Special Housing Units (SHU)

Special Housing Units (SHU) are segregated housing areas within Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities used to separate inmates from the general population for administrative or disciplinary reasons. Every federal correctional institution maintains at least one SHU, which consists of single- and double-occupancy cells designed for heightened security and control. Inmates in the SHU are subject to restrictive conditions of confinement, limited property, and reduced out-of-cell time compared to general population.

The SHU serves three primary functions: disciplinary segregation (punishment for prohibited acts), administrative detention (temporary separation pending investigation, transfer, or protection), and protective custody (long-term separation for inmates whose safety would be at risk in general population). Conditions and privileges vary by status and facility security level, but all SHU placements are reviewed periodically under BOP policy.

Summary

Special Housing Units in federal prisons are highly restrictive housing areas separate from general population compounds. Placement occurs for disciplinary segregation following a finding of guilt by a Discipline Hearing Officer (DHO), administrative detention for investigative or protective purposes, or pre-hearing detention pending resolution of rule violations. Inmates in disciplinary segregation may serve fixed sanctions of up to 60 days per incident (longer for consecutive sanctions), while administrative detention has no fixed duration and is reviewed every seven days initially, then every 30 days thereafter.

Conditions in the SHU include single- or double-cell occupancy, handcuffing and escort by staff for all movement, limited recreation (typically one hour per day, five days per week in outdoor cages or indoor areas), and restricted access to commissary, telephone, and visitation. Property is limited to legal materials, religious items, a small number of personal photographs, and approved reading material. Meals are delivered to the cell.

The BOP reported approximately 7–10% of the federal inmate population housed in restrictive housing at any given time in recent years, with the majority in administrative detention rather than punitive segregation. Use of long-term restrictive housing has declined since implementation of reforms under the Obama administration and further reductions directed by the First Step Act and subsequent policy changes.

History

Segregated housing units have existed in federal prisons since the opening of USP Alcatraz in 1934, where “D Block” served as an early disciplinary and administrative segregation unit. The term “Special Housing Unit” was formalized in BOP policy in the 1970s and 1980s as the Bureau standardized nomenclature across facilities.

Major legal challenges shaped modern SHU policy. Litigation in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly regarding the Control Unit at USP Marion (later ADX Florence), led to enhanced due-process requirements for long-term segregation. The 2014 Department of Justice report on restrictive housing and subsequent 2016 Presidential Memorandum directed the BOP to reduce prolonged solitary confinement, limit disciplinary segregation sanctions, and divert mentally ill inmates from the SHU when possible.

Program Statement 5270.11 (originally 5270.09), issued in 2011 and updated through 2024, incorporated these reforms by capping most disciplinary segregation at 60 days, mandating regular psychological reviews, and establishing the Special Housing Unit Review Committee process. The Secure Housing Unit (SHU) name was officially replaced with “Special Housing Unit” in policy documents to reflect the broader range of purposes beyond purely punitive segregation.

Placement Categories

Disciplinary Segregation (DS)

Ordered by a Discipline Hearing Officer as a sanction for prohibited acts (100–400 series). Maximum sanction is generally 60 days per incident, though consecutive sanctions may result in longer continuous placement. Inmates lose most privileges but retain access to legal materials and limited commissary hygiene items.

Administrative Detention (AD)

Used for inmates pending investigation, transfer, hearing, or when their presence in general population poses a threat to safety or security. Status is reviewed formally every seven days for the first 60 days, then every 30 days. Conditions are similar to DS but slightly more privileges may be authorized at the Warden’s discretion.

Protective Custody (PC)

Long-term administrative detention for inmates who would be at serious risk in general population (former law enforcement, high-profile cases, informants, or gang dropouts). Protective custody inmates are usually housed in dedicated SHU ranges or separate facilities.

Conditions of Confinement

Cells are typically 70–90 square feet and contain a concrete bunk, toilet/sink combination, small desk, and limited shelving. Lighting is controlled by staff. Recreation occurs in individual or small-group cages. Showers are usually on the range three times per week.

Property restrictions include:

• Limited to ten books or magazines
• No electronics, musical instruments, or hobby craft
• Restricted commissary (hygiene items and limited food)

Mental health staff conduct rounds at least weekly; inmates with serious mental illness may be diverted to Secure Mental Health Step-Down Units rather than standard SHU.

