Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around The Block

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the show, continuing the trend of answering viewer questions on the topic of transferring from maximum security to medium security. This gives Susan the opportunity to explain security levels and how each inmate qualifies for each. Around the halfway point, Bruce emphasizes the importance of the presentence report; this helps the inmate's sentencing process go more smoothly. Susan, during the episode, hints at a third book she and Bruce are working on dedicated to the second care act. To wrap up the episode, Susan summarizes state charges and how they affect the inmate and their federal sentencing. Be sure to look for more updates on their next book! Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan answer viewer questions on their Facebook page. They open with low-security male and female bed spaces, and they have seen a shortage among male residents. Susan also discusses programs inmates need to complete to expedite the process and ensure they aren’t wasting time. A little later, they answered a Facebook question about credit timing and the application process. Bruce also discusses the importance of having a case manager or having them help with the case to speed up sentence processing. This episode is viewer-focused and emphasizes the credits and eligibility process. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

The episode begins with a discussion regarding a video shared in our Facebook group featuring Rick Stover. Bruce and Susan analyze the video's content and broader impact, covering key information on time credits, the First Step Act (FSA), and the Second Chance Act (SCA). Susan provides a detailed overview of the various levels of halfway house placements, with a specific focus on the current placement system. This leads to a discussion of the federal consulting market, where Bruce emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy for inmates and their families. This episode highlights the process of securing a room in a halfway house and explores the primary differences between prison facilities and halfway housing. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin this week by discussing proposed changes by the Sentencing Commission. The public can weigh in on how defendants can have lower points on their pre-sentence report. This could shave years off the sentence. They also use this time to tie it back to time credits and sentencing. One prerequisite, Susan emphasizes the advantages of getting a GED and how it helps during pre-trial. There is a federal Prison group on Facebook where Bruce and Susan encourage listeners and group members to participate, discuss, and ask questions. To conclude, Susan notes that the bureau is posting podcasts to inform inmates and the general public. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan spend the first few minutes covering he capture of the Venezuelan president and his detention center process. After exploring this new development, they pivot back to the first step and time credit topics. Susan continues from last week to explore the concept of statutory eligibility. Susan defines statutory eligibility and explores the applicable laws. She also reviews some flaws in how the laws were written and clarifies the different eligibility levels. Future episodes will continue to explore the book's chapters in greater detail. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan wrap up 2025 by thanking listeners and LATalkRadio for providing a platform to support families and explain the Federal prison system. Bruce and Susan also discuss the commencement of sentences and time credits. All of this can be found and presented in their time credit book. About halfway through the episode, Susan reviews different policies and a concept called "rules language"; these are in place to help inform and interpret policies for everyone. A point of clarification Bruce and Susan emphasize is how inmates should turn themselves in and how to reach a bureau location as soon as possible to expedite their sentence process. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this Christmas holiday episode, Bruce has a special guest, Dr. Carl Gacono. Dr. Gacono begins the episode by discussing his clinical background and experience in the BOP system. Dr. Gacono has worked with an extensive background in severe mental health patients and severe forensic cases. Building on prior experiences, Bruce offers a brief overview of his upbringing in psychology and federal prison. Towards the middle of the program, Dr. Gacono and Bruce help define the major personality disorders and explore psychopathic tendencies and behaviors. Both emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the DSM-5 provides criteria for diagnosing disorders. One clarification Dr. Gacono makes is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath, and how we commonly mix them up. Many new topics were explored, but Bruce and Dr. Gacono work through each one, and both can be contacted via multiple channels. Dr. Gacono can be reached through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-gacono-0b5b1810/ Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan explore a new topic, the financial responsibility program (FRP), a part of earning FSA credits. Susan sets the stage for this topic by discussing its history and outlining how funds are collected based on the established criteria. They also explore how courts and the federal prison system work together to collect those funds. Susan also clarifies which funding sources are permitted and may be used to pay the dues required by the financial program. Examples include employment and family. Halfway through the program, Bruce and Susan discuss the limitations of the current system and explore potential changes to improve efficiency. Susan explains how system factors can affect time credits and how inmates may not receive them due to missed payments. This is an information-dense episode, but it is full of crucial insights to help navigate the financial responsibility program. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan review several concepts related to the First Step Act and explain the finer details of the act. This is a section they explore in their books, which are shared below. One branch of the First Step Act they review is Risk Level Assessment and how it has changed since 2019 and during COVID-19. Bruce further explains the difference between static and dynamic risk factors and how they impact inmates and their assessment level. Halfway through the program, Susan outlines specific criteria used to filter inmates and explains factors that increase or reduce risk. This episode is full of finer details that are crucial to Risk Assessment and very helpful for navigating this portion of the First Step Act. More information is available from Bruce and Susan's Federal Prison Books. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open with Susan's recent interview with CNN, the context of what she spoke about, and why understanding the entire story is important. Next, they go over time credits and the steps to ensure inmates receive them and don’t miss out due to not understanding the process. Susan and Bruce also elaborate on the sentencing process and when it starts and ends. A point discussed throughout the 2nd half of the program is conspiracy cases and how they differ from regular cases. Towards the end, Bruce and Susan promote a new book they are releasing early next year and hope to help inmates and their families during the 5-factor review. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan delve into topics that have not been previously covered on the show. The first topic on the show is release procedures for inmates. Bruce and Susan go through the details and rules that must be followed for an inmate to be released. Side note: Prisons will provide release clothing for the inmate. Susan also reviews the transportation and financial aspects of being released, as well as what inmates and their families need to know about these aspects of their release. Towards the second half of the episode, Susan reviews medical issues and the policies associated with transportation in a halfway house, as well as those related to being released. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the episode on a slightly different note. They explore the topic of client self-efficacy, which is a form of client empowerment. There are numerous people involved and countless moving parts in the Federal Prison System, and Bruce and Susan explore how keeping the client educated and empowered is essential. However, they do examine the limitations of what clients can and can’t do within the system. Susan shares a story of a client who was able to speed up the process by educating themselves and not relying solely on others. After exploring what a client can do, Susan shifts to discussing what impacts eligibility and pursuing remedies towards the end of the program. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by discussing the story of Todd Crisley, who has navigated the federal prison system and is now an advocate for families and inmates. He has been featured on podcasts discussing his story and how he came to do the work he does today. Bruce and Susan also delve into recent updates to the FSA and home confinement, examining the BOP's new video on the FSA calculation process. Towards the end of the show, Susan reviews a new article released by the director of the FSA about classification practices, which aims to assist both staff and inmates within the system. This episode highlights the benefits that come with the change in the FSA and also raises additional topics that warrant further exploration in the future. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by discussing the changing season from summer to fall and introduce a new topic: the designation process for inmates. Through the first half of the episode, Susan works through the details and requirements set up by the Bureau. To help wrap up the show, Susan goes over the transfer process for inmates. This is an information-heavy episode on a new topic, but Bruce and Susan have a collection of books listeners can check out after listening to each episode. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by answering viewer questions, ensuring a thorough response while keeping the explanation clear and understandable. The main topic explored through viewer questions is the qualifications for a halfway house during the transition. After spending some time on this topic, Susan and Bruce transition to case management and suggest ways for inmates and their families to help themselves, as well as behaviors to avoid. They also explain the differences between halfway housing and home confinement. To wrap up the episode, Bruce and Susan explore court and case processing, which can have specific requirements for inmates in a particular state/city. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan jump right into the discussion, explaining the Time Credit Worksheet and the amount of information now available to the public about time credits. The information discussed represents a new development and would be best accompanied by the books Bruce and Susan have written to provide a comprehensive understanding of the full-time credit picture. Halfway through the program, Bruce announces to recently released inmates, encouraging them to share their experiences on Facebook to provide a firsthand account and offer helpful information to families and their loved ones in the prison system. To conclude the episode, Susan lists out the criteria to be successful once an inmate is released and what things to avoid to get a positive referral and gain independence. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

