What Happens When You Self-Surrender to FCI Miami?

You will not know until you get there, and that is completely normal. Surrender paperwork directs you to the institution, and the placement decision between the FCI Low and the satellite camp gets made during intake based on your sentence length, offense type, and criminal history. Generally speaking, non-violent offenders with sentences under 8 to 10 years and no significant criminal history go to the camp. If that describes your situation, camp placement is likely.

Here is what to expect when you arrive. You will enter through the main entrance of the FCI Low and go through a metal detector into the intake area, where you will sit in a holding cell for a couple of hours while you are processed. They will fingerprint you, take your photograph, and issue a red and white ID card that you are required to keep on you at all times. In most cases, if you are going to the camp, you will be given paperwork and walked over unescorted.

At the camp, the officer on duty will connect you with a counselor who will assign you to a bed, typically on J-side or I-side. You will not have your issued uniform right away, but other inmates will generally offer shower shoes and basic toiletries to get you through the first day or two.

Wednesday is Admission and Orientation, known as A&O. You will spend that day in the visiting room meeting staff from every department. Once A&O is completed, you can set up your visitation and phone lists.

Have someone send money through Western Union on the day you surrender. Use your inmate ID number, city code FBOP, and state code DC. Getting funds in early means you will have money ready when commissary access opens up.

One more thing: depending on bed space and paperwork processing, you may spend a night or two in the SHU when you first arrive. It is not a punishment. It is a holdover situation that happens sometimes during intake and it is temporary. Do not let it rattle you.