Review and Release Procedures

Every SHU inmate receives a hearing or status review within seven days of initial placement. The Unit Discipline Committee, Warden, or Regional Director must approve extensions beyond initial periods. Inmates in continuous restrictive housing longer than 365 days receive Central Office review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does SHU stand for in prison?

SHU stands for Special Housing Unit. It is a segregated area within federal prisons where inmates are housed separately from the general population. The term is used throughout the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) system and has been adopted by many state prison systems as well. You may also hear it referred to as "the hole," "solitary," "segregation," "ad seg" (administrative segregation), or "the box"—these are all informal terms for restrictive housing. The SHU serves multiple purposes: punishing inmates for rule violations (disciplinary segregation), temporarily separating inmates during investigations or pending transfers (administrative detention), and protecting inmates who would be at risk in general population (protective custody). The name was changed from "Secure Housing Unit" to "Special Housing Unit" in BOP policy documents to reflect this broader range of functions beyond purely punitive isolation.

Q: What is the SHU like in federal prison?

The SHU is a highly restrictive environment designed to isolate inmates from the general population. Inmates are housed in single- or double-occupancy cells measuring approximately 70–90 square feet—roughly the size of a small bathroom. Each cell contains a concrete bunk with a thin mattress, a stainless steel toilet/sink combination, a small desk or writing surface, and limited shelving. Lighting is controlled by staff, and the cell door is solid steel with a small window and a food slot. Inmates remain in their cells for 22–23 hours per day. Recreation consists of approximately one hour per day, five days per week, typically in an individual outdoor cage or small indoor room. Showers are permitted three times per week and require handcuffing and escort by correctional officers. All movement outside the cell requires restraints. Meals are delivered through the food slot. There is no congregate dining, no access to work programs, educational classes, or most rehabilitative programming. The atmosphere is characterized by isolation, limited human contact, and strict routine.

Q: Why do inmates get sent to the SHU?

Inmates are placed in the SHU for three primary reasons. First, disciplinary segregation is imposed as punishment after an inmate is found guilty of violating prison rules through a formal hearing process. Common violations leading to SHU placement include fighting, assault on staff or inmates, possession of contraband (drugs, weapons, cell phones), refusing orders, threatening behavior, gang activity, or attempting escape. Second, administrative detention is used to temporarily separate inmates pending investigation of a rule violation, pending transfer to another facility, or when their presence in general population poses a security concern—even if no specific rule was broken. Third, protective custody is for inmates who request or require separation because they would be in danger in general population, such as former law enforcement officers, high-profile inmates, informants, sex offenders, or individuals who have "dropped out" of prison gangs. Administrative detention and protective custody are not considered punishment, though the conditions are similar to disciplinary segregation.

Q: How long can you be kept in the SHU?

The duration of SHU placement depends on the type of placement. For disciplinary segregation, the maximum sanction is generally 60 days per incident under current BOP policy. However, if an inmate commits multiple violations or receives consecutive sanctions, the total time can extend much longer—some inmates have spent years in disciplinary status through accumulated sanctions. For administrative detention, there is no fixed maximum duration. The placement is reviewed every seven days for the first 60 days, then every 30 days thereafter. Inmates may remain in administrative detention for months or even years if the underlying reason for separation (ongoing investigation, lack of suitable placement, safety concerns) is not resolved. Inmates in continuous restrictive housing for longer than 365 days receive review by the BOP Central Office. The First Step Act of 2018 and subsequent reforms have pushed the BOP to reduce long-term segregation, but extended SHU placements still occur, particularly for inmates with serious disciplinary histories or gang affiliations.

Q: What are the different levels of disciplinary violations in federal prison?

The Federal Bureau of Prisons categorizes prohibited acts into four severity levels, each carrying different maximum sanctions:

Greatest Severity (100-series): The most serious violations, including killing, assault with serious injury, escape, rioting, possession of a weapon, sexual assault, and introduction of drugs. Sanctions can include up to 60 days disciplinary segregation per incident, loss of up to 54 days good conduct time, and disciplinary transfer to a higher-security facility.

High Severity (200-series): Serious violations including fighting, threatening staff, possession of intoxicants, stealing, and destroying property worth over $100. Maximum of 30 days disciplinary segregation per incident.

Moderate Severity (300-series): Violations such as refusing to work, being in an unauthorized area, unauthorized use of telephone or mail, and indecent exposure. Maximum of 15 days disciplinary segregation per incident.

Low Severity (400-series): Minor violations including being unsanitary, malingering, and unauthorized physical contact. Typically results in warnings, loss of privileges, or extra duty rather than SHU placement.

