Then and Now

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Mission and Core Values................................................................... 1

A Message from the Director, Bureau of Prisons........................... 2

Prison Operations................................................................................ 4

Timeline................................................................................................ 4

Labor-Management Partnership....................................................... 5

Safety and Security............................................................................. 6

Population Growth.............................................................................. 8

Statistics................................................................................................ 9

Preparing Inmates for Success: Family.......................................... 10 

Preparing Inmates for Success: Work............................................ 12

Second Chances................................................................................ 13

Preparing Inmates For Success: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual... 14

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment....................................... 15

The President’s Visit to FCI El Reno (Oklahoma).......................... 16

In Memoriam...................................................................................... 17

Federal Bureau of Prisons

Then and Now
 .

1

Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

Mission and Core Values

Our Mission is to:

Protect society by confining offenders 

in the controlled environments of prisons 

and community-based facilities that are

safe, humane, cost-efficient, and secure.

Provide work and other self-improvement 

opportunities to assist offenders 

in becoming law-abiding citizens.

Core Values guide everything we do:

• Correctional Excellence – we are correctional workers 

first, committed to the highest level of performance.

• Respect – we embrace diversity and recognize the value 

and dignity of staff, inmates, and the general public.

• Integrity – we demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct 

in all our actions.
2

I am pleased to present this introduction 

to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

I am immensely proud of the work we do, and I am honored to represent 

the more than 39,000 Bureau of Prisons staff – “correctional workers 

first,” who put the safety of the American people above their own to keep 

our communities safe and secure. 

The Bureau of Prisons has a long tradition of protecting society by 

confining offenders in facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and 

secure. We provide programs to inmates—education, substance abuse 

treatment, job skills training, and more—to prepare them for a successful 

return to the community. Reentry is a critical component of public safety, 

and preparation for reentry begins on the first day of incarceration.

I hope this publication gives you an understanding of how we work to 

keep you safe while providing offenders with the opportunities they need 

to lead productive, crime-free lives after release.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Samuels, Jr.

Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons 

A Message 

from the Director, 

Federal Bureau of Prisons 
3

Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

Trained inmates producing furniture for Federal Prison Industries.

“We have a saying in 

the Bureau: reentry 

begins on the first day 

of incarceration. We 

are committed to this 

philosophy. Reentry is 

a critical component of 

public safety.”

Director Samuels 
4

Bureau of Prisons staff work around 

the clock, seven days a week, to ensure safety 

and security in our prisons and provide appropriate treatment and care 

to the inmates. 

Soon after an inmate is sentenced, Bureau classification specialists review 

the inmate’s background and the court’s recommendations to determine 

where he or she should be designated to begin their term of imprisonment.

They take into account the nature and seriousness of the crime, sentence 

length, criminal history, physical/mental health, education level, and any 

other specific needs or judicial recommendations.

Once an inmate arrives at the institution, he or she undergoes a series 

of physical, psychological, and educational assessments before being 

assigned to housing units where a team of staff monitors his or her 

activities, adjustment to prison life, and preparation for release.

All Bureau staff, regardless of their position, are “correctional workers 

first.” They are trained to work with inmates, respond to emergencies, and 

follow security procedures. The situational awareness and diligence of our 

staff are the foundation of safety and security within our institutions, and 

are key to protecting the public.

Bureau of Prisons staff work around the clock, seven days a week, to ensure 

safety and security in our prisons, and care for the inmate population.

Prison Operations

TIMELINE

The first prisons in the independent United States were established as 

“penitentiaries” to denote their prisoners as religious “penitents” who were 

serving time for their sins. During the 18th and 19th centuries, there were virtually 

no Federal prisons. The Federal Government paid State prisons to incarcerate 

most of those convicted of violating Federal law.

1891 

Congress passes the Three 

Prisons Act, authorizing 

establishment of first three 

Federal penitentiaries – 

Atlanta, GA; Leavenworth, 

KS; and McNeil Island, 

WA (pictured, now a State 

facility).

Two equally important functions

govern all aspects of Federal prison operations: 

Security • Keeping staff and inmates safe, while protecting the public.

