How to Fill Out BOP Form BP-A0291 — Furlough Application

HOW TO FILL OUT

Bureau of Prisons Form BP-A0291

Furlough Application – Approval and Record

A Field-by-Field Walkthrough for Federal Inmates and Their Advocates

Overview

Form BP-A0291 is the official Bureau of Prisons document used to request, approve, and record a furlough. It is a multi-part form: the front page is the application and administrative section, and the reverse side (Page 2) contains the Conditions of Furlough that the inmate must read and sign. A Spanish translation is also included on the form.

This guide walks through every field and section of the form so that applicants and their advocates understand exactly what is required at each step.

⚠ TIP: The form is available as a PDF at bop.gov/policy/forms/BP_A0291.pdf. Obtain a copy from your unit counselor or case manager.

Page 1: The Application

Step 1: Header Information

Fill in the identifying information at the top of the form. Staff may pre-fill some of these fields.

Field	What to Write
Inmate’s Name	Your full legal name as it appears in BOP records (last, first, middle).
Register No.	Your 8-digit BOP register number (e.g., 12345-678).
Institution	The full name, address, and phone number of your current facility. Staff typically pre-fills this.

Step 2: Application Details

This section identifies the type and logistics of the furlough you are requesting.

Field	What to Write
Purpose of Visit	State the specific reason for the furlough. Examples: “Release planning,” “Family crisis – death of mother,” “Educational program,” “Medical treatment,” or “Transfer to RRC.” Be specific.
SENTRY Assignment	Staff will enter the SENTRY furlough code (e.g., FURL SOC, FURL MED, FURL LEG, FURL TRN). Leave blank if unsure – staff will complete this.
Date/Time of Departure	The requested departure date and time (e.g., “03/15/2026 at 8:00 AM”).
Date/Time of Return	The requested return date and time. Must account for travel time. Social furloughs are typically limited to specific hour windows.

⚠ TIP: For social furloughs, day furloughs cannot exceed 16 hours. Overnight furloughs are generally limited to specific timeframes set by the Warden.

Step 3: Furlough Destination

Provide complete details about where you will be staying during the furlough.

Field	What to Write
Furlough Address	The full street address where you will be located (e.g., “1234 Elm Street, Springfield, IL 62701 – c/o Jane Doe”).
Responsible Party	If staying with someone, include their full name on the address line as indicated by “name of responsible party if applicable.”
Telephone No.	A phone number (with area code) where you can be reached at the furlough destination.

⚠ TIP: Your furlough is limited to this address and ordinary stopovers on a direct route to/from the destination. You cannot deviate without written permission.

Step 4: Emergency Contact and Transportation

Provide your travel plan and a point of contact for emergencies.

Field	What to Write
Point of Contact for Emergency	Name and phone number of someone who can be reached if there is an emergency during your furlough (a family member, attorney, etc.).
Method of Transportation	How you will travel to/from the destination (e.g., “Personal vehicle driven by spouse,” “Greyhound bus,” “Family member vehicle”). This must match actual travel on departure.

Step 5: Detainer/Pending Charges Verification

This field is completed by Correctional Services staff, not the inmate.

Field	What to Write
Detainer/Pending Charges	CSM staff will verify whether you have any active detainers or pending charges and note them here.
Verified by (CSM Staff)	Staff signature confirming the detainer check is complete.

Note: If you have an active detainer, it does not automatically disqualify you, but it will be considered in the approval process.

Step 6: Institution Telephone Notice

The form includes a printed reminder:

“NOTE TO APPLICANT: You are reminded that should any unusual circumstances arise during the period of your visit, you should notify the institution immediately at telephone: ___”

Staff fills in the institution’s phone number. Write this number down and carry it with you during the furlough.

Step 7: Read and Sign the “Understanding” Section

This is the critical legal acknowledgment on Page 1. By signing, you confirm that you understand:

1. You are authorized to be ONLY in the area of the destination listed above and at ordinary stopovers on a direct route.

2. The furlough only extends the limits of your confinement – you remain in the custody of the Attorney General.

3. Failure to return is considered escape under 18 U.S.C. § 751, punishable by up to 5 years (from a minimum security facility) or more.

4. You may be thoroughly searched upon return and will be responsible for any contraband found.

5. You have read (or had read to you) the Conditions of Furlough on the reverse of the form.

Field	What to Write
Signature of Applicant	Sign your full legal name.
Date Signed	The date you are signing the application.
Witness	A staff member will sign as witness, along with their title.

⚠ TIP: Do NOT sign until you have thoroughly read or had someone read you ALL the conditions on Page 2. Your signature is binding.

Step 8: Administrative Action (Staff Section)

This section is completed entirely by BOP staff. It includes:

Field	What to Write
Information Verified by	Staff member who verified your application details, with their title.
Name of USPO Notified	The U.S. Probation Officer in the furlough district who was contacted.
Date of Notification	When the USPO was notified.
USPO Objections?	Whether the USPO has any objections to the furlough. If yes, the objection is documented. The Warden can still approve despite USPO objection but must explain the decision.