Disciplinary sanctions also affect good conduct time (early release credits), commissary privileges, visitation, telephone access, and housing assignments. Multiple violations can result in transfer to a higher-security facility.

Q: What happens during a disciplinary hearing in federal prison?

The federal prison disciplinary process involves multiple stages. When staff observe or discover a rule violation, they write an incident report. The inmate receives a copy within 24 hours and has the opportunity to provide a statement. The Unit Discipline Committee (UDC)—consisting of the inmate's unit manager, case manager, and counselor—conducts an initial hearing within five work days. For low-severity violations, the UDC can impose sanctions directly. For higher-severity violations, the UDC refers the case to a Discipline Hearing Officer (DHO)—an independent official not assigned to the inmate's unit.

The DHO hearing provides more formal due process: the inmate can request a staff representative to assist in the hearing, present witnesses and documentary evidence, and make a statement. The inmate does not have the right to an attorney at the hearing. The DHO reviews the evidence, makes findings of fact, and imposes sanctions if guilt is established. The standard of proof is "some evidence" supporting the finding—a lower standard than in criminal court.

Inmates can appeal DHO decisions through the BOP Administrative Remedy Program: first to the Warden (BP-9), then to the Regional Director (BP-10), and finally to the General Counsel (BP-11). Exhausting administrative remedies is typically required before filing a lawsuit.

Q: What rights do inmates have while in the SHU?

Despite the restrictive conditions, inmates in the SHU retain certain fundamental rights under BOP policy and constitutional law:

Legal access: Inmates may possess legal materials, correspond with attorneys, and access legal reference materials (often through a paging system where materials are delivered to the cell). Access to courts cannot be denied.

Medical and mental health care: Medical staff must make regular rounds, and inmates can request sick call. Mental health staff are required to conduct weekly rounds and assess inmates for psychological deterioration. Inmates with serious mental illness should be diverted to mental health treatment units rather than standard SHU.

Religious practice: Inmates may possess approved religious items (texts, prayer rugs, head coverings) and should be permitted religious services when feasible, though often via in-cell materials rather than group services.

Minimum recreation: Policy requires at least one hour of recreation at least five days per week, though this may be individual recreation in a cage rather than group exercise.

Periodic review: Placement must be reviewed regularly (every 7 days initially, then every 30 days) with written documentation.

Correspondence: Inmates may send and receive mail, though it may be more heavily scrutinized than in general population.

Notably, inmates in disciplinary segregation lose many privileges including phone calls, contact visits (often limited to non-contact), commissary beyond basic hygiene, and personal property.

Q: Can you make phone calls from the SHU?

Phone access in the SHU is severely restricted compared to general population. Inmates in disciplinary segregation typically lose phone privileges entirely for the duration of their sanction, except for documented emergencies (such as the death of an immediate family member) or calls to attorneys. Inmates in administrative detention may retain some phone access at the Warden's discretion, but it is typically limited to one call per month rather than the 300 minutes per month available in general population. Phone calls from the SHU often require advance scheduling, staff escort to the phone area, and may be monitored more intensively. Protective custody inmates generally have more phone access than disciplinary segregation inmates, but still less than general population. If maintaining contact with family is important, inmates should understand that a SHU placement—particularly for disciplinary reasons—will severely limit their ability to call home, sometimes for months.

Q: Can you have visitors while in the SHU?

Visitation in the SHU is restricted, with the specific limitations depending on the type of placement. Inmates in disciplinary segregation typically lose contact visiting privileges entirely—visits, if permitted at all, are conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication (non-contact visits). Some facilities suspend all social visits during disciplinary segregation. Inmates in administrative detention or protective custody may retain visiting privileges, but visits are often non-contact and may require advance approval. Attorney visits are generally permitted for all SHU inmates, as access to counsel is constitutionally protected. If you are planning to visit someone in the SHU, contact the facility in advance to confirm current policies, as restrictions can vary by institution and may be tightened during lockdowns or security concerns. Visitation is considered a privilege that can be suspended as part of disciplinary sanctions.

Q: What can you have in your cell in the SHU?