Reentry • Preparing inmates for a successful return to the community.
Signing of Collective Bargaining 

Agreement (“Master Agreement”), 

July 2014. Pictured from left to right: 

Clifton Buchanan, South Central 

Region Union VP; Charles Samuels, Jr., 

Bureau of Prisons Director; Christopher 

Wade, Chief of Labor Relations Office; 

Robert Swanson, Southeast Region 

Union VP; Eric Young, Council of Prison 

Locals, National President

On the morning of September 11, 2013, 

Case Manager DeeDee McEvoy, 

Education Technician Brianne Smith, 

and an Education staff member were 

making rounds at the United States 

Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum 

facility (ADX), in Florence, CO. As one of 

the cell doors began to open, an inmate 

rushed out and assaulted the three staff.

Using self-defense techniques and their 

baton training, Ms. McEvoy and Ms. 

Smith were able to fend off the assault 

on their coworker until other staff 

responded and the inmate was secured. 

DeeDee McEvoy

Case Manager

Brianne Smith

Education Technician

Labor-Management Partnership

In May 2013, under the leadership of Director 

Charles Samuels, labor and management 

began forging a new relationship, based on 

the ideals of “partnership.” This grew out 

of Executive Order 13522 − Creating LaborManagement Forums To Improve Delivery of 

Government Services. Eighty-five percent of 

Bureau staff are represented by the Council 

of Prison Locals, American Federation of 

Government Employees. 

Several initiatives were accomplished 

through partnership that significantly enhance 

safety for staff, inmates, and the public.

• Pepper spray was made available to

all staff at high and medium security 

institutions, detention centers, medical 

centers, and jail units.

• A second officer was assigned to housing

units at high security institutions during 

evenings and weekends.

• Several new technologies were deployed

to enhance our ability to detect dangerous 

contraband in our prisons. 

• Staff at high security institutions, detention 

centers, and jail units were provided 

mandatory wear stab-resistant vests.

One of the most significant partnership 

milestones was reached in July 2014, 

when the agency and the Union signed a 

new Master Agreement after 16 years of 

negotiations. In addition, almost 90 new 

or updated policies have been published, 

providing significant guidance for Bureau 

staff in their daily operations. 

Partnership is vital to the safety of our staff 

and it is vital to the work we do with inmates.

Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

1927 

First Federal women’s 

reformatory opens in 

Alderson, WV.

1929-30

Assistant Attorney General 

Mabel Walker Willebrandt hires 

leading prison reformer Sanford 

Bates to organize and operate a 

new, centralized Federal Bureau 

of Prisons. Bates becomes the 

first Director.

1933 

Bureau of Prisons 

establishes its first medical 

center in Springfield, 

MO. The staff includes 

physicians, dentists, 

nurses, pharmacists, and 

psychiatrists from the U.S. 

Public Health Service.

5
1941-45 

During World War II, Federal 

Prison Industries produces a 

multitude of goods for the Army 

and Navy. Enlistment regulations 

are changed to permit released 

offenders to enter the military.

1934 

Alcatraz is opened.

Congress establishes 

Federal Prison Industries 

to provide training and 

paid work for inmates. 

TECHNOLOGY • The Bureau uses 

security technology to enhance safety 

and security in our prisons. Scanning 

technology and advanced metal 

detectors are used to help detect 

contraband (prohibited items not authorized to be brought into the prison) and prevent 

assaults on staff and inmates.

Intelligent video surveillance and analytics are used to quickly identify threats. 

Specialized inmate mattresses, anti-suicide smocks and blankets, flexible pens and 

pencils, puncture-resistant gloves, and stab-resistant vests are just a few of the items 

routinely used to promote staff and inmate safety.

TRAINING • Regular staff training is key to avoiding threats, making quick 

responses, and preventing harm. All staff complete basic training and are recertified 

annually; the Bureau’s Staff Training Academy offers specialty training such as 

Disturbance Control and Witness Security Escort. The Bureau’s Management and 

Specialty Training Center and the National Institute of Corrections comprise the 

National Corrections Academy (NCA), which provides training and development 

opportunities to facilitate staff becoming leaders in their fields.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT • Serious incidents are rare, but the potential for disaster 

is always present, from influenza epidemics to natural disasters to terrorist attacks. 

Each institution has emergency response plans in place (developed in cooperation 

with local, state, and Federal public safety agencies) that are practiced regularly and 

updated.

