This guide to Federal prisons is valuable to judges, probation officers, marshals, attorneys, members of the news media, and the general public as well. Since the last edition was published in 1978 the Federal Prison System has implemented a new security designation and custody classification system. The new security system for institutions ranks them from one to six; the higher the number, the closer the security. Security level is based upon seven factors including perimeter security, towers, external patrol, detection devices, security of housing areas, type of living quarters, and level of staffing. The new custody classification system for inmates is based on the severity of the current offense, expected length of incarceration, type of prior commitments, history of escape attempts, history of violence, and presence of detainer. A uniform presentation of institutional description is maintained throughout the work. Descriptions are provided for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Washington, D. C., its 5 regional offices, and 42 Federal prisons across the nation. Institutions under construction, community treatment centers, and staff training centers are similarly outlined. A map of Bureau of Prisons facilities, locations of Federal prisons and community treatment centers, and an organizational chart of the Bureau of Prisons are included.