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.
The AFGE’s Council of Prison Locals urges lawmakers to reject EO 14251, which they say strips workplace protections and threatens officer safety
“Freezing an already severely understaffed agency will lead to tragic consequences, we are tired of doing more with less,” a federal prison union president said
The suspect allegedly strangled one man to death and severely beat another inside the Federal Transfer Center
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
The man who took four people hostage on Saturday at a Texas synagogue was demanding Siddiqui’s release
The First Step Act is intended to encourage inmates to participate in programs aimed at reducing recidivism
The seized cash includes a $1,400 COVID stimulus check sent to Tsarnaev last June
The fact that executives are working to bring help to staff is good news, the union says
“His resignation is an opportunity for new, reform-minded leadership at the Bureau of Prisons,” Sen. Dick Durbin said
Because she was convicted of sex crimes, she won’t be assigned to a minimum-security prison camp
The union president blames increasing violence at United States Penitentiary Hazelton on warden’s lack of leadership
Attorney General Merrick Garland’s announcement comes after months of pressure on the Biden administration
FCC Florence, which includes the supermax Administrative Maximum Facility, is currently only 59% staffed
Two-thirds of the criminal cases against DOJ personnel in recent years have involved federal prison workers
“We would like to see the [BOP] act as if the employees are much more than disposable,” said union president Michael Meserve
“Blind spots, lost footage, and technical failures are unacceptable in federal prisons,” said Sen. Jon Ossoff
What was hailed by the DOJ in the 1970s as a “quantum leap forward from traditional jails” has become a blighted wreck
“This is a big win for the workers at USP Thomson,” said union president Jonathan Zumkehr
BOP’s policies for transgender inmates were thrust into the spotlight this week after the 2017 Minnesota mosque bomber, who id’s as trans, was sentenced
In one post, the YouTuber reads verbatim from emails Kelly sent while incarcerated in Chicago
A member of the Pakistani government called for her to be released from U.S. custody and returned to Pakistan
Until recently, the facility had been recruiting new staff; now, employees are being sent letters notifying them of a force reduction
He was serving a 90-year sentence for having a sexual relationship with an inmate, with whom he plotted to kill his wife
“I’d say 20 to 30% of the officers were dirty,” a longtime prison employee said
The deposit accounts have long drawn scrutiny from law enforcement officials, who warn they’re ripe for abuse and corruption
The move comes weeks after a former CO was arrested for sexually abusing inmates
Some facilities are allowing inmates convicted of terror-related crimes to lead religious services
The bureau looks to be shaking up its senior ranks following growing criticism of chronic mismanagement
