The Bureau of Prisons Can Take Certain Actions To Make Sure Its Correctional Training Is Both Relevant and Cost Effective
GGD-82-75
Published: Sep 30, 1982. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 1982.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed certain aspects of the Bureau of Prisons' training practices.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Justice | The Attorney General should require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide: (1) firearms training only to those administrative/support staff who have the greatest potential for using weapons; and (2) carbine training only to those correctional staff who need it. In addition, the Director should consult with firearms experts to determine what improvements to the firearms training program are needed to enable Bureau staff to use firearms more safely and effectively. |
Closed – Not Implemented
There is a philosophical difference between the Bureau's method of providing training and the approach cited in the report. To agree with GAO, it would have to concur that its current method does not enable it to adequately train employees within existing resource constraints. Justice is not receptive to the recommendation. Consideration is being given to discussing this with cognizant committees.
|
| Department of Justice | The Attorney General should require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to determine whether employees are successfully using aikido when they are faced with dangerous situations. If employees have little confidence in aikido, the Bureau should either modify its existing program or develop some other self-defense technique. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Justice | The Attorney General should require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to explore alternative ways of delivering introductory correctional training so that if the cost of the current approach becomes prohibitive, a well-thought-out alternative can be adopted. One suggestion which should be given priority consideration is the elimination of centralized training for administrative/support staff. |
Closed – Not Implemented
The Bureau thinks that centralized training is valuable and does not intend to consider alternatives. GAO is considering discussing this matter with the cognizant appropriations and oversight subcommittees to obtain evidence of any interest they might have in this area.
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Correctional personnelCost controlCost effectiveness analysisEducationFirearmsLaw enforcementCorrectional facilitiesStudentsFederal lawPolice