Enhanced Screening of Bop Correctional Officer Candidates Could Reduce Likelihood of Misconduct

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted this review to examine whether the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) hiring process could more effectively identify potentially unsuitable applicants for Correctional Officer positions. As part of our review, we evaluated whether the BOP could use selected background characteristics as indicators of future Correctional Officer conduct when assessing applicants' suitability. While most of the BOP's 16,000 Correctional Officers never engage in misconduct or commit crimes, those who do jeopardize the safety and security of other staff and inmates and undermine public confidence in the BOP. From fiscal year (FY) 2001 through FY 2009, an average of 113 officers per year committed misconduct resulting in at least a 1-day suspension. Further, for each Correctional Officer terminated due to arrest or misconduct, or who resigns under inquiry, the BOP bears the cost of hiring and training a new Correctional Officer - approximately $66,650 for the first year.