This week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the episode by answering questions sent in from Facebook. One of the big topics they go over is the sentencing process of inmates and how it may change in the future. While Bruce and Susan acknowledge some of the flaws in the system, they do point to the silver lining of things moving in the right direction and officials being aware of their shortcomings. The next big topic explored is the concept of early release vs hardship release, and Susan explains what they mean and their differences. This week is very informative and answers a lot of listeners' questions. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin the episode discussing November and the sentencing guidelines before they dive into the bulk of the episode topics. For more information about the sentencing guidelines, email or call Bruce and Susan, and check out the Facebook federal prisons account. After spending time exploring the previous topic, Bruce and Susan transition into the main issues of the episode: federal credits and sentence computations. One point of contention Susan helps clear up is the distinction between state and federal laws within the federal system and their application to inmates. This then allows Susan to dive into various types of time credits, mainly B1s and B2s. This episode has a lot of information, but it is all fundamental, and Bruce and Susan are here to help clear up any confusion. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the episode discussing the disciplinary process of the BOP and how to navigate through it. Susan helps explain how it works and dispels any misunderstandings of the processing. Bruce and Susan review specific case examples related to the disciplinary process, illustrating how the Federal Prison System handles various cases and imposes punishments on inmates involved. Towards the end, Bruce talks about the books they have written and how they can help inmates and their families. This episode is very informative about discipline and punishment rules in the prison system. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan talk about one of the main pillars of the Federal Prisons System, the Second Chance Act. This Act has a lot of details and misunderstandings, so Bruce and Susan spend much of the episode clarifying what the Second Chance Act is and what it does for inmates. About halfway through the program, Susan explores actions and behaviors inmates can and should do to help their standing with halfway housing and to avoid any negative consequences. This episode is crucial in truly understanding how the Second Chance Act works and how to interpret it correctly. A very informative and great listen. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032 and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE