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Document DOJ-OGR-00023485

AI Analysis

Summary: The OIG analyzed the BOP's response to recommendations regarding suicide watch and cellmate assignment procedures. The BOP agreed with the recommendations and reported updates to its processes, which the OIG deemed responsive. The OIG will continue to monitor the BOP's implementation of the new procedures.
Significance: This document reveals the BOP's response to OIG recommendations regarding suicide watch and cellmate assignment procedures, and the OIG's analysis of those responses. It establishes the steps taken by the BOP to address concerns raised by the OIG.
Key Topics: Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) response to OIG recommendations Suicide watch and psychological observation procedures Cellmate assignment for inmates at high risk for suicide
Key People:
  • Mr. Epstein - Notable inmate whose death prompted BOP process updates
Document Type
Report
Date
Unknown
Pages
1
Folder
IMAGES009

Full Text

Appendix B: OIG Analysis of the BOP's Response The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) provided a draft of this report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the BOP's response is incorporated as Appendix A. The BOP indicated in its response that it agreed with all eight recommendations. The following provides the OIG's analysis of the BOP's response and a summary of the actions necessary to close the recommendations. The OIG requests that the BOP provide an update on the status of its response to the recommendations within 90 days of the issuance of this report. Recommendation 1: The BOP should implement a process for assigning a cellmate following suicide watch or psychological observation, with criteria for exceptions based on the particular individual or security considerations. Status: Resolved. BOP Response: The BOP reported the following: The BOP recognizes the importance of careful monitoring of adults in custody who face mental health challenges and therefore concurs with this recommendation. Our practice is to carefully consider both the well-being and safety of the individual involved and overarching safety and security concerns. In the years since Mr. Epstein's death, the BOP has updated its process related to suicide watch and psychological observation. Under BOP's revised process, upon removal from suicide watch or psychological observation, psychologists make individualized care recommendations about clinical follow-up and other custodial concerns, including housing and cellmates. Mental health, custody, and unit team employees work collaboratively to ensure that each individual removed from suicide watch is housed appropriately. OIG Analysis: The BOP's response is responsive to this recommendation. The OIG will consider whether to close this recommendation after the BOP (1) provides for the OIG's review a proposed process for assigning a cellmate following suicide watch or psychological observation, with criteria for exceptions based on the particular individual or security considerations, that addresses issues identified in the OIG's report; and (2) implements the process. Recommendation 2: The BOP should establish procedures to ensure inmates at high risk for suicide and for whom a cellmate is recommended will continue to have a cellmate until the recommendation is changed or rescinded, including establishing a contingency plan for cellmate re-assignment, with criteria for exceptions based on the particular individual or security considerations. Status: Resolved. BOP Response: The BOP reported the following: The BOP concurs with this recommendation. As described in its response to Recommendation 1. BOP's current process related to suicide watch and psychological observation applies an