The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a federal agency within the United States Department of Justice that is responsible for administering the federal prison system. The BOP oversees over 200,000 prisoners in facilities across the country of various security levels who have been convicted of federal crimes.
History and Establishment
The Bureau of Prisons was established in 1930 to provide more centralized oversight and reform of federal prisons according to standards of health and safety. Before 1930, federal prisons were managed independently by the Justice Department and other agencies.
The Three Prisons Act of 1891 first established federal prisons specifically for convicted violators of federal laws. The prisons were located in Leavenworth, Kansas, Atlanta, Georgia, and McNeil Island, Washington.
Additional federal prisons were established through the early 20th century. In the 1920s, concerns arose about the varied and independent management of the prisons, leading to calls for a centralized agency. This led Congress to pass legislation in May 1930 establishing the Bureau of Prisons as a separate agency under the Attorney General’s authority.
Original Goals of the Bureau of Prisons
When it was established, the Bureau of Prisons set out to:
- Provide for the protection, instruction and discipline of all persons charged with or convicted of offenses against the U.S.
- Classify prisoners based on their needs and abilities
- Establish industries, farms and other activities to employ prisoners and provide vocational training
- Coordinate prisoner transportation between institutions
- Provide specialized treatment to prisoners with addiction or mental health issues
The Bureau was also tasked with oversight to ensure the wellbeing and humane treatment of federal prisoners in accordance with standards.
Organizational Structure
The Bureau of Prisons is overseen by a Director appointed by the U.S. Attorney General. The current Director is Michael Carvajal.
Below is an overview of how the Bureau of Prisons is structured and organized:
- Central Office – Located in Washington D.C., this is where agency-wide policies, budgets, national programs, and standards are established. The Director’s office is located here along with an Inspector General for audits.
- Regional Offices – There are six regional offices for the North Central, Mid-Atlantic, South Central, Western, South Eastern, and North Eastern U.S. They coordinate operations and programs between facilities in their regions.
- Federal Correctional Institutions (FCIs) – These are the main prisons that hold medium to low-security male inmates. There are 13 FCIs with adjacent satellite prison camps for minimum security inmates.
- Federal Medical Centers (FMCs) – These provide specialized medical and mental health services to inmates. There are 6 FMCs which also house minimum and medium security inmates along with care units.
- Federal Correctional Complexes (FCCs) – These are facilities with multiple institutions of different security levels in one location. There are 13 FCCs.
- Private Prisons – Around 15% of BOP inmates are held in facilities managed by private prison corporations under contract.
- Detention Centers – These house pretrial and pre-sentencing inmates as well as other short term detainees like immigration cases. There are over 20 operated by the BOP.
- Federal Transfer Center – This is a facility in Oklahoma that processes male and female inmates before transferring them to other prisons.
Oversight & Reviews
The Bureau of Prisons has oversight mechanisms in place to ensure proper standards are maintained. The Inspector General’s Office conducts audits and investigations of programs and operations. There is also an External Auditing Branch.
In addition, the Bureau has undergone various reviews by Congressional and Justice Department commissions analyzing areas for reform. This includes reviews of health care, compassionate release programs, solitary confinement, safety issues and more.
Types of Federal Prisons
The BOP manages four main types of prison facilities categorized by the security level and sex of inmates, which are:
Minimum Security Federal Prison Camps
These are for inmates classified as the lowest risk. They have dormitory housing on military bases, correctional institutions, or as stand-alone camps. They have limited or no perimeter fencing. Inmates are required to work and many help serve other facilities.
Low Security Federal Correctional Institutions
These house inmates considered a limited risk of escaping with walls, towers and double fenced perimeters. Dormitory and cell housing is available. Extensive work, treatment and education programs are provided.
Medium Security Federal Correctional Institutions
These have reinforced perimeters with multiple and single cell housing. High risk inmates with histories of violence are housed here. More privileges are restricted but work and programs are still provided.
High Security Federal Penitentiaries
These have highly secured perimeters with walls or reinforced fences. Cell housing predominates. Constant armed surveillance is provided to control high risk and violent inmates. Program opportunities are limited. FCI Lompoc and USP Leavenworth are examples.
Services and Programs Provided
The Bureau of Prisons provides many services and programs to inmates aimed at reforming behavior, reducing recidivism and preparing them to re-enter society.
Education Programs
Mandatory literacy classes along with high school, college and vocational education courses are offered. Programs focus on academic, occupational and life skills. College degrees can be earned through correspondence classes. Libraries are available.
Psychological Services
Treatment from psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors aim to support mental health. Support groups, crisis counseling, therapy and specialized treatment programs are provided.
Religious Services
Worship services, ceremonies and religious education are offered for most major religions and denominations. Full-time chaplains provide spiritual guidance. Special religious diets are provided.
Drug Treatment Programs
Residential drug abuse programs, counseling and self-help groups aim to treat addiction. Some camps and facilities provide intensive 12-18 month programs.
Work Programs
Inmates are required to work unless they are a security risk. Jobs help provide skills and offset prison operation costs. Many support food service, maintenance, landscaping and manufacturing uniforms, furniture and other items.