Property in the SHU is severely limited compared to general population. Permitted items typically include:

• Legal materials: Inmates may retain legal documents, court papers, and correspondence with attorneys. There may be limits on volume.
• Religious items: Approved religious texts, prayer rugs, head coverings, and similar items consistent with the inmate's documented faith.
• Photographs: Usually limited to 10–15 personal photographs, which must be unaltered and meet content restrictions.
• Reading material: Typically up to 10 books or magazines at a time, which may be rotated through the institution library.
• Writing materials: Paper, envelopes, stamps, and a pen or pencil for correspondence.
• Basic hygiene items: Purchased through limited commissary access (toothpaste, soap, deodorant).
• Prescription eyeglasses and dentures: Medically necessary items are generally permitted.

Inmates cannot possess personal clothing (they wear facility-issued jumpsuits), electronics (radios, tablets), hobby craft materials, musical instruments, food items beyond limited commissary purchases, or most personal property allowed in general population. Property beyond the permitted list is stored and returned upon release from the SHU.

Q: How do you get out of the SHU?

The path out of the SHU depends on the type of placement:

Disciplinary segregation: The inmate serves the imposed sanction (up to 60 days per incident) and is then released back to general population—unless there are additional pending charges, consecutive sanctions, or an administrative hold. Good behavior in the SHU does not typically shorten a disciplinary sanction, but bad behavior can result in additional sanctions.

Administrative detention: Release occurs when the reason for detention is resolved—the investigation is completed, the transfer is executed, the threat is assessed as mitigated, or suitable housing is identified. The inmate's case manager, unit team, and Special Housing Unit Review Committee assess whether continued detention is warranted at each periodic review.

Protective custody: This is often long-term or indefinite. Release requires either a transfer to a facility with a suitable protective custody population, a change in circumstances that reduces the safety threat, or a decision by the inmate to return to general population (which staff will counsel against if genuine safety concerns exist). Some inmates remain in protective custody for their entire sentence.

For long-term SHU inmates, the BOP has step-down programs that provide a structured pathway back to general population through progressively less restrictive phases, increased privileges, and demonstrated compliance. These programs are particularly relevant for gang-affiliated inmates or those with extensive disciplinary histories.

Q: What behaviors will get you sent to the SHU immediately?

Certain violations result in immediate removal from general population and placement in the SHU pending investigation and hearing. These typically include:

• Violence: Fighting, assault on staff or inmates, or threatening behavior that presents an immediate safety risk.
• Weapons: Possession of a shank, sharpened object, or any item modified for use as a weapon.
• Drugs: Possession, use, or introduction of controlled substances; positive drug test (though this may result in investigation rather than immediate SHU).
• Escape: Attempting or planning to escape, or possession of escape paraphernalia.
• Sexual misconduct: Sexual assault or non-consensual sexual contact.
• Extortion or threats: Threatening staff, inmates, or their families.
• Rioting or group disturbance: Participation in or incitement of a riot.
• Staff assault: Any physical contact with staff in a threatening or harmful manner.
• Major contraband: Cell phones, which are treated as serious security threats.

Even if an inmate is ultimately found not guilty at the disciplinary hearing, they may spend weeks in the SHU during the investigation and hearing process. Inmates suspected of involvement in serious incidents are often held in administrative detention even without formal charges while staff investigate.

Q: Is the SHU considered solitary confinement?

Yes, the SHU is a form of solitary confinement, though the BOP prefers the term "restrictive housing." Inmates in the SHU spend 22–23 hours per day alone in their cells (or with one cellmate in double-occupancy cells), have minimal human contact, and are isolated from the general prison community. This meets the commonly accepted definition of solitary confinement used by human rights organizations and the United Nations. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has stated that prolonged solitary confinement (exceeding 15 consecutive days) can constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Research has documented serious psychological effects of solitary confinement, including anxiety, depression, hallucinations, paranoia, and increased risk of self-harm and suicide. The BOP has faced significant criticism and litigation over its use of the SHU, leading to reforms that limit disciplinary segregation terms, require mental health screening, and mandate diversion of seriously mentally ill inmates to treatment settings. However, thousands of federal inmates remain in restrictive housing at any given time, and the practice continues despite ongoing controversy.

Q: What happens to your good time if you go to the SHU?

Disciplinary sanctions in federal prison can result in the loss of "good conduct time" (GCT), the credits that reduce your sentence and allow early release. Under current law, federal inmates can earn up to 54 days of good conduct time per year served. When a Discipline Hearing Officer finds an inmate guilty of a prohibited act, one of the possible sanctions is disallowance or forfeiture of good conduct time:

• Greatest severity violations (100-series): Up to 54 days GCT loss per incident.
• High severity violations (200-series): Up to 41 days GCT loss per incident.
• Moderate severity violations (300-series): Up to 27 days GCT loss per incident.

