Contact:
Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700
rburks@famm.org

FAMM URGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO APPOINT REFORM-MINDED BOP DIRECTOR
The criminal justice reform group highlights issues facing the BOP due to a lack of leadership.

WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the White House to take the lead in finding a new, reform-minded director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) as soon as possible. The agency has not had a director since the resignation of Mark Inch in May. As a result, some facilities have implemented questionable and problematic policies that have impacted family visitation and prisoners’ access to books, among other consequences. Ongoing issues continue to persist, such as reductions in halfway house time, staff cuts, and the failure to identify eligible candidates for the federal compassionate release program.

“We are encouraged by the attention prison reform is getting from the White House and Congress, but the BOP has been rudderless for far too long. The agency needs a strong, reform-minded director,” said FAMM President Kevin Ring. “Without new leadership, we fear the same problems will continue to plague the Bureau, and families will suffer as a consequence.”

The letter acknowledges that although federal law dictates that the attorney general appoint a new BOP director, it is important that the White House take the lead in finding a qualified leader for the agency.

***** For additional information or to arrange an interview with Kevin Ring, contact Rabiah Burks at rburks@famm.org*****

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies in six states and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94 percent of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.

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