Latest news with #BureauOfPrisons
Sky News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Trump latest: US president makes another lawsuit threat after report about 'wonderful secret' letter to Epstein
Trump plan to reopen Alcatraz prison could cost $2bn - report Donald Trump's plan to convert Alcatraz back into a maximum-security prison could cost roughly $2bn, Axios reports, citing administration sources. What do we know about the prison? Located on the island of Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay, just over a mile from the city, the prison dates back to the mid-19th century. It features a three-storey building with four main cell blocks as well as a lighthouse that looks out over the bay. The strong currents around the island and cold waters made successful escape nearly impossible. Despite its reputation and secure facilities, Alcatraz closed in March 1963 after 29 years of operation due to cost. The prison needed an estimated $3-5m for restoration and maintenance work alone to keep the prison open. But in May this year, Trump proposed reopening Alcatraz as a prison. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said America had been "plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders". "That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz, to house America's most ruthless and violent offenders," he wrote. He said reopening the prison would "serve as a symbol of law, order, and justice".
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Report: Trump admin to announce reopening of Alcatraz
Currently, the National Park Service (NPS) controls the site, which is environmentally protected and serves as a popular California tourist destination. Bondi and Burgum's surprise visit to the island on Thursday is already drawing ire from Democrats – including top voices in the Golden State. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement that the idea to reopen Alcatraz is Trump's 'stupidest initiative yet.' 'It should concern us all that clearly the only intellectual resources the Administration has drawn upon for this foolish notion are decades-old fictional Hollywood movies,' the former speaker added. Reopening Alcatraz is in line with Trump's hard-on-crime policies. In a post shared to Truth Social announcing the plan, Trump said 'the reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE.' Trump has directed the Bureau of Prisons to work alongside the Department of Justice, FBI and Homeland Security to 'reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt' Alcatraz. He said the notorious facility, which once held famed gangster Al Capone, will 'house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders.' The order comes as Trump has repeatedly clashed with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members and illegal migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The maximum security prison, which was shut down in 1963, will provide Trump a workaround to those court orders barring him from carrying out the mass deportation scheme. 'We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally,' he wrote, appearing to suggest illegal migrants will be the first sent to the prison. Trump has also directed the opening of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labeled the 'worst criminal aliens.' The trip by his top deputies comes after the president visited the new so-called 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida meant to house illegal immigrants as they are prepared for deportation. Congress is expected to introduce a bill that will end the environmental protections for Alcatraz and strip control of the site from the National Park Service. Alcatraz generates approximately $60 million in annual revenue, according to NPS. The prison operated from 1934 to 1963 - closing after just 29 years due to high operational costs.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Bureau Of Prisons Launches First Step Act Task Force
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, second from left, speaks during a news conference at the ... More Justice Department in Washington, Friday, July 19, 2019, on developments in the implementation of the First Step Act. He is joined by, from left, acting Director of the Bureau of Prisons Hugh Hurwitz, Director of the National Institute of Justice David Muhlhausen and Associate Deputy Attorney General Toni Bacon. About 2,200 federal inmates will be released by the federal Bureau of Prisons under the criminal justice reform measure signed into law last year by President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) The First Step Act The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has faced significant challenges in implementing the First Step Act (FSA), a 2018 law aimed at reforming the federal prison system. Some of the challenges included delays in calculating earned time credits, inconsistent application of the risk assessment tool (PATTERN), and limited access to rehabilitative programs. These shortcomings led to legal actions, such as class-action lawsuits, and bipartisan congressional criticism. It has also led to some inmates staying in prison longer than allowed under the law, primarily due to the BOP's inability to properly calculate prison terms under the FSA. Despite efforts to improve, including policy updates and staff training, the BOP's slow progress continues to hinder the FSA's intended impact on reducing recidivism , enhancing inmate rehabilitation and returning non-violent offenders to the community sooner. Creation of the Task Force The BOP recently stated that it was expanding the use of Residential Reentry Centers (RRC), commonly referred to as halfway houses, to move more eligible inmates to the community sooner. However, even with that, the BOP had trouble filling its RRC capacity it had under contract (BOP does not operate RRCs but contracts it out to vendors). The main reason is that the BOP has a history of changing how it interprets FSA and when the people are awarded credits. Further, the Second Chance Act, which allows inmates to be placed in prerelease custody for up to a year, has not been fully utilized as a complement to FSA. The primary culprit in solving this issue has been caused by a lack of computer program to handle the calculation for those eligible for FSA. Today the BOP announced the creation of the FSA Task Force, a strategic team initiative designed to expedite the transfer of eligible inmates to home confinement while directly supporting agency staff who have been unfairly burdened by outdated data systems. Task Force Directive BOP Director William Marshall III provided a statement about the task force that also addressed some of the past problems. 