Joshua J. Smith, BOP Deputy Director

From leadership structure to culture change, this episode of #TransparencyTalks brings you inside the first year of @BOPDepDirector Smith’s work at the Bureau of Prisons. Hear how visibility in the field, long hours, honest conversations, and frontline feedback are shaping real improvements for staff, facilities, and the communities we serve. Watch the full episode: bit.ly/4ajDNbc

One year ago today, many people told me I was crazy to take this job.The challenges were real. So was the calling. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, the people I’ve worked alongside, and God’s faithfulness every step of the way.“Let us not grow weary in doing good…” Gal 6:9

Every great turnaround begins with a single question: What if? On the next episode of #TransparencyTalks we flip the script with @BOPDepDirector Smith as he sits down with @BOPDirector Marshall to talk about his first year of leadership and how he intentionally decided to lean into the hard work needed to rebuild, restore, and reimagine the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Change isn’t just possible; it’s powerful.

📣 Prison Fellowship is making historic advances in the @OfficialFBOP as we mark 50 years of ministry! “This is a full-circle moment for Prison Fellowship and me personally,” said @RiceMinus, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship. “The federal prison system is where our ministry was born 50 years ago, and as someone who worked for years to pass the First Step Act, it’s a joy to see the law implemented as intended. Under the new era of leadership with @BOPDirector and @BOPDepDirector, we are seeing the doors open to partnerships with faith and community-based organizations like never before.” Read more about this historic milestone here: pulse.ly/nrxlcg3acc

Last week the Bureau recovered 129 weapons, 278 grams of Methamphetamines and 301 cell phones. #DeniedEntry.

🎤 Behind every young person’s decision is often at the influence of an adult; someone who showed up, spoke life into them, or helped them see beyond their circumstances. BOP proudly welcomes volunteers and their experiences that remind inmates there’s more waiting beyond incarceration: opportunity, purpose, and the chance to rewrite their story. Today, @BOPDepDirector Smith spoke on a panel hosted by Athletes for America at the America First Policy Institute, an event focusing on youth mentorship and the impact it has on reducing youth crime. #CrimePrevention #Mentorship.

Recently, #FCCLompoc partnered with the Aleph Institute to host a family day event at North Camp. @BOPDepDirector Smith joined the event that included inspirational speakers and trauma experts with decades of experience in supporting families with incarcerated loved ones.

Protecting our nation demands unified action. BOP is proud to join a historic interagency collaboration with its federal law enforcement partners through the @HSTFNCC. Directed under the President’s Executive Order, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, this powerhouse coalition will work to eliminate criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. #LetsGetToWork

. @BOPDepDirector Smith joined leadership at #FCILeavenworth, alongside Regional Director Matevousian and Missouri Department of Corrections partners, for a collaborative discussion on advancing correctional culture, focusing on staff support, reentry, and rehabilitation. The visit marked the beginning of a strong partnership between #BOP and #MODOC. The Deputy also addressed staff during a recall, sharing updates on agency achievements and toured the historic FCI Leavenworth, highlighting the connection between BOP’s legacy and its future.

Last week, @BOPDepDirector Smith visited FCC Lompoc for a multi‑day engagement with staff and leadership across the complex. Joined by the Warden and executive team, the Deputy Director toured housing units, program areas, farm operations, education services, food services, and other mission‑critical departments. The visit also included staff recalls, inmate recalls, and opportunities to speak directly with staff.

On episode 6 of #TransparencyTalks we take a hard look at how training fell behind, why wellness must be built into every course, and the plan to replace passive lectures with active, scenario-based learning that actually transfers to the job. #StaffWellness Watch the full episode: 🔗 bit.ly/4ajDNbc

The BOP is grateful for the more than 4,500 volunteers who have completed over 13,000 visits to our institutions. Their mentorship, support, and guidance make a lasting impact on the individuals in our care, their families, and the communities we serve. Thank you for all you do. 🔗 bit.ly/3QrSCQV

Congratulations to @BOPDirector Bill Marshall on an outstanding first year leading the Bureau of Prisons. In just 12 months, Director Marshall has transformed the culture at BOP with real results: • Built a strong leadership team laser-focused on policy, efficiency, and restoring trust with frontline staff • Launched a First Step Act Task Force to fix credit and placement calculations • Cracked down hard on corruption and contraband smuggling • Deployed Special Operations Response Teams to support ICE missions • Ended the gender ideology extremism of the prior administration This DOJ will continue working hand-in-hand with Director Marshall to give him the necessary resources as he restores accountability, integrity, and transparency to the Bureau of Prisons.

On this episode of #TransparencyTalks @BOPDirectorMarshall reflects on first year lessons, sharing his 'hard truth' leadership philosophy rooted in composed, consistent action and never making promises he can’t keep. Watch the full episode: 🔗 bit.ly/4ajDNbc #TransparencyTalks

BOP celebrates more than restoration, we celebrate resilience. Six years after the devastating storm that severely damaged #FCIEstill, @BOPDirector Marshall and @BOPDepDirector Smith join staff to honor the phenomenal efforts of the #StrikeTeam in revitalizing the institution. Full Article➡️ bit.ly/4mCLEVo

Culture changes through people, not policy alone. @BOPDepDirector Smith and the National Resource Team visited #FCCColeman to assess concerns, gather feedback, and support positive, sustainable change. Full Article👉 bit.ly/4tPZGp2 #PositiveChange #StrongerTogether #SaferInstitutions

Every brushstroke tells a story, even the messy ones. 🎨🖌️ The room was electric at #USPAtwater as Damon West shared his powerful message with staff and brought with him a special guest, renowned artist David Garibaldi. David’s performance of a rhythmic style of painting combining music and live entertainment was phenomenal. Thank you both for investing in our staff and sharing your gifts with our hardworking team.

Our words are backed by action! Deputy Director Smith gives an update on BOP’s Facilities Management Strikes teams and their most recent completion of what was an estimated 18-million-dollar project for just 2.2 million dollars View Video➡️ bit.ly/4e4nUXL #BOPStrikeTeam

An unannounced visit was conducted by @BOPDepDirector Smith to #FCIBeckley, getting a firsthand look at the work happening across the institution. From engaging with staff during a staff recall and touring the UNICOR factory, the visit highlighted the dedication and teamwork our staff demonstrate every day.

Incarcerated individuals who maintain family connections through visits are up to 26% less likely to return to prison. That’s why reunification ceremonies like this at #FPCAlderson are invaluable to rehabilitation as well as to public safety. Thank you @GodBehindBars for your partnership in this effort!