What Happens to Your Letter or Email to the BOP — Why It Can Take 20–30 Working Days
Sent something to the Bureau of Prisons and feel like it vanished? You're not alone. The BOP processes email the same way it handles paper mail—and an official response typically takes 20–30 working days.
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) treats emails like regular mail. Don't expect faster turnaround just because it's electronic - official responses still take about 20–30 working days. If you're still waiting, that's usually the normal processing window, not a sign your message got lost.
Note: Depending on what you asked, the BOP may take action on your email before you ever receive a formal written response.
Why does correspondence take so long? The BOP routes everything through a central system called the Correspondence Tracking System (CTS). This system logs incoming messages - including ones from the public - and assigns them to the right program area for a response. Your message isn't just read and answered. It's logged, categorized, and routed through the proper internal channel.
- ✓ DOJ Control number - a tracking/control number assigned in the system to help identify and route your correspondence
- ✓ BOP Control number - another control number that may be assigned for tracking inside the Bureau
- Look for any control or tracking number you were given - if you received a DOJ Control number or BOP Control number, save it; that’s the cleanest way to identify your message later.
- Use the assigned tracking number when you follow up - CTS records can be retrieved by entering the assigned tracking number.
- If you don’t have a number, use identifying details - CTS information can also be retrieved using the correspondent name, the inmate register number, or the issue you cited.
- Keep your follow-up consistent - use the same identifying details each time so your message is easier to match to what’s already logged.
CTS records don't stick around forever. They're destroyed or deleted when they hit 2 years old, or 2 years after the most recent entry - whichever comes later.
Practical Tips Followup
- ✓ Expect an official response to take about 20–30 working days, whether you emailed or wrote a letter.
- ✓ Include the inmate register number when your question involves a specific person - clear identifiers help your correspondence get routed correctly.
- ✓ Keep the issue tight and specific so it can be assigned to the right program area for response.
- ✓ If you receive a DOJ Control number or BOP Control number, save it and reuse it when you follow up.
Note: Questions about a specific facility’s operations or procedures should go to that facility directly - facility pages list the correct addresses and phone numbers to use.
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