(BOP) A renewed sense of purpose accompanied the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) as it returned to the 29th Annual Mock Prison Riot for four days of intensive training from May 3 to 6, 2026. Held at the decommissioned West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, the event offered one of the most realistic and challenging training environments available to corrections professionals.
Across the agency, the BOP has renewed its focus on strengthening training at every stage of an employee’s career. This commitment is reflected not only in participation at national events like the Mock Prison Riot, but also in the continued development of core and specialty programs at the Staff Training Academy in Glynco, Georgia. Leadership engagement at the academy has highlighted the depth of these offerings, which prepare new employees through the Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phase II course and support experienced staff through advanced instruction in areas such as Bus Operations, Marksman Observer, and the Witness Security Program. The academy also provides specialized training for legal staff and cross development opportunities for chaplains and Public Health Service officers. Together, these efforts underscore the BOP’s broader commitment to building a highly trained workforce equipped to meet the complex demands of modern corrections.
This renewed focus aligns with the evolving demands placed on corrections professionals. Training environments like the Mock Prison Riot help ensure that BOP staff are not only prepared for complex situations but positioned to excel. The skills reinforced here, including communication, precision, adaptability, and resilience, directly support the agency’s mission and strengthen readiness across the field.
The Mock Prison Riot offers a uniquely immersive experience that blends competition with scenario-based exercises. This year’s event brought together 43 teams from 11 countries, setting the stage for a week of intensive, collaborative, and highly realistic training. The event features two primary components. The Skills Competition tests teams on precision, communication, and tactical execution. Scenario Based Training places agencies inside the penitentiary’s cellblocks, yards, and corridors to navigate missions that mirror real world correctional challenges.
The BOP fielded four blended teams composed of Disturbance Control Team and Special Operations Response Team members from multiple Mid-Atlantic Region institutions, along with a fifth team from USP Lee made up entirely of DCT personnel.
During the event, Director William K. Marshall III met with participants and emphasized the importance of the agency’s commitment to raising training standards. His remarks underscored pride in the workforce and a clear vision for the future. He stated, “Right here is my team. Right here is where my heart and dedication are. Right here. Every day. Every day I wake up, it is an honor to be your director and to have the opportunity to make your jobs and your lives better. And by the time we are done, we are going to be the very best correctional department in the world. Not just this country, in the world. We will be the best in the business. We will be the industry leaders in everything corrections.”
MXR operators delivered strong performances throughout the competitive events. One SORT squad placed ninth out of 25 teams in the team obstacle course and performed well in four additional high intensity challenges focused on teamwork and tactical execution. Several operators also competed in the individual obstacle course, with one placing third overall and becoming one of only three participants to complete the course in under seven minutes.
The Mock Prison Riot stands as one example of the BOP’s renewed focus on developing a highly capable workforce. The dedication shown by participants reflects the strength of the agency and the importance of investing in staff at every stage of their careers.