'Staff were taking the blame for delays they didn't cause,' said Director Marshall. 'They [BOP case management staff] Marshall went on to say that the vast majority of BOP staff wanted to do the right thing in fully implementing FSA but they simply needed the right tools and information to do their jobs. In referencing the BOP's new, increased budget under Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Marshall said, 'we will be able to provide those needed tools.' Specifics On Action The FSA Task Force, based at the Bureau's Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC), will work in tandem with Residential Reentry Management (RRM) offices to ensure timely home confinement placements under the FSA and Second Chance Act (SCA). While long-term technical updates continue, this manual intervention is designed to deliver immediate relief. Nobody at the BOP wants to keep a person longer in prison, nor do they want them leaving earlier than the law allows. In a conservative approach, there are situations when people are held longer in prison because there is so much uncertainty as to the real release date. Director Marshall's FSA Task Force will provide a resource to front line case managers to support their decisions on community placement. A memorandum from the BOP stated that the FSA Task Force will: 'This is a win for everyone,' said Rick Stover, Senior Deputy Assistant Director at DSCC and the person heading the FSA Task Force, 'Inmates are returning to their communities sooner. Staff are no longer forced to rely on flawed data. And we're freeing up RRC beds for others who are waiting.' It is the first time that the BOP has acknowledged that computer issues have kept the Agency from fully implementing FSA. First Step Act The FSA is a landmark piece of criminal justice reform legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 21, 2018. Its goal is to reduce the federal prison population, enhance rehabilitation programs, and reduce recidivism among incarcerated individuals. It was also meant to save money, something that has not occurred yet according to the BOP's latest annual FSA report. The law made significant changes to sentencing, prison conditions, and post-release supervision. One of the most notable aspects of the First Step Act is its retroactive application to certain drug sentences, allowing eligible prisoners to petition for reduced sentences. It also allows inmates to earn time credits for participation in vocational training, educational programs, and other rehabilitative activities, potentially reducing the length of their prison sentences. The Case Manager Problem A BOP case manager is responsible for assessing and classifying inmates, developing reentry plans, monitoring progress, recommending transfers or release programs, maintaining records, and liaising with families, legal representatives, and external agencies to support inmates' rehabilitation and reintegration into society. It is a job with immense responsibility and one that has a huge influence on the amount of time an inmate spends in a prison institution. BOP case managers are the primary people responsible for fully implementing the FSA. As the steward over the life of inmates, case managers play a critical role in identifying inmates who not only deserve community placement but will also do well once placed there. As inmates come to the end of their sentence, it is the case manager who can place them in the community for up to a year, though there have been reports of employees not willing to maximize the amount of time a person spends in the community. Director Marshall and Deputy Director Josh Smith have recently been touring a number of facilities where they have spoken with staff and inmates. They have both heard these same reports of case managers not having the tools to do their job and also some pushback that some have given when it comes to returning inmates to society sooner. Marshall stated, "But let me be absolutely clear – where we find that 1% [those BOP employees not committed to his directives] who weren't doing their jobs with integrity, we will find them and hold them accountable because accountability goes both ways.' Former BOP Director Praises Move Hugh Hurwitz was Acting BOP Director when the FSA passed and was critical in the early days of defining the BOP's initiatives to implement the law. Hurwitz praised the Task Force, stating, 'It is great to see BOP moving forward to fully implement FSA. This is one big step toward moving low risk individuals out of prison and into community placement as the law calls for.' Hurwitz is right in that the inmates slotted for community placement are 'low risk' by the BOP's own risk assessment tools. Most of the inmates who qualify for the program are minimum and low security who have relatively short sentences for non-violent crimes. Having a person serve a portion of their sentence in the community is not something new and has been used for decades by the BOP. However, the Agency has been slow to move inmates after the initial law was codified with the Final Rule in the Federal Register in January 2022. One measure of success of the FSA Task Force will be both the number of people that are moved to community custody and how fast they do that.
