BOP Program Statement 1411.02 § 3

a. It is Bureau policy to permit staff to engage in independent, off-duty publication activities

without management review or approval, except when:

 The activity is part of the staff member’s official duties or assigned responsibilities.

 The content addresses or focuses on the staff member’s official duties or the programs,

operations, or policies of the Bureau.

 The invitation to participate was extended due to the staff member’s official Bureau role.

 The person extending the invitation has direct or indirect interests that may be affected by

the staff member’s official Bureau responsibilities.

 The content includes or relies on privileged or sensitive information.

 The views expressed could reasonably be interpreted or leave the impression that the staff

member is representing or speaking on behalf of the DOJ or the Bureau.

 The staff member is identified as affiliated with the Bureau or DOJ. See section 7 of this

program statement for disclaimer requirements.

A staff member must obtain prior Bureau approval if any of the above conditions apply. See

section 5 of this program statement for the mandatory review process.

1411.02 6/22/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 2

1411.02 6/22/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 3

b. Staff do not need prior approval for independent, off-duty publication activities that:

 Address criminal justice topics in a general manner, based on the staff member’s personal

experiences and/or education, and does not focus specifically on the Bureau or the staff

member’s official duties and responsibilities.

 Do not contain privileged or sensitive information, or pose a risk to institutional security

or safety.

 Are unrelated to corrections or criminal justice.

If unsure whether review is required, staff may request a voluntary advisory review. See section

4 of this program statement for more information.

c. This policy does not apply to publication activities that are specifically assigned as part of

official Bureau duties. Such work is subject to supervisory review, consistent with other official

work products.

 Staff do not retain ownership or have intellectual control over reports, studies, or other

materials produced on the job. These may not be published without supervisory

authorization, unless obtained through a FOIA request.

d. Impromptu, informal, or unprepared presentations, such as classroom or panel discussions,

are not subject to prior review under this program statement due to their spontaneous nature.

However, staff must still avoid disclosing privileged information or giving the impression of

speaking on behalf of the Bureau or the DOJ.