Recreation and Wellness
Programs promote health, wellness and positive use of leisure time. Activities like basketball, weightlifting, cardio equipment and hobby crafts are offered. Outdoor recreation yards are available. Competitive sports leagues and tournaments take place. TV and game rooms provide entertainment.
Communications
While limited, inmates can communicate through correspondence, visiting rooms, media viewing and monitored emails. Telephone access is allowed but restricted.
Re-entry Programs
Classes and counseling prepare inmates for finding jobs, managing finances, avoiding crime influences and rebuilding family ties. Halfway houses help adjust after release. Some vocational and educational programs are continued in the community.
| Federal Prison Type | Security Level | Housing Types | Inmate Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prison Camp | Minimum | Dormitories | Non-violent, min risk |
| FCI Low | Low | Dorms & cells | Limited risk |
| FCI Medium | Medium | Cells | Violent risk inmates |
| USP High | Maximum | Cells | High risk inmates |
Controversies and Issues
While the Bureau of Prisons aims to run a safe, efficient and humane federal prison system, throughout its history there have been various controversies, scandals and criticisms of some agency policies and practices.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding has been an ongoing issue, with prisons exceeding maximum capacity at various times. This was a major problem in the 1980s and 1990s when tough crime policies led to dramatic inmate population growth without sufficient funding for new facilities. Overcrowding has led to inmate unrest and violence. Recent reforms have helped alleviate overcrowding.
Solitary Confinement
The frequent use of solitary confinement has come under scrutiny, especially for the mentally ill. Prolonged isolation has been found to cause psychological harm. Various groups have called for limitations and reforms of solitary confinement policies.
Corruption
There have been instances of corruption involving guards and staff smuggling contraband, covering up abuses or engaging in sexual misconduct with inmates. Escapes have also occurred over the years from insider help. These instances have shown vulnerabilities in operational oversight.
Privatization
The rise of for-profit private prisons contracting with the BOP since the 1980s has been controversial. Critics argue the profit incentive leads private prisons to cut costs and services detrimentally impacting inmates. However, supporters believe privatization increases efficiency and flexibility.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual assault of inmates by staff or other prisoners has been an ongoing human rights issue. Standards to prevent abuse and support victims have improved but remain problematic, especially for LGBT inmates.
Notable Bureau Leaders
Here are a few of the most significant Bureau of Prison directors and leaders that shaped the agency:
- Sanford Bates – The first director 1930-1937. Established the classification system and implemented reform programs aimed at rehabilitation. Opened several new facilities.
- James V. Bennett – Served from 1937 to 1964. Expanded vocational and academic programs for rehabilitation. Handled significant rise in prisoners from the “War on Crime.” Opened medical centers.
- Norman Carlson – Director 1970 to 1987. Oversaw major prison expansion and reforms after riots. Improved medical care and anti-drug programs.
- Kathleen Hawk Sawyer – First female director from 1992-2003. Focused on education andjob training. Handled growth after “War on Drugs.” Improved prison industries. Opened sex offender treatment centers.
- Harley Lappin – Director 2003-2011. Enhanced vocational training and faith-based programs. Launched prisoner re-entry efforts. Oversaw execution facility.
The Future of the Bureau of Prisons
The Bureau of Prisons faces many challenges and changes in the coming years. There are several key issues that are likely to shape the agency’s future direction:
- Responding to changing philosophies in corrections like reducing mass incarceration, increasing rehabilitation efforts, and lowering recidivism rates. This may involve giving judges more discretion at sentencing, expanding compassionate release criteria, implementing more evidence-based programs, enhancing re-entry efforts and reconsidering some mandatory minimum sentences.
- Improving correctional staffing levels, training and oversight to recruit and retain qualified workers, prevent corruption and reduce employee burnout. Ensuring adequate healthcare resources and programs for inmates will also be an issue.
- Updating, replacing and consolidating outdated prison facilities to improve safety and security. New technologies and leading facility designs will need to be incorporated. Public-private partnerships may increase to fund new construction and maintenance projects.
- Expanding prisoner risk assessment, classification processes and data analytics capabilities to assign inmates to appropriate facilities and programs based on needs and risk profiles. Big data can help target interventions to specific offenders.
- Addressing the growth in female, elderly and sick inmate populations which have unique needs. Specialized facilities, policies and programs tailored for these groups will become more important.
By progressing in these and other key areas, the Bureau can succeed in evolving the federal prison system to meet future challenges.
For more history on the Bureau of Prisons, visit their website’s page outlining the agency’s historical milestones and developments over the decades.
Conclusion
The Bureau of Prisons plays a vital role in the federal criminal justice system by ensuring humane and responsible operation of correctional facilities that aim to promote rehabilitation and positive change. Since its establishment in 1930, the Bureau has undergone tremendous expansion of its network of penitentiaries, reformatories, prison camps and detention centers that each serve different security needs.
The agency has also had to adapt to major criminal justice trends impacting incarceration rates and adopt new reforms, technologies and programs. Despite periods of controversy regarding issues like overcrowding or privatization, the Bureau continues to improve prison services and oversight. The Bureau’s future direction will be shaped by modernizing its facilities and correctional approaches as philosophies on sentencing and rehabilitation evolve. With a mission centered on returning prisoners to society as law-abiding citizens, the Bureau of Prisons will remain an important federal agency for administering just punishments balanced with humanity.