COUNTER-TERRORISM • The Bureau guards against the spread of terrorism 

and extremist ideologies within federal prisons. Bureau staff monitor and record all 

telephonic communication of inmates who have a history of or nexus to terrorism, and 

they work closely with the FBI, the National and Local Joint Terrorism Task Forces, and 

other agencies to exchange intelligence with our law enforcement partners.

Safety and Security

Black: 21.4% 

Native American:

1.3%

Asian:

2.2%

White: 63.3%

Staff by Race/Ethnicity

Hispanic:

11.8%

Female: 27.7% 

Staff by Gender

Male: 72.9%

Control Center staff issuing keys to correctional officers.

6
7

Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

1946 

The Alcatraz 

“Blastout” 

leaves two 

officers and 

three inmates 

dead.

1950s

Early “unit management” program 

begins at Ashland, KY, prison. 

It concentrates programs and 

services for inmates into more 

easily manageable residential units 

and promotes direct interaction 

between staff and inmates.

Bureau staff are trained to 

respond quickly to incidents. All 

staff are “correctional workers 

first,” regardless of occupation.

Carlos Cruz, Ramon Tarafa, 

Roberto Guzman, 

Alice Diaz-Hernandez, 

and Stephen Buckler 

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

The Special Investigative Support (SIS) staff at the 

Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Guaynabo has 

prevented many attempts to introduce contraband into 

the facility and has conducted detailed and sensitive 

investigations. They routinely work with the Federal Bureau 

of Investigation, United States Attorneys, Office of Inspector 

General, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and others to help 

minimize threats to the prison and the community. 
1965

Prisoner 

Rehabilitation Act 

makes halfway 

houses, furloughs, 

and work/study 

release available 

to adult offenders.

1963

Alcatraz 

is closed. 

It is too 

expensive 

to operate.

1978

Uniform, highly 

structured inmate 

classification system 

is implemented 

to ensure better 

security. 

1961

Bureau of Prisons 

opens three 

experimental 

“pre-release 

centers,” or 

halfway houses, 

for youth.

8

The Federal Bureau of Prisons’ nearly century-long 

dedication to safety and security and to offender reentry 

and rehabilitation is unique in corrections. 

For the first five decades of the Bureau’s history, the 

number and type of offenders remained fairly stable. 

Beginning in the 1980s, federal law enforcement efforts 

including new legislation dramatically altered the Federal 

criminal justice system. The Sentencing Reform Act of 

1984, mandatory minimum sentencing provisions, and 

the war on drugs in general caused the Bureau’s inmate 

population to more than double, from 24,000 to almost 

58,000. During the 1990s, the population more than doubled 

again, reaching 136,000 at the end of 1999. Efforts to 

combat illegal drugs and illegal immigration contributed 

to significantly increased incarceration rates. The tragedy 

of September 11 brought offenders with unique security 

concerns, as the Nation’s law enforcement efforts were 

targeted toward international terrorism. 

The war on drugs dramatically affected not only the 

number of offenders we house, but also the type. For 

nearly five decades, the Bureau housed largely bank 

robbers and white-collar offenders. Currently, almost half 

of the Bureau’s population is serving sentences for drug 

offenses. The remainder includes offenders convicted of 

weapons offenses, immigration offenses, and sex offenses. 

Increases in the inmate population led to serious levels of 

crowding in the Bureau’s prisons. This led to increased 

likelihood of assault and violence in general. Inmates 

became frustrated and angry as they competed for basic 

necessities and program opportunities.

By 2013, the Bureau’s population climbed to almost 

220,000, its highest level ever. In fiscal year 2014, after 

then-Attorney General Eric Holder announced the Smart 

on Crime Initiative, the Bureau experienced the first 

population decline in decades, ending the year with 

5,149 fewer offenders than when we started. The decline 

has continued; the Bureau ended fiscal year 2015 with 

8,426 fewer offenders than on September 30, 2014. The 

Bureau projects declines to continue for the next couple 

of years, particularly as a result of retroactive changes 

to sentencing guidelines. But medium and high security 

prisons remain very crowded.

Population Growth

Currently, almost half of 

our population is serving 

sentences for drug offenses. 
9

Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

1984

The Sentencing Reform Act of 

1984 establishes determinate 

sentencing, abolishes parole, 

and reduces good time; in 

addition, mandatory minimum 

sentencing provisions are 

enacted in 1986, 1988, and 1990. 

1980 to 1989

The inmate population more 

than doubles, from just over 

24,000 to almost 58,000.

