BOP Overcrowding: A GAO Report to Congressional Requester’s

A release measure is needed to ensure the protection of victims, witnesses and the general public.

  • Over the past decade, the inmate population has increased by an average of 4,700 inmates per year. It is worth noting that the growth has been slower the last two years and since the beginning of FY 2014 our population is down about 5,100 inmates.
  • System-wide, the Bureau is operating at 23 percent over rated capacity and crowding is of special concern at higher security facilities, with 49 percent crowding at higher security facilities and 32 percent at medium security facilities.