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Forbes
Office Of The Inspector General's Report On Federal Prison Restraints
Office of Inspector General cited concerns over how the Bureau of Prisons restrains certain inmates ... More in its facilities. Use of Restraints The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policies and practices in using restraints on inmates. The OIG's investigation into allegations made by inmates at various BOP institutions revealed that inmates were placed in restraints for prolonged periods while being confined to beds or chairs. Some inmates suffered severe or long-term injuries, such as the amputation of a limb after being restrained for over two days. The OIG found that shortcomings in BOP's policies and practices contributed to these issues, limiting evidence availability and impairing investigations into potential misconduct by BOP staff. Identified Shortcomings in BOP's Use of Restraints The investigation into the BOP's use of restraints revealed significant issues that compromise inmate safety and well-being. These include a lack of clear definitions and guidance regarding terms like "four-point restraints" and inadequate instructions for the necessary medical and psychological checks. BOP policies also permit prolonged use of restraints without sufficient oversight, resulting in injuries such as nerve damage and scarring. Additionally, the documentation of restraint checks is often insufficient, with no requirements for video or audio recordings to support or dispute inmate claims of mistreatment. Furthermore, while medical and psychological assessments are required, there is inconsistent documentation and follow-up regarding inmates' injuries or health concerns. Relevant BOP Policies and Regulations The BOP's use of force and restraint policies are outlined in the BOP's program statement 5566, and the applicable regulations are codified in 28 C.F.R. § 552. These policies state that force, including restraints, should only be used as a last resort when all other efforts to resolve a situation have failed. However, the BOP had run into issues with restraints in 2023 when USP Thomson was suddenly closed over abuses uncovered in its Special Management Unit (SMU). According to a study by The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights & Urban Affairs, inmates were subjected to prolonged use of four-point restraints. Psychological abuse was also rampant, including extended solitary confinement, racial slurs, and deliberate placement with dangerous cellmates. Staff often denied mental health care to vulnerable individuals, exacerbating their conditions. These practices, which were described as pervasive torture, continued even after the closure of the Thomson SMU in 2023. Concerns Regarding Prolonged Restraint Use One of the primary issues raised by the OIG is the BOP's failure to limit the duration of time an inmate can be kept in restraints, particularly in extreme cases like four-point restraints. According to the Use of Force Policy, inmates must be checked every 15 minutes by correctional officers, every two hours by a lieutenant, and twice per 8-hour shift by medical staff. However, the OIG found that restraints were often applied for extended periods without appropriate interventions, with some inmates being kept in restraints for over a week. This prolonged use has been linked to significant physical harm, such as nerve damage and injuries requiring medical attention. The OIG also found a lack of clarity in the BOP's guidelines about how long restraints should be applied, which is particularly concerning for inmates with mental health or self-harm issues. Deficiencies in Medical and Mental Health Oversight The OIG's review also highlighted significant deficiencies in the medical and psychological assessments of inmates in restraints. Although the BOP mandates medical assessments for inmates placed in four-point restraints, the OIG found that these assessments were often insufficient and lacked detailed documentation. In addition, medical checks, particularly those performed after the initial assessment, were not always video recorded, nor were the injuries adequately documented. The OIG also noted that BOP's medical and psychological staff may not always be well-equipped to identify injuries that result from prolonged restraint, such as nerve or muscle damage. In one case, an inmate's injury worsened to the point of requiring amputation, despite the fact that medical checks were being performed. Policy Gaps in Restraint Documentation and Review Procedures The OIG found that the BOP's documentation of restraint checks was often inadequate. The 15-minute checks were sometimes minimal and lacked sufficient detail to assess whether the inmate's welfare was being appropriately monitored. For example, in some cases, the only notes in the records were vague descriptions like "inmate manipulating restraints" or "inmate unresponsive." The OIG believes that these check forms need to include more comprehensive information about the inmate's condition and behavior to help determine whether restraints should be continued. Furthermore, the lack of video or audio recordings of