Statistics*

SENTENCE IMPOSED

Less than 1 year 2.3%

1-3 years 11.4%

3-5 years 13.3%

5-10 years 25.5%

10-15 years 20.4%

15-20 years 11.2%

More than 20 years 12.4%

Life 2.8%

Death 57

TYPES OF OFFENSES

Drug Offenses 48.4%

Weapons, Explosives, Arson 16.3%

Immigration 9.1%

Robbery 3.7%

Burglary, Larceny, 

Property Offenses 

4.2%

Extortion, Fraud, Bribery 6.3%

Homicide, Aggravated 

Assault, and Kidnapping

 2.9%

Miscellaneous 0.8% 

Sex Offenses 7.2%

Banking & Insurance, 

Counterfeit, Embezzlement 

0.3%

Courts or Corrections 0.4%

Continuing Criminal Enterprise 0.2% 

National Security 0.0%

QUICK FACTS

Total Inmate Population 205,792

Inmates in Bureau of 

Prisons Institutions

164,897

Inmates in Privatelymanaged, State or Local 

Secure Facilities

24,266

Inmates in Residential 

Reentry Centers

10,627

Inmates in Home 

Confinement 

4,847

Inmates in Jail/Short-term 

Detention 

824

Inmates in Long-term 

Boarding

156

Inmates in Contract 

Juvenile Facilities

 74

AVERAGE INMATE AGE • 40

*All numbers as of October 9, 2015. 

Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.

1987

Mariel Cuban detainees 

riot in Atlanta and 

Oakdale, LA. Negotiations 

result in peaceful 

conclusion. 

Mexico: 

15.6% 

Other/Unknown:

4.9%

Cuba: 0.7%

United States:

77.1%

Inmates by Citizenship

Colombia: 0.9%

Dominican Republic:

0.9%

**Not yet assigned a security level.

Inmates by Security Level

Medium: 

29.4%

Low: 

38.3% 

Minimum: 

17.4%

High: 11.5%

Unclassified:**

3.4%
Black: 37.7% 

Native American:

1.9% Asian: 1.5%

White: 58.9%

Inmates by Race

Female 6.7%

Male: 93.3%

Inmates by Gender

Inmates often 

need support in 

maintaining or 

rebuilding family 

ties when they 

return to the 

community.

PARENTING PROGRAM • Parenting programs encourage inmates 

to develop and maintain bonds with their children while incarcerated. 

Programs include a classroom component, visiting room activities, 

and specialty events such as day camps and workshops. Programs 

may include volunteers from community groups or social services and 

religious organizations.

FEMALE OFFENDERS • Female offenders represent a small 

proportion of all Federal inmates but their backgrounds and needs 

require specialized treatment programs. The Bureau provides the 

Resolve Program to more than 2,000 women each year who need help 

developing personal resilience and coping skills to overcome substance 

abuse and physical abuse histories. The Bureau offers special programs 

for pregnant inmates that allow them to bond with the baby after birth.

VIDEO VISITING • The Bureau recently began to provide video 

visiting opportunities for women. Video visiting is real-time interactive 

communication that uses videoconferencing technology to facilitate 

more frequent contacts between family members. 

Preparing Inmates 

FOR SUCCESS: FAMILY

Inmate mothers and children during special visitation event.

1990s

The Bureau’s inmate 

population more than doubles 

again, reaching approximately 

136,000 at the end of 1999, 

as efforts to combat illegal 

drugs and illegal immigration 

contribute to significantly 

increased conviction rates.

1997

The Bureau awards 

its first contract for a 

privately managed Federal 

correctional facility in Taft, 

CA. As of 2015, the Bureau 

has 13 nationwide privately 

managed facilities.

10

ETHNICITY

Hispanic: 34.0%

Non-Hispanic: 66.0%
Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

In 2015, the Federal Detention Center (FDC), Miami, FL, hosted a “Daddy-Daughter Dance” for offenders.

Tess Korth

Reentry Coordinator

In December 2013, children of all 

ages arrived at FCI Dublin to visit 

their incarcerated mothers. Three 

chartered buses brought 112 

children and 42 caretakers and 

volunteers. Many children had 

not visited their mothers for 

several years. 

