Advocacy & Reform Strategies
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To a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. That adage perfectly encapsulates the Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) approach to inmate management—punishment as the universal solution. "The beatings will continue until morale improves" is not just a cynical joke; it’s an accurate depiction of the BOP's disciplinary philosophy. But before delving into why this strategy is fundamentally flawed, it’s worth understanding why the BOP leans so heavily on it.
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Every day, hundreds of individuals are released from U.S. federal prisons and reenter a society that has undergone a massive technological transformation. From mobile banking and rideshare apps to online job searches and telehealth, daily life in 2025 is powered by digital literacy. Yet many of these returning citizens are emerging from decades-long incarcerations without even the most basic knowledge of how to navigate a smartphone, let alone a computer.
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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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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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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.