Welcome to FixingBOP.org: A Call for Change in the Federal Bureau of Prisons

The United States incarcerates more people than any other nation in the world, yet our prison system fails in one of its most fundamental missions—rehabilitation. At FixingBOP.org, we shine a light on the deep-rooted problems within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and advocate for meaningful reform.

Why This Matters

The U.S. prison system isn’t just broken—it’s actively harming those it incarcerates, their families, and society at large. With high recidivism rates, deteriorating living conditions, and a lack of meaningful rehabilitation programs, the BOP has strayed far from its intended purpose.

Decades ago, the BOP operated under a different philosophy—one that, while not perfect, at least recognized the importance of education, vocational training, and mental health support. Today, these programs have been gutted, leaving many incarcerated individuals in worse shape upon release than when they entered.

FixingBOP.org is here to:

• Expose the Problems – We document the failures of the BOP, from unsafe conditions to inadequate medical care and staff corruption.
• Compare U.S. Prisons to Europe – By contrasting American recidivism rates and rehabilitation efforts with those in European countries, we highlight how the U.S. falls short.
• Analyze the Decline – We examine how and why the BOP has deteriorated over the past 30 years, from budget cuts to policy shifts that prioritize punishment over rehabilitation.
• Advocate for Solutions – Our goal isn’t just to criticize—it’s to push for reform. We explore evidence-based policies that could reduce recidivism, improve prison conditions, and create a system that actually rehabilitates.

The U.S. vs. Europe: A Stark Contrast

In the U.S., nearly 70% of those released from prison are re-arrested within three years. Meanwhile, European countries like Norway and Germany boast recidivism rates under 30%. What’s the difference?

• Rehabilitation vs. Punishment – European prisons prioritize reintegration into society, offering vocational training, therapy, and humane living conditions. The U.S., in contrast, focuses almost entirely on punishment, leading to a cycle of reoffending.
• Education & Job Training – Many European prisons provide university courses and job training that prepare individuals for life after prison. The BOP has slashed these programs, leaving incarcerated individuals with few options upon release.
• Mental Health & Drug Treatment – While European prisons emphasize rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction or mental health issues, the U.S. prison system often ignores these problems, exacerbating them.

BOP: Then vs. Now

Thirty years ago, while the U.S. prison system was still flawed, the BOP offered more opportunities for rehabilitation:

• Educational Programs – College courses and vocational training were widely available, helping incarcerated individuals gain skills for reentry.
• Better Medical Care – While not perfect, the quality of healthcare in federal prisons was significantly better than today.
• Staffing & Oversight – Prisons were better staffed, and there was greater accountability to prevent corruption and abuse.

Today, budget cuts, privatization efforts, and policies that prioritize cost-cutting over human dignity have led to:

• Overcrowded, understaffed prisons
• Severe medical neglect
• Increased violence and corruption
• The near-elimination of meaningful rehabilitation programs

Join the Movement for Change

FixingBOP.org isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong—we’re about making things right. We believe that change is possible, but only if people are informed and demand action.

• Read & Share – Explore our articles, research, and real-life stories from those inside the system.
• Advocate for Reform – Contact lawmakers, support prison reform organizations, and push for policy changes that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
• Stay Informed – Follow us for updates on legislation, lawsuits, and efforts to hold the BOP accountable.

The U.S. can do better. We must do better. Join us in the fight to fix the Federal Bureau of Prisons and create a system that actually works—for those inside and for society as a whole.