This event was the direct result of 

Reentry Coordinator Tess Korth’s 

efforts to collaborate with “Get 

on the Bus,” a network of 1,000 

volunteers and 250 faith groups 

dedicated to arranging visits 

between children and incarcerated 

parents. Ms. Korth worked for 

months coordinating security 

procedures to accommodate the 

group, screening applications for 

visiting eligibility, and ensuring 

program requirements were met. 

Parenting programs for incarcerated 

parents can improve self-esteem, parenting 

attitudes, and institutional adjustment.

2000 to 2014

The inmate population 

continues to increase, 

peaking at 219,298 in 2013. 

In 2014, after 34 years of 

steady growth, the inmate 

population declines by 5,149, 

to 214,149 inmates.

2013

The Bureau establishes a 

Reentry Services Division 

to enhance oversight and 

direction in facilitating 

the successful return 

of inmates into their 

communities 

upon release. 

2014

The Bureau of Prisons and 

the Council of Prison Locals 

(American Federation of 

Government Employees) sign 

a new Master Agreement on 

May 29, 2014, paving the way 

for a new partnership in labormanagement relations.

11
12

Preparing Inmates 

FOR SUCCESS: WORK

Reentry and 

Release Preparation

Release preparation begins on the first day of 

incarceration. We provide programs and services to 

prepare inmates for their reentry to society following 

completion of their sentence.

Work Life 

Success

All inmates who are 

medically able must 

work while in Federal 

prison. Securing 

meaningful work 

after prison can be 

difficult, particularly 

for inmates who 

have been out of 

the labor market 

for years.

UNICOR • UNICOR inmates learn real-world 

job skills and gain work experience in such areas 

as clothing and textiles, electronics, and vehicle 

reconditioning that will help them find jobs after they 

are released. Research demonstrates that inmates 

who worked in prison industries were 24 percent less 

likely to recidivate than non-program participants, 

and 14 percent more likely to be gainfully employed.

EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL 

TRAINING • Each Federal prison has an 

education department that provides a broad variety 

of programs ranging from basic literacy to high 

school level classes to post-secondary occupational 

courses. Inmates who participate in these programs 

are 16% less likely to recidivate as compared to their 

non-participating peers. Inmates who do not have 

a high school diploma or a General Educational 

Development (GED) certificate must participate in the 

literacy program for a minimum of 240 hours or until 

they obtain the GED. Non-English-speaking 

inmates are required to participate in an English 

as a Second Language program until they are 

proficient in oral and written English. 

Post-secondary occupationally oriented 

programs are available at many institutions and 

inmates with their own resources are permitted 

to enroll in other post-secondary educational 

Inmate participating in the cosmetology vocational training program.

General Educational Development (GED) classes are offered at 

all 122 Bureau locations. 

2014

The United States 

Sentencing Commission 

votes unanimously to 

authorize Federal judges to 

reduce drug sentences for 

eligible inmates, beginning 

November 2015.

2015

The United States 

Penitentiary, 

Thomson, IL, becomes 

the Bureau’s 122nd 

institution.

2015

President Barack 

Obama visits the Federal 

Correctional Institution, El 

Reno, OK; the first time in 

history a U.S. President has 

visited a Federal prison.

“...One of the greatest preventions of 

recidivism...is to provide them an education 

while they are incarcerated and with an 

opportunity once they are released.”

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch

speaking to the Congressional Black Caucus (2015)
13

Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

Meet James Mays who 

embarked on a journey from 

convicted criminalto Lean Manufacturing 

Engineer for one of the world’s leading body armor companies.

“June 15, 1999 was a memorable day. I entered the Federal 

Correctional Complex in Fairton, New Jersey, having been 

sentenced to 126 months for armed robbery. It was my 

twenty-first birthday.

I took full advantage of every course and program available 

to give me the best opportunity to succeed. In addition to 

taking college courses, I landed a job in the UNICOR factory, 

and acquired skills to make tanker cable systems and missile 

launch doors for the military. In 2000, I was transferred to the 

low security facility at FCI Coleman, Florida, and concentrated 

on my education. I continued college studies, studied 

architectural drafting, and took Microsoft classes offered by 

the institution’s Vocational Training Center. 

In 2005, I was transferred to Yazoo City and worked in 

UNICOR’s textile operation making OTVs – Outer Tactical 

Vests – for the military. During a routine business vendor visit, 

I assisted UNICOR’s factory manager in giving the company’s 

Vice President and Plant Manager a factory tour. By the time 

Second Chances 

we finished, I was invited to see 

about a job with the body armor 

company if I returned to South 

Florida, following release from 

prison. For the first time in years, I 

was hopeful about my future!

