On September 8, 2000, the Inspections Division sent copies of the draft report to the Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). We addressed four recommendations to BOP concerning its management and implementation of the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program (IFRP). The BOP responded to the recommendations on September 22, 2000. Our analysis of BOP's response follows.

Recommendation Number:

1. Resolved-Closed. The BOP concurred with the recommendation to ensure unit staff understand their IFRP responsibilities and adhere to program guidance. The BOP conducts continual training of institution staff and will ensure the IFRP is addressed in such training. No further action is required for this recommendation.

2. Resolved-Closed. The BOP concurred with the recommendation to ensure unit staff, at times other than the six-month program reviews, document discussions with inmates about changes in their IFRP participation and progress. As part of its expanded training on IFRP, the BOP will emphasize the importance of documenting both formal and informal discussions with inmates. No further action is required for this recommendation.

3. Resolved-Closed. The BOP concurred with the recommendation to ensure institution staff, especially IFRP coordinators, understand the benefits of, and procedures for, conducting monthly quality reviews of the IFRP. The BOP will include the quality reviews in its expanded IFRP training and periodic publications. No further action is required for this recommendation.

4. Resolved-Closed. The BOP concurred with the recommendation to implement the IFRP in community corrections centers. The BOP will request the centers to initiate the IFRP as soon as possible and will ensure future contracts with the centers include IFRP responsibilities. No further action is required for this recommendation.