Federal Bureau of Prisons
Federal prisons are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and house individuals convicted of federal crimes. As of May 8, 2025, 143,699 federal inmates were in BOP custody. This directory provides articles and resources on the structure, policies and daily operations of BOP facilities and the unique challenges federal prisons face. Understanding the federal prison system is essential for professionals working within or alongside these institutions. For related topics, explore our section on the Department of Justice.
President calls on BOP, DOJ, FBI and DHS “to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders”
A federal corrections union leader calls out the dangerous staffing shortages, outdated tools and indifference from Washington that threaten lives behind the walls
The judge said the Bureau of Prisons must also continue to provide them with hormone therapy treatment for gender dysphoria
Michael Carvajal, who submitted his resignation in January but was not replaced until Tuesday, will stay on through the end of the month as a senior adviser to the new director
Colette Peters, former director of the Oregon state prison system, replaces Michael Carvajal
Problems included rodents, sewage backups, mold, ubiquitous contraband and a troubling suicide rate among inmates at the prison, also known as U.S. Penitentiary Atlanta
Samuela Tuikolongahau Jr. was detained after allegations he presented bank checks for $760,000, $400,000 and $50,000 in 2020
Carvajal, who resigned in January, blamed the size and structure of the Bureau of Prisons for his ignorance on issues such as inmate suicides, sexual abuse, and the free flow of drugs, weapons and other contraband
Problems cited include security gaps and inadequate or incompetent staffing that provided openings for contraband and raucous behavior among inmates
Marco Paredes-Machado claims he was classified as a member of the ISIS terrorist group to justify moving him to the maximum-security prison
Peters vowed to put the wellness of federal correctional officers at the top of her priority list
Officials and experts discuss safety risk and placement decision for former police officer Derek Chauvin as he begins serving 21 years on federal civil rights charges
A weapon was found earlier in the week after threats had been made to assault the facility’s “smallest female” CO
Inmates filed a petition seeking reduction of their sentences, citing two years of alleged unconstitutional conditions
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $2,000 per escapee
Colette Peters would be the 11th person to lead the Bureau of Prisons since its founding more than 90 years ago
The probe is looking into the overuse of solitary confinement and deaths of seven inmates over a two-year period
Gary Mohr would become the 11th person to lead the Bureau of Prisons since its founding more than 90 years ago
The legislation is the latest step by members of Congress to further oversight of the federal prison system
“After failing to protect them, the very least BOP can do now is let these women leave and begin to heal,” an official said
The Justice Department’s inspector general has yet to complete the investigation into lapses that led to the high-profile inmate’s death
Union officials filed multiple whistleblower complaints earlier this year
“They continue to say we are going to be fine and no one is in jeopardy, but we are very much in jeopardy,” the union’s president said
Security video showed the officer walking around, rather than through, a stationary metal detector when he entered the facility
The union is calling for more resources, including a mail scanner, to help reduce the risk to officers
Jemel Thompson is now facing six more years in prison if convicted
An official entrusted to end sexual abuse and cover-ups at a women’s prison allegedly may have taken steps to suppress a recent staff misconduct complaint
Union VP John Kostelnik says what’s happening is endemic of a coverup culture deeply ingrained in BOP leadership
“America’s prisons and jails are horrifically dysfunctional and too often places where brutality and criminality are prevalent,” said Sen. Jon Ossoff
An investigation last year found that about one-fifth of correctional officers hadn’t completed required basic training
The nationwide lockdown was prompted by fears of potential retaliation and concern violence could spread to other facilities
“The staff morale is the lowest I’ve seen in the 19 years I’ve worked for the bureau,” a union official said
BOP says staffing levels at the facility are “adequate to meet our mission"; the union says otherwise
MOST POPULAR
- No AC, extreme heat create ‘volatile’ situation at Texas federal prison
- Grand jury indicts Bureau of Prisons CO, nurse in inmate’s death
- Judge allows feds to seize Boston marathon bomber’s prison canteen account
- Repairs are far off for federal prison afflicted by mold, flooding
- Union urges Bureau of Prisons to keep retention pay at Thomson