Prison System
What is Diesel Therapy and Why Should It Be Avoided?
"Diesel therapy" is a term inmates use for extended, often unnecessary movement through the federal prison transfer system. While transfers are sometimes necessary, prolonged time in transit is one of the most unpleasant experiences in federal custody. Understanding what it is and how to avoid it is important for anyone entering the federal system.
What Diesel Therapy Actually Means
The Bureau of Prisons transfers inmates between facilities for various reasons: court appearances, facility reassignment, security concerns, or participation in certain programs. When done routinely, this is normal movement.
"Diesel therapy" refers to extended, often circuitous movement. An inmate might be moved from facility to facility over weeks or even months, spending time in multiple transit facilities along the way. Instead of a direct transfer, they're routed through multiple stops, held in restrictive conditions at each one.
The Conditions of Transit
Inmates in transit face significantly harsher conditions than at a permanent facility:
- Transportation: Shackled at ankles, wrists, and waist for hours-long bus rides. Limited or no restroom access. Minimal food and water
- Holdover facilities: Treated similarly to SHU (solitary) with lockdown conditions, limited movement, no programs
- Property: Personal belongings may be lost or delayed, arriving weeks after the inmate
- Communication: Phone access is severely limited or nonexistent during transfers
- Medical care: Medications may be interrupted, ongoing treatment suspended
- Legal work: No access to legal materials, law library, or ability to meet with attorneys
Why Diesel Therapy Happens
There are legitimate and less legitimate reasons for extended transit:
Legitimate Reasons
- Court appearances in multiple jurisdictions
- Security needs requiring emergency transfer
- Limited direct routes between certain facilities
- Medical transfers to specialized facilities
Questionable Uses
- Disrupting inmates who file grievances or lawsuits
- Informal punishment for institutional conflicts
- Moving "problem" inmates rather than addressing issues
- Bureaucratic inefficiency in routing
While the BOP doesn't officially acknowledge diesel therapy as a punitive practice, experienced inmates and advocates recognize patterns where extended transit seems to correlate with certain behaviors or complaints.
How to Avoid Unnecessary Transfers
Complete control over transfers isn't possible, but you can reduce the likelihood of extended movement:
- Maintain good conduct: Disciplinary issues are a common reason for transfers
- Avoid conflicts: Both with other inmates and staff. Transfers can result from being involved in altercations, even if you're the victim
- Don't request transfers lightly: Each transfer request creates movement. Only request if truly necessary
- Stay under the radar: Inmates who draw attention, whether through complaints or other activities, may find themselves moved more often
- Get your initial designation right: Proper advocacy before surrender can reduce later transfer needs
If You're Being Transferred
If a transfer is happening, whether voluntary or not:
- Notify family that you'll be out of contact for an unknown period
- Secure important documents and medications if possible
- Prepare mentally for restrictive conditions
- Keep track of dates and locations for your records
- If the transfer seems punitive, document everything for potential administrative remedy or legal action
The Family Impact
Diesel therapy affects families significantly:
- Communication blackouts can last weeks
- Families don't always know where their loved one is
- Visiting plans are disrupted
- Anxiety about safety during transport
- Financial impact if visits were already planned
Families can check the BOP inmate locator for updated facility information, though it may not update immediately during transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diesel therapy in federal prison?
Diesel therapy refers to the practice of repeatedly transferring an inmate between facilities, keeping them in transit for extended periods. It involves long bus rides, multiple holding facilities, and disruption of programs, visits, and communication.
Why is diesel therapy harmful?
Inmates in transit lose access to programs, commissary, and meaningful communication with family. They are held in restrictive conditions, medical care is disrupted, and the physical conditions of transport are harsh.
How can you avoid diesel therapy?
Maintain good institutional conduct, avoid conflicts, don't request transfers unless necessary, and if transferring, advocate for direct routes. Proper initial facility designation also reduces later transfer needs.
How Sam Can Help
Understanding the federal prison system helps you navigate it effectively. Sam Mangel helps clients minimize negative experiences like unnecessary transfers.
- Initial Designation: Getting placed at the right facility from the start
- Conduct Guidance: Understanding how to avoid situations that trigger transfers
- Transfer Navigation: If a transfer is necessary, advocating for efficient routing
Navigate the System Wisely
Understanding how the federal prison system works helps you avoid unnecessary hardship. Contact Sam for experienced guidance.