Step 9: Approval Section (Staff/Warden)

This section documents the Warden’s final decision.

Field	What to Write
CMC Review	The Central Monitoring Case coordinator reviews the Request for Activity Clearance (form 404) and SENTRY CIM data, then checks Yes or No for recommendation.
Furlough Period	The approved “from” and “to” dates/times are entered here.
CEO Signature	The Chief Executive Officer (Warden) signs, certifying CIMS clearance, and checks Approval or Disapproval.
Reason for Disapproval	If denied, the specific reasons are documented here. You have the right to appeal through the Administrative Remedy Program (28 CFR Part 542).

Step 10: Record Section (Staff)

Completed by staff when you actually depart and return.

Field	What to Write
Date/Time Released	Exact date and time you left the facility.
Date/Time Returned	Exact date and time you returned.
Travel Schedule	Your travel route as verified by staff.
Inmate’s Photo	A current photo is attached or affixed to this section for identification purposes.

Page 2: Conditions of Furlough

The reverse side of the form lists all the conditions you must follow. You MUST read every condition and sign at the bottom. Here is what each condition means in plain language:

Step 1: No Law Violations

You must obey all federal, state, and local laws. Any arrest or citation can result in escape charges and disciplinary action.

Step 2: Stay in Your Approved Area

You cannot leave the furlough destination area. The only exception is traveling the direct route to and from your destination. No side trips, no detours.

Step 3: You Remain in Custody

Even though you are outside the facility, you are still legally in the custody of the U.S. Attorney General. Act accordingly. Anything that would “bring discredit” to yourself or the BOP can be used against you.

Step 4: No Drugs or Alcohol

Absolutely no purchase, possession, or use of any controlled substance, marijuana, or alcohol in any form. You also cannot go to any place where these are being sold or used illegally.

Step 5: Medication and Medical Treatment

You may only use medications prescribed by the institution medical department or a licensed physician. No dental, surgical, psychiatric, or other medical treatment without staff’s written permission, except in a genuine emergency. If you receive emergency treatment, report all medications and treatment to staff immediately upon return.

Step 6: No Weapons

You cannot possess any firearm or dangerous weapon for any reason.

Step 7: No Legal or Financial Transactions

You cannot get married, sign legal papers, contracts, or loan applications, or conduct any business without written staff permission.

Step 8: No Association with Criminals

You cannot knowingly associate with anyone who has a criminal record or who is engaged in illegal activity, unless you have written staff permission.

Step 9: Report Emergencies Immediately

If you are arrested, become seriously ill, or encounter any serious difficulty, you must contact the institution or your U.S. Probation Officer immediately.

Step 10: No Driving Without Permission

You cannot drive any motor vehicle without written staff permission. If approved, you must have a currently valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Step 11: Do Not Bring Items Back

You cannot return to the facility with anything you did not take out with you – no clothing, jewelry, books, or any other items. You will be searched and may be given a urinalysis, breathalyzer, or other test upon return.

Step 12: No Poppy Seeds

Do not consume poppy seeds or anything containing them. They can cause a false positive on a drug test, and you will be held responsible for the result regardless.

Step 13: Special Instructions

Any additional conditions added by the Warden are listed here. Read them carefully – they are as binding as the standard conditions.

Final Signature Block (Page 2):

Field	What to Write
Inmate’s Signature	Sign your full legal name confirming you have read and agree to ALL conditions.
Reg. No.	Your BOP register number again.
Date	The date you are signing.
Staff Witness	A staff member signs and prints their name as witness.

After You Sign: Form Distribution

Once executed, copies of the BP-A0291 are distributed to four locations: the Inmate Central File (record copy), the Control Center, the Chief Correctional Services Supervisor and Correctional Systems Department, and you receive a copy for use during the furlough.

⚠ TIP: Keep your copy on your person at all times during the furlough. It is your proof of authorized absence from the facility.

If Your Furlough Is Denied

If the Warden disapproves your furlough, the reason must be documented on the form. You have the right to appeal through the Administrative Remedy Program under 28 CFR Part 542, Subpart B. Start with an informal resolution attempt (BP-8), then file a Request for Administrative Remedy (BP-9) to the Warden within 20 days of the denial.

Key Legal References

Field	What to Write
18 U.S.C. § 3622	Temporary release of a prisoner (post-CCCA offenses after Nov. 1, 1987).
18 U.S.C. § 4082	Federal prisoners; old law authority for furloughs (pre-CCCA offenses).
18 U.S.C. § 751	Escape penalties – applies if you fail to return from furlough.
28 CFR Part 570, Subpart C	Federal regulations governing the BOP furlough program.
BOP P.S. 5280.09	Program Statement: Furloughs (current edition, Jan. 20, 2011).
28 CFR Part 542	Administrative Remedy Program for appeals.

Prepared as a public resource by DrPrison.org

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