the movement is for disciplinary reasons.
Subject: Inmate transfer
Joseph Karr DOB 3-6-1961, inmate ID 02060396 is currently serving a life sentence at William G. McConnell Unit. He has a parole eligibility date of November 1, 2044. He is not currently eligible to receive visitation.
Subject: Inmate transfer
The only way an inmate can gain a transfer is by having 6 - 18 months of perfect behavior. Each facility is different, have your inmate sit down with his counselor and set up some criteria to follow in order to get the transfer.
Subject: Inmate transfer
No, there is absolutely no benefit for transferring - they make the decisions where an inmate will be housed.
Subject: Inmate transfer
We are not sure what your inmate was transferred for, the circumstances of his privileges are unknown. It could range from absolutely no delays as his "state" information all remains the same, to no access at all until whatever criteria is met upon transfer... or anything in between. You could try to reach the counselor at the new facility to see what information they can provide.
Subject: Inmate transfer
If it's within the same state prison system, there is little to no downtime for phone calls. If you were on his previous visitation list, you might have little downtime there too.
Subject: Inmate transfer
You cannot. Inmate transfer is a function of the two facilities and the service that is doing the transportation. Only inmates may inquire. The speed in which it is done has to do with bed space, travel logistics and coordination. They will not tell you in advance when they are moving them for security reasons.
Subject: Inmate transfer
no, it is not normal unless the witness is in protective custody and their whereabouts are to be kept quiet
Subject: Inmate transfer
There is no set time for an inmate to get transferred from county to state or federal prison. It sometimes has to do with bed space at the designated location, or it could be the transport detail is coordinated for the best budgetary concerns. If it's a few days or a few weeks, one morning, an officer will come to the inmate's cell unannounced and say, "Pack your stuff"... and then you're gone.
Subject: Inmate transfer
It might be as soon as a few hours, but it could also take a couple of weeks. There are variables that could make either scenario true, we just don't have enough information. For instance, was the inmate transferred within a similar system? If so, it might be no time at all. If it's a new system, then there is an A & O period that would make it many days before phone lists are able to be updated.
