BOP Program Statement 1411.02 § 4

When a staff member determines a publication activity requires a mandatory review in

accordance with the provisions of this program statement, the following process must be

followed:

a. The staff member submits an email or memorandum through their CEO outlining the

proposed publication or speech to the Chief, Office of Communications and Multimedia

Production (OCMP). The staff member must include all relevant details, e.g.,:

 name and/or identification of the outlet, event, or forum for publication;

 the intended audience;

 the proposed date for publication or presentation;

 any deadlines imposed by external publishers or organizers; and

 any other factors necessary for an accurate review.

b. The Chief, OCMP may refer the manuscript to the Office of General Counsel, Assistant

Directors in the relevant program areas, or other subject matter experts to assist in determining:

(1) whether it contains any information restricted under the FOIA, the Privacy Act, or other

applicable statutes or regulations; (2) whether the manuscript should be approved for publication,

based on considerations such as FOIA/Privacy Act compliance, institutional security concerns, or

whether the author has inappropriately given the impression of speaking on behalf of the Bureau,

either through explicit statements or by failing to include a disclaimer; and (3) what revisions or

restrictions, if any, are necessary before publication may be approved.

c. In addition to reviewing for improper release of information and security risks, the Chief,

OCMP, along with other reviewing offices, may note factual inaccuracies or misrepresentations

of Bureau policy. Such inaccuracies, if identified, may be grounds for denying publication

approval. The Bureau may require authors to correct such inaccuracies prior to publication.

However, statements of opinion may not be cited as grounds for denial.

d. After the manuscript has been reviewed, as appropriate, by the Office of General Counsel,

Assistant Directors in the relevant program areas, or other subject matter experts, the Chief,

OCMP, will ordinarily issue a final decision regarding publication approval within 90 days.

e. The staff member will be notified in writing of the final decision. Notification will also be

provided to the Warden, Regional Director, or Assistant Director in the staff member’s chain of

command.

 If authority to publish is not granted, the proposed manuscript will be returned to the staff

member with the written reasons for denial. The staff member may revise the manuscript

based on feedback and resubmit for another review.