BOP Faces Challenges Amidst Staffing Shortages

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) faces challenges including staffing shortages, outdated facilities, poor morale, and staff misconduct. Director Colette Peters entered her second year with the task of addressing these issues. President Trump's hiring freeze led to a significant staffing decrease, resulting in a 14 percent decrease in BOP positions. The agency's population has decreased since 2013, but efforts to reduce prison populations were unsuccessful. The BOP needs over $2 billion to improve prison conditions and has encountered issues related to inmate population and staff misconduct. Despite the challenges, Peters emphasizes the need for better treatment of inmates.