restraint checks limits the OIG's ability to investigate claims of mistreatment and misconduct. The OIG has recommended that the BOP implement video and audio recording of all restraint checks to ensure that both the welfare of the inmate and the actions of the staff are properly documented. Concerns Regarding Psychological Support for Inmates in Restraints The OIG expressed concern about the psychological support available to inmates placed in restraints, especially those with mental health issues. While the BOP's Use of Force Policy requires that inmates in four-point restraints be seen by Psychology Services at least once every 24 hours, the OIG found that in practice, these visits were infrequent and inadequate. In some cases, inmates who had attempted suicide or engaged in self-harm were restrained for extended periods without sufficient mental health intervention. The OIG stressed the importance of more frequent psychological assessments for inmates in restraints, particularly those with severe mental health issues. Recommendations for BOP Policy Revisions In response to the identified concerns, the OIG has recommended several key revisions to the BOP's restraint policies and practices. These include providing clearer definitions and guidelines for restraint types, including medical, psychological, and behavioral checks. The OIG also suggests limiting the duration of restraints to prevent physical harm and unnecessary exposure to prolonged restraint. Additionally, the OIG recommends improved documentation of restraint checks, with more detailed information about inmates' behavior and welfare, and the requirement for video and audio recordings for accountability. Enhanced medical and psychological assessments, especially for inmates with mental health issues, are also advised. Finally, the OIG calls for greater involvement of regional staff to oversee restraints and offer an objective perspective on their continued use. Response The OIG's investigation into the use of restraints by the BOP has highlighted significant issues regarding the prolonged use of restraints, inadequate medical and psychological assessments, and insufficient documentation of restraint checks. BOP Director William Marshall III provided an initial statement in response to OIG's report deficiencies stating, 'The BOP is committed to addressing these issues and implementing meaningful improvements and views OIG's recommendations as a crucial oppo1tunity to enhance agency practices and ensure the humane treatment of all inmates. As noted in OIG's MAM, BOP 's statutory duty is to provide for the safekeeping and protection of inmates, and this duty is integral to the agency's mission.' I reached out to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding OIG's report and Maria Morris, senior staff attorney at the ACLU's National Prison Project, provided the following statement: "The use of four-point restraints for hours on end, sometimes resulting in serious and permanent injury, is the latest example of the cruelty that has come to define conditions in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This type of abuse is unconstitutional and unacceptable, and it underscores exactly why robust oversight is essential. With President Trump threatening to gut federal accountability mechanisms, we're facing a dangerous moment where this kind of brutality could become even more common and even harder to uncover and stop."
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Pam Bondi addresses missing minute from Epstein video
Showing now | News 00:43 Pam Bondi has tried to explained what happened to the missing minute of footage from outside Jeffrey Epstein's jail cell. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday (8 July), the Attorney General gave an explanation for the mysterious time jump in the CCTV footage released by the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Monday (7 July). Insisting it was part of a routine reset that takes place every night at the Metropolitan Detention Center, she said: 'We learned from the Bureau of Prisons that every night they redo that video. … So, every night the video is reset, and every night should have the same minute missing.' She said that the DoJ is looking to publish additional footage to prove it was part of a regular reset undertaken at the prison. 06:32 12:25 17:05 03:25 07:30 07:35 10:44 07:06 14:11 12:18 30:24 16:08 17:41 18:22 13:43 12:41 05:35 08:02 06:42 05:23 07:08 05:03 09:53 07:25 07:03 12:39 07:30 07:54 05:23 05:35 09:47 06:28 06:23 07:35 08:03 11:54 08:21 06:38 07:25 04:31 07:30 03:34 17:05 03:51 04:18 06:26 04:30 03:35 03:45 07:34 02:03 03:22 02:15 02:22 02:21 01:43 01:42 01:45 10:44 03:44 07:42 09:22 06:11 07:50 06:21 02:19 10:42 06:27 07:23 06:35 More Behind The Headlines 12:18 11:50 09:03 13:07 00:56 00:26 00:48 00:46 01:20 01:32 01:41 01:07 00:49 00:33 01:00 00:31 00:54 01:08 01:35 00:47 00:16 00:28 00:51 00:51 01:07 01:52 01:23 01:05 00:21 01:45 00:57 00:53 01:03 00:19 00:51 01:23 03:29 03:07 03:07 03:24 01:36 00:42 01:26 00:32 00:31 02:00 00:40 00:58 04:23 04:26 01:01 01:07 15:55 16:33 16:06 15:01 15:16 01:16 00:36 00:48 01:08 More Saudi Green Initiative 01:12 01:23 01:24 Live
