The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of both employees and incarcerated individuals. In partnership with the Council of Prison Locals, we are announcing new initiatives aimed at strengthening our narcotics interdiction efforts and expanding access to lifesaving NARCAN. Together, these initiatives represent a critical step toward safeguarding the integrity of our facilities and the well-being of our workforce and those individuals in our care and custody.
Narcotics Interdiction: Reinforcing the Security of Incoming Mail
The rise in illicit substances sent to incarcerated individuals through U.S. mail is a persistent and evolving challenge. To address this, the FBOP is implementing a new directive for correspondence handling which focuses on limiting the potential for narcotics and contraband to enter our institutions through the U.S. mail.
Starting in November 2024, in institutions other than minimum-security facilities, all general correspondence (including photos and commercial greeting cards) sent to an adult in our custody will be photocopied, and only the photocopies will be provided to the individual. Importantly, color photocopies will be used for photos to ensure quality. Additional measures include:
- All incoming general correspondence must be on plain white paper and in a white envelope.
- Correspondence containing materials such as glitter, stickers, lipstick, crayon, or marker will be rejected.
- Any correspondence stained or containing suspicious substances will be rejected.
- Labels on incoming general mail will not be allowed, except in the case of approved incarcerated individual to incarcerated individual correspondence and labels from sanctioned publications.
- Mail sprayed with fragrances like perfume or cologne will be rejected.
- Legal and special mail will continue to be opened in the presence of the adult in custody. To ensure the safety of our employees and those in our custody, all legal and special mail will be vetted by the Special Investigative Services (SIS) office for verification of the sender and recipient locations. While efforts will be made to deliver mail within 24 hours, thorough vetting is required to ensure the highest level of security. Additionally, before delivery to the incarcerated recipient, the envelope will be photocopied. When opened, the adult in custody will be provided the contents of the legal or special mail and the photocopy of the envelope.
These enhanced mail protocols will not only curb attempts to introduce narcotics to our institutions but will also create a safer environment for employees tasked with handling mail for the adults in custody. Together with the rejection of suspicious general correspondence, the new vetting and photocopying process for legal and special mail serves as critical barriers against dangerous substances that can be easily concealed in seemingly innocent mail.
NARCAN Self-Carry: Expanding Access to Life-Saving Measures
In addition to tightening controls on the introduction of contraband through the mail, the FBOP is taking proactive steps to protect employees and incarcerated individuals in instances of opioid overdoses. Starting no later than November 4, 2024, all institutions will implement a NARCAN Self-Carry policy. NARCAN (naloxone) is an opioid overdose reversal medication that can save lives when administered quickly and effectively. Central Office will purchase 100,000 doses of NARCAN that will be distributed to institutions in FY 2025.
Wardens are required to ensure that NARCAN is carried by employees in key positions across our facilities. This initiative allows for rapid response in the event of an overdose, protecting employees and the adults in custody alike. The following personnel and posts will be equipped with NARCAN:
- All Lieutenants
- All Health Services employees (excluding Medical Referral Centers)
- All Correctional Systems employees
- All Recreation employees
- Unit Officers
- Special Housing Unit (SHU) Officer in Charge
- Compound and Corridor officers
- Visitation #1 post
- Front Lobby officers
The method of issuance, tracking, and inventory management will be determined at the local level, but the highest level of accountability is expected for ensuring NARCAN is readily available in the event of an emergency.
A Commitment to Safety and Partnership
These initiatives are a direct reflection of the ongoing collaboration between FBOP leadership and the Council of Prison Locals. Together, we remain committed to enhancing safety and security in every institution across the FBOP. The implementation of stricter mail protocols and NARCAN self-carry policies demonstrate our collective determination to address challenges facing our facilities head-on.
We are confident that these measures will not only help to safeguard our dedicated employees but also contribute to a safer and more secure environment for everyone in our care. The FBOP and the Council of Prison Locals will continue to work together to ensure that our policies and procedures evolve to meet the needs of our workforce and the challenges of today’s correctional environment.
Colette S. Peters
Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons
Brandy Moore White
President, Council of Prison Locals