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- Category: Advocacy & Reform Strategies
The proliferation of drug use within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has reached epidemic levels. Yet, while much attention is given to the presence of drugs, the secondary effects—corruption, violence, and recidivism—are often overlooked. The BOP’s response remains a blunt instrument: sweeping prohibitions and punitive measures that fail to address the root causes of substance abuse. The current system is ineffective, and worse, it perpetuates the very cycle it aims to break.
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- Category: Advocacy & Reform Strategies
One of the most significant factors contributing to prolonged incarceration in the federal prison system is the loss of Good Conduct Time (GCT). This penalty is supposed to be reserved for the most serious infractions, such as drug possession, weapons violations, or failed drug tests. However, it is often applied even for minor infractions like possession of a cell phone. The underlying issue lies in the deeply flawed standard of evidence used by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
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- Category: Advocacy & Reform Strategies
A Misguided Approach to Prison Management
In the broader criminal justice system, the theory of "Broken Windows Policing"—which emphasizes cracking down on minor infractions to prevent larger crimes—has faced mounting criticism. While initially hailed as a success in cities like New York, deeper analysis has revealed its flaws, including crime displacement and increased violence in surrounding areas. Unfortunately, it appears that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has not received the memo.
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- Category: Advocacy & Reform Strategies
Why Mobile Phone Possession Should Be Reclassified as a Moderate Severity Offense
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) currently categorizes inmate possession of mobile phones as a "Greatest Severity" offense under Incident Code 108, placing it alongside truly dangerous contraband like weapons and escape tools. This classification comes with severe penalties, including a 10-year mark on an inmate’s record, restrictions on rehabilitative programs, and potentially prolonged incarceration. However, as technology evolves and prison policies around the world adapt to new realities, it’s clear that the BOP’s rigid stance on mobile phones is outdated, counterproductive, and in urgent need of revision. Rather than treating phone possession as a major security breach, BOP should adopt a more nuanced approach, reclassifying it as a "Moderate Severity" offense—akin to circumvention of monitoring policies—so that penalties are proportionate to the actual risks involved.
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- Category: Voices from Inside: Personal Stories
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