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A Front-Line View From From The Bureau Of Prisons

With the return of the Trump administration, policy attention has largely focused on tariffs, immigration, reducing government spending, and dismantling DEI initiatives. Each of these has been backed by visible public messaging and leadership—except when it comes to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Despite overseeing an $8.3 billion budget, 36,000 staff members, and roughly 160,000 incarcerated individuals across 121 correctional facilities, the BOP has received only cursory attention.

Bureau Of Prisons Is A ‘Powder Keg’ With Problems

The Bureau of Prisons has been in a tailspin for the past 10 years. Many of the problems the agency faces are not brought on by the people or leadership, it is neglect in funding and oversight that has put the BOP at the bottom of places to work in the government along with a host of problems. While the central problems have been staffing shortages, aging institutions and a limit in halfway house capacity, new policy decisions are angering both staff and the inmate population.

January 13, 2025

Prisons Across Country Face Challenge Of Finding Workers

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, prisons across the country faced severe staffing shortages. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, operating on an $8.3 billion annual budget, has attempted to address these gaps by hosting job fairs, offering retention bonuses, and increasing pay to attract and retain workers. Despite these efforts, federal prison facilities continue to grapple with significant staffing shortfalls. In December 2024, the BOP announced the closure of seven prisons — including six male prison camps — as a cost-saving measure to consolidate operations. Unfortunately, this challenge is not unique to federal institutions.

January 6, 2025

How Trump Can Shake Up The Bureau Of Prisons

President Donald Trump is expected to secure the confirmation of Pam Bondi as Attorney General. Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, became Trump’s nominee after Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration due to insufficient support ahead of his confirmation hearing. Bondi’s primary task will be to reshape the Department of Justice (DOJ), a frequent target of Trump’s criticism during his campaign. Among the DOJ’s priorities will be the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), one of the largest budgetary demands within the department and one fraught with operational challenges.

December 31, 2024

Bureau Of Prisons Starts New Year With Changes To Phone System

During COVID-19, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) implemented a policy to allow phone calls to be free to adults in custody (AIC). Each month AICs could make up to 500 minutes of calls at no cost. However, with the end of the pandemic declared over a year ago and the BOP under budgetary constraints, that program is coming to an end.