Federal Bureau Of Prisons Locks Down All Facilities In Advance Of Inauguration

Every American viewed with horror the tragic events of the hostile actions on Capitol Hill on January 6. Now the country is on edge as more protests are likely to occur across the country. There are more than 22,000 National Guard troops in Washington DC as both deterrent and protection from violent acts that could disrupt the Inauguration of Joe Biden.

The tensions we all feel are magnified in our federal prison facilities. Federal inmates have been in a state of strict confinement since the federal Bureau of Prisons modified its operations in March 2020. Since then, most all visitation has been cancelled, intermediate lockdowns implemented to reduce contagion of COVID-19 and many inmate programs/activities put on hold. Things are about to get even more restrictive.

The BOP issued a statement early today (January 16, 2020) announcing that a national lockdown is in place until further notice:

“... in light of current events occurring around the country, and out of an abundance of caution, the decision has been made to secure all institutions. This measure is being taken to maintain the security and orderly running of our institutions, as well as to ensure the continued safety of staff, inmates, and the public.

In securing the facilities, the hope is that this prudent measure is for a short period and that operations will be restored to their prior status as soon as practical. We will continue to monitor events carefully and will adjust operations accordingly as the situation continues to evolve. Recognizing that communication with families is important, although it will be limited, inmates will be provided with access to telephones and email.”

I spoke to Jack Donson who worked as a Correctional Treatment Specialist at the BOP before retiring in 2011 who told me that many inmates are under mental stress as a result of living in a correctional institutional environment, but lockdowns add to that stress. Donson told me, “The BOP is on record regarding how important family visitation is for adjustme... (Read more)

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