During my time in prison, I earned an Associate of Arts degree, 

completed a paralegal/legal assistant course, obtained ISO 

internal auditor certification, and even completed a pest control 

management course as a “just in case” measure. 

Life was a series of ups and downs after prison but, ultimately, 

I was hired by the Florida body armor company and have held a 

series of increasingly responsible positions, the most recent one 

being Lean Manufacturing Engineer. 

Thinking over my rather unorthodox journey over the years, I 

realize that an extraordinary set of circumstances contributed 

to my accomplishments and reentry success: a strong support 

system, both in prison and at home; and a belief in lessons to be 

learned from every experience – positive or disappointing. 

There has also been one constant driver in all that I have 

accomplished over the years. It’s freedom... and the desire to 

never lose it, again.”

programs (e.g., liberal arts). All 

institutions offer literacy classes, English 

as a Second Language, parenting classes, 

wellness education, adult continuing 

education, and library services. 

The Bureau also provides occupational 

and vocational training. Inmates receive 

training and apprenticeships in such 

traditional areas as building trades, 

mechanics, horticulture, food preparation, 

and cosmetology, as well as in emerging occupations 

such as wind turbine service technician, computer 

aided drafting, and biomedical technician. 

Mock job fairs, usually conducted in partnership with 

local businesses and social service organizations, are 

an effective way to help inmates develop resumebuilding and interview skills. 

“...Research shows that improved literacy 

substantially reduces the likelihood that 

an inmate will re-offend....We plan to...

roll out changes that will focus our 

efforts on core adult literacy.”

Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates 

speaking at Columbia Law School (2015)
14

Preparing Inmates 

FOR SUCCESS: PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPIRITUAL

DRUG ABUSE PROGRAMS • The Residential Drug Treatment Program (RDAP) is the Bureau’s 

most intensive substance abuse treatment program, lasting nine months (500 hours). It uses a modified 

therapeutic community approach, where offenders live separate from the general population and 

participate in half-day programming and half-day work, school, or vocational activities. RDAP for 

inmates who only speak Spanish is offered at select institutions. The program includes a community 

treatment component inmates must complete while at a Residential 

Reentry Center or Home Confinement. Non-violent inmates may earn a 

sentence reduction based on program completion.

The Nonresidential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (NR-DAP) is available 

in every Bureau institution. NR-DAP is a flexible program designed to 

meet the specific individualized drug treatment needs of the inmate. This 

program differs from the RDAP, in that it takes less time to complete 

(approximately 12 weeks), participants live in the general population 

of inmates, and treatment occurs in weekly group sessions. Similar to 

the RDAP, NR-DAP uses the Cognitive Behavioral theoretical model 

of treatment. Self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and 

Narcotics Anonymous, are available to inmates to support the Bureau’s 

nonresidential treatment regimen. 

DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION • Drug abuse education is offered at 

every Bureau institution to encourage offenders with a history of drug 

use to review the choices they have made and the consequences of these choices. This series of classes 

provides education regarding the effects of substance abuse and helps motivate offenders with a need to 

pursue further treatment. Participants also receive information on what distinguishes drug use and abuse.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT • Bureau psychologists and treatment specialists provide individual 

and group counseling for inmates with mental health concerns or illnesses. They also provide a range 

of rehabilitative and supportive services to enhance mental health. Psychiatry services are provided to 

inmates in the Bureau on outpatient and inpatient bases. Psychiatrists work closely with Health Services 

staff, psychology staff, social work staff, chaplaincy, and other providers and correctional staff to 

address the diverse mental health needs of the inmate population.

The Bureau offers a variety of more intensive treatment programs. The BRAVE Program for young, 

first-time offenders addresses adjustment to incarceration and anti-social attitudes and behavior. Sex 

Offender Treatment Programs address the treatment needs of inmates with a sex offense history. The 

Challenge Program, for high security inmates, treats inmates with a history of substance abuse or 

mental illness. The Resolve Program treats inmates with trauma-related mental health conditions.

