To more accurately reflect the mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (Bureau) Program Review Division and its broad range of responsibilities, effective immediately the division will be renamed the Division of Compliance and Oversight (DCO). In addition, the Program Review Branch will now be known as the Internal Auditing Branch.
The DCO is the Bureau’s “internal watchdog,” ensuring effective management and operational procedures exist throughout the Bureau. The division is comprised of three core missions: Internal Auditing, External Auditing, and Equal Employment Opportunity.
Internal Auditing
The Internal Auditing Branch (IAB) conducts audits of the Bureau focused on internal controls, ICE compliance, and OMB Circular A-123 requirements. Internal control audits assess current policies, procedures, and systems designed to ensure effective risk management, accurate financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. ICE compliance audits assess Bureau facilities that house ICE detainees to ensure compliance with both Bureau and ICE standards, as well as adherence to the inter-agency agreement. Lastly, A-123 audits are conducted in support of the required assurance memorandum from the Attorney General to the President and Congress. This oversight work in internal auditing is important to maintaining safe and efficient operations of institutions for both staff and inmates.
External Auditing
The External Auditing Branch (EAB) coordinates the Bureau’s engagements with external oversight bodies, including the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Office of the Inspector General, as well as audits specific to Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance.
EAB is also responsible for coordinating the Bureau’s annual response to the GAO High Risk Series, Strengthening the Management of Federal Prison Systems; monitoring strategic planning and enterprise risk management; and providing support for Executive Team meetings.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office ensures thorough, expedient, impartial processing and management of discrimination complaints and provides prompt professional responses to inquiries while encouraging informal resolution. Through training and outreach, the office promotes EEO principles and fosters a discrimination and harassment-free environment. The office also ensures compliance with federal and administrative court orders in EEO matters.
As Director William K. Marshall III leads a transformative shift within the Bureau, the DCO is aligning its efforts to support this mission. The Division’s new name underscores a renewed commitment to rigorous compliance and proactive oversight, ensuring accountability across all programs and operations.