These losses are cumulative—an inmate with multiple disciplinary incidents can lose months or even years of good conduct time, significantly extending their actual time in prison. Additionally, sanctions affect First Step Act earned time credits for eligible inmates. For inmates serving long sentences, accumulated disciplinary problems can mean the difference between release in their 40s versus their 50s or later. This is one reason why experienced inmates counsel newcomers to stay out of trouble and avoid the SHU at all costs.

Q: Can you be placed in the SHU without a hearing?

Yes, inmates can be placed in the SHU immediately without a prior hearing. When staff determine that an inmate's continued presence in general population poses an immediate threat to safety, security, or the orderly operation of the institution, the inmate can be placed in administrative detention pending investigation and hearing. This pre-hearing detention is authorized under BOP policy and does not require advance notice or due process—though a hearing must follow. The inmate must receive a copy of the incident report within 24 hours of placement, and the Unit Discipline Committee hearing typically occurs within five work days. For higher-severity offenses referred to a Discipline Hearing Officer, the DHO hearing occurs within 15–30 days. During this entire period, the inmate remains in the SHU. If the inmate is ultimately found not guilty or the charges are dismissed, there is no compensation or remedy for the time spent in pre-hearing detention—it is considered a necessary security measure rather than punishment. This means inmates can spend weeks in the SHU even for unfounded allegations.

Q: Is there mental health treatment in the SHU?

The BOP is required to provide mental health services in the SHU, though the adequacy of these services has been the subject of significant litigation and criticism. Under current policy, mental health staff must conduct weekly rounds in the SHU to observe inmates and identify signs of psychological deterioration. Inmates can request to see a psychologist through sick call. Inmates with serious mental illness—defined by BOP policy as conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression—should be diverted from standard SHU to specialized units such as Secure Mental Health Step-Down Units or transferred to a federal medical center for treatment.

However, implementation varies significantly by facility, and many inmates with mental health conditions remain in standard SHU despite policy requirements. The isolation, lack of stimulation, and harsh conditions of the SHU can exacerbate existing mental illness and cause psychological harm even in previously healthy inmates. Symptoms commonly observed include severe anxiety, depression, hallucinations, paranoia, self-mutilation, and suicidal ideation. Advocates and some federal courts have found that placing seriously mentally ill inmates in prolonged solitary confinement can constitute cruel and unusual punishment. If you or a loved one has mental health concerns in the SHU, document symptoms, request mental health services in writing, and consider contacting advocacy organizations or legal aid.

Q: Can staff place you in the SHU for retaliation?

Retaliation by staff is prohibited under BOP policy and federal law, but it does occur, and proving it is difficult. Inmates sometimes allege that they were placed in the SHU or given disciplinary charges in retaliation for filing grievances, complaints, lawsuits, or PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) reports. The formal protections include:

• BOP policy prohibits retaliation against inmates for using the Administrative Remedy Program.
• The Prison Litigation Reform Act provides some protection for inmates who file lawsuits.
• PREA includes anti-retaliation provisions for reporting sexual abuse.

However, because staff control whether incidents are reported and how they are characterized, and because the "some evidence" standard at disciplinary hearings is very low, it can be nearly impossible to prove that a SHU placement or charge was retaliatory rather than legitimate. If you believe you are experiencing retaliation, document everything in writing with dates and witnesses, file grievances through the Administrative Remedy Program, and consider contacting outside advocacy organizations or attorneys. The BOP Office of Inspector General investigates allegations of staff misconduct, including retaliation, though investigations are slow and rarely result in consequences for staff.

Terminology

• SHU – Special Housing Unit; the physical area and the program.
• Disciplinary Segregation (DS) – Punitive status ordered by a Discipline Hearing Officer.
• Administrative Detention (AD) – Non-punitive separation pending investigation, transfer, or protection.
• Protective Custody (PC) – Long-term AD status for inmate safety.
• Restrictive Housing – Umbrella BOP term encompassing SHU, Control Units, and other segregated placements.
• DHO – Discipline Hearing Officer; independent hearing official who imposes sanctions.
• Step-Down Program – Structured program for inmates releasing from long-term restrictive housing back to general population.

External Links

• Program Statement 5270.09 – Inmate Discipline Program (PDF)
• Program Statement 541.010 – Special Housing Units (PDF, if available; otherwise consolidated in 5270 series)
• BOP Restrictive Housing Population Statistics
• Department of Justice Report on Restrictive Housing (2016)