| Notes |
I am extremely proud of the more than 35,000 staff of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and the work we do every day keeping the American people and our Nation's communities safe. Throughout our nearly 90-year history, providing programs and training to prepare federal inmates for a successful return to the community has been central to our mission. The First Step Act (FSA) – the first meaningful criminal justice reform in many years – will allow us to enhance and improve these efforts.
The BOP, along with the Department of Justice, is fully committed to the successful implementation of the FSA. A number of important changes have already taken place. Over 1,500 inmates received sentence reductions under the FSA’s retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. BOP expanded its compassionate release and Second Chance Act home confinement programs. The BOP also continues to update existing policies to ensure they reflect the changes now memorialized in federal law. The BOP has completed new projected release date calculations for over 3,000 inmates due for release because of the FSA’s Good Conduct Time changes. We wish these individuals every success in their transition back into our communities. For those still in custody, the BOP is working to ensure inmates maintain close ties with loved ones by transferring inmates closer to their release residences in accordance with BOP policy and practice, and consistent with the FSA.
We are committed to helping inmates return to their communities to lead productive, crime- free lives. The new risk and needs assessment system will ensure we conduct individualized assessments of each inmate’s specific needs. These assessments will help us to create plans with programs and productive activities tailored to meet identified needs. These plans will provide inmates the opportunity for improvement and growth and promote successful reentry into their communities.
This is an exciting time for the Bureau of Prisons. The FSA will have a lasting impact on federal corrections and may serve as a model for state and local corrections as well. The dedicated corrections professionals throughout our 122 federal prisons nationwide remain mission-focused on helping change lives and enhancing public safety. |