A Directory of all National Programs can be found on bop.gov:

https://www.bop.gov/inmates/custody_and_care/docs/BOPNationalProgramCatalog.pdf

Chaplains meet the religious needs of inmates across 

faith lines by providing pastoral care, spiritual guidance, 

and counseling.
15

Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

FAITH-BASED/SPIRITUAL GROWTH • Religious programming is 

led by agency chaplains, contracted spiritual leaders, and trained community 

volunteers. Chaplains facilitate worship and scriptural studies to many faith 

groups, while providing pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and counseling. 

THE LIFE CONNECTIONS PROGRAM (LCP) • The Life Connection 

Program offers inmates the opportunity to improve critical life areas within 

the context of their personal faith or value system. It builds on an inmate’s 

personal belief system, whether secular or religious, to move towards 

reconciliation and restoration. The goal is for participants to take responsibility 

for their criminal behavior, and reduce the likelihood of a return to prison.

THE FINAL TRANSITION • Most inmates transition to the community 

through a Residential Reentry Center (RRC), or “halfway house.” Some 

may be eligible to be placed on home confinement directly, while others 

spend some time in an RRC first. In addition to a safe, structured, supervised 

environment, RRCs provide assistance with job searches, housing, health care, 

financial management, and connections to the community. 

Residential Substance 

Abuse Treatment 

Residential drug abuse treatment programs (RDAPs) are offered at 

more than 77 institutions, providing treatment to more than 18,000 

inmates each year. 

Inmates who complete RDAP are 16 percent less likely to return 

to prison and 15 percent less likely to have a relapse to drug use 

within 3 years after release. 

Dr. Nallely Galvan

FMC Carswell

At FMC Carswell, Dr. Galvan 

has always had a passion for 

developing programs for the 

Latina population. Due to Dr. 

Galvan’s clinical expertise in 

substance abuse treatment and 

fluency in Spanish and English, 

she was selected to develop 

and manage the Bureau’s first 

Spanish Residential Drug Abuse 

Program (S-RDAP) for 

female offenders.

Small therapeutic group programming in RDAP unit.

The Bureau of Prisons 

contracts with 

Residential Reentry 

Centers (RRCs), or 

“halfway houses,” to 

provide assistance 

to inmates nearing 

release. RRC New 

Orleans is pictured.
16

President Barack Obama tours the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment 

Program Unit with Director Charles E. Samuels, Jr., and Lieutenant 

Ronald Warlick at FCI El Reno, Oklahoma, July 16, 2015.

President Barack Obama 

made history on July 16, 2015, as the first sitting United 

States President to visit a Federal prison. 

The President’s visit was an opportunity for the Bureau of 

Prisons to showcase our work. Director Samuels remarked, 

“I am honored that the President selected a Federal prison 

for his visit, and I am immensely proud of the work we do 

The President’s Visit to FCI El Reno (Oklahoma) 

at FCI El Reno and the other 121 Federal prisons around the 

country.” The President toured the institution and met with 

Bureau staff and six inmates about their personal stories.

The Bureau of Prisons has a long tradition of providing 

programs to inmates, including education, substance abuse 

treatment, job skills training, and more, to prepare them for 

a successful return to the community. 

“While the people 

in our prisons 

have made some 

mistakes—and 

sometimes big 

mistakes—they are 

also Americans, and 

we have to make 

sure that as they 

do their time and 

pay back their debt 

to society that we 

are increasing the 

possibility that they 

can turn their lives 

around.”

President Barack Obama 
03

Federal Bureau of Prisons • Then and Now

In Memoriam

In honor of our Bureau Heroes...those who made the ultimate sacrifice 

in the line of duty in service to their country.

See link on website for more info. https://www.bop.gov/about/history/fallen_heroes.jsp.

Joseph B. Waldrupe

Andrew F. Turner

Edgar A. Barr

James R. Brock

Andrew H. Leonard

R.G. Warnke

Royal C. Cline

Harold P. Stites

William A. Miller

William W. Latimer

Vern M. Jarvis

Wayne L. Selle

John W. Johnson

Donald F. Reis

Janice R. Hylen

Gregory J. Gunter

Gary L. Rowe

Merle E. Clutts

Robert L. Hoffmann

Boyd H. Spikerman

Robert F. Miller

D’Antonio Washington

Scott J. Williams

Jose V. Rivera

Eric J. Williams

Osvaldo Albarati
U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Prisons

320 First Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20524

www.bop.gov

Printed on recycled paper by Federal Prison Industries