Glossary
What is Federal Prison (BOP)?
A prison run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which uses one set of national rules for money, messages and visits.
Federal prisons are run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or BOP. When we checked in November 2026, the BOP's agency page listed 152,519 people in its custody.
Federal rules apply nationwide. Families send money through MoneyGram, Western Union, or money orders mailed to one central lockbox, using the person's eight-digit register number. People can message approved contacts through TRULINCS, and visitors must be on an approved list.
Each prison may still set some local details, such as visiting hours, so call ahead.