Following President Trump's inauguration and subsequent efforts to reshape the Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Colette Peters has stepped down. William Lothrop, formerly the BOP's deputy director, has assumed the role of acting director.
Appointed in August 2022 by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, Peters was tasked with reforming an agency grappling with long-standing issues such as staffing deficits, corruption, misconduct, and abuse. She was seen as a reformer from outside the system, aiming to overhaul the BOP, which oversees nearly 36,000 employees and more than 155,000 inmates.
Lothrop, boasting over three decades of experience within the BOP, announced the leadership transition in a statement on Tuesday, the day after President Trump's swearing-in. He emphasized his commitment to addressing ongoing challenges, including staffing shortages and operational problems, while collaborating with law enforcement partners and stakeholders to maintain robust inmate programs and support services. Lothrop affirmed the BOP’s core mission of providing a secure and humane environment, ensuring public safety, and preparing inmates for successful reentry.
During her time as director, Peters oversaw the closure of several federal prison facilities, including the notorious Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, which had been dubbed the "rape club" due to widespread sexual abuse allegations. She also faced scrutiny from senators for delays in responding to inquiries and for her reliance on notes during committee appearances.
Among President Trump's early actions was the reversal of Executive Order 14006, which had prohibited the Justice Department from contracting with private prisons. This reversal paves the way for renewed agreements between private prison companies and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Biden-era Federal Prison Oversight Law, designed to enhance prison inspections, was also addressed by Peters, who acknowledged its potential but noted its lack of funding.
