Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Bold Steps for Correctional Excellence

Hearing the Voices of Resilience and Hope

Bold Steps for Correctional Excellence

(BOP) - The work of corrections professionals is not only about managing and supervising individuals who are incarcerated, but also about helping them transform their lives and reintegrate into society as productive and responsible citizens. This work also has a profound impact on the families and communities of those who are, or have been, under the custody and care of the Bureau of Prisons. Correctional excellence, an agency core value, signals a responsibility to listen to their voices and learn from their experiences.

On June 22, 2023, Director Colette Peters, and members of her leadership team, demonstrated the agency's commitment to correctional excellence, along with the other core values of accountability, integrity, respect, and compassion, by hosting a listening session with the Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) advocacy group. A diverse group of approximately 60 people who have been directly affected by incarceration attended the hour long session.

The listening session was an opportunity for Bureau of Prisons' leadership to hear the stories of resilience, hope, and healing from the individuals and their loved ones most impacted by incarceration. It was also an opportunity to gain valuable insights and feedback on how to improve our policies and practices to better serve the needs and address the concerns they raised. The honesty and courage displayed by those who participated in the listening session was inspiring, as was their strength and determination.

Director Peters, and the Bureau of Prisons, is committed to taking further action based on what has been learned from hosting listening sessions, and to continue building trust and collaboration with external stakeholders. By showing that their concerns are being heard, and acted upon, the Bureau of Prisons can better foster a humane and secure environment while preparing the individuals in our custody for successful reentry into our communities. It is our vision, that through the principles of humanity and normalcy, we develop good neighbors.