(BOP) We are pleased to announce the signing of several updated Bureau policies, marking one of the most significant modernization efforts in nearly 30 years. This milestone follows Director Marshall’s decision to terminate the Bureau’s master agreement with CPL-33, a longstanding framework that had shaped internal processes for decades and laid the groundwork for the transformative policy work now underway.
In the first 90 days of this renewed effort, the Bureau completed 37 policies, a volume of work unprecedented in our history. Collectively, these 37 policies represented 163,408 days since their last update, averaging 12 years and 9 months per policy. The oldest among them had not been updated since July 21, 1997, a span of 28 years and 8 months ago. Of the 37, two were tied to GAO/OIG audits that had been awaiting resolution, and four were entirely new policies for the agency. This level of progress reflects a commitment to modernization that the Bureau has never before achieved within such a timeframe. And we are not finished. This is only the beginning, and more updates are already underway as we continue building a modern, responsive policy framework for the agency.
For more than three decades, many of the Bureau’s foundational policies remained unchanged. While they served the organization well in their time, the needs of our workforce, our mission, and the broader correctional environment have evolved dramatically. The newly signed policies reflect a renewed commitment to clarity, accountability, and operational excellence, ensuring that our guidance aligns with current standards, legal requirements, and the realities of today’s correctional landscape.
In the weeks following the termination of the master agreement, extensive collaboration took place across divisions and regions. Leadership, subject matter experts, and frontline staff worked together to design a policy process that is transparent, efficient, and inclusive. The result is a streamlined approach that ensures policies are reviewed and finalized in a timely manner while still allowing meaningful opportunities for input.
“Updating policies that have gone untouched for more than 30 years is about doing what’s right for our staff and for the Bureau. Clear, current guidance is essential to our mission, and these updates reflect our commitment to strengthening the organization and supporting the people who carry out this work every day,” stated Director Marshall.
Deputy Director Smith added, “Our staff deserve guidance that is clear, current, and grounded in the realities of our work. These updated policies are a concrete step in giving employees the structure and support they need to do their jobs safely, effectively, and with confidence.”
These and future updated policies can be accessed on both bop.gov and Sallyport, ensuring that staff, the public, and external stakeholders have consistent and convenient access to the most current guidance. This modernization effort will continue in the months ahead, with additional updates already in development as we sustain this momentum and strengthen the Bureau’s policy foundation.