BOP Program Statement 1480.06 § 1

This policy establishes guidelines for the Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) regarding public

communication through news media engagement, multimedia production, and the use of third-party websites and applications, including social media.

It is designed to:

 Ensure the public receives accurate, timely, and appropriate information about Bureau

operations, programs, and services.

 Govern media access to Bureau institutions in a manner that protects the safety, security, and

privacy of inmates and staff.

 Support the planning, development, and distribution of information primarily originating

from the Office of the Director to internal audiences (Bureau staff and inmates), external

stakeholders, and the public through timely, cost-effective multimedia productions, in full

compliance with applicable federal regulations.

 Define the authorized use and management of official Bureau social media accounts,

ensuring content is verified, consistent, and aligned with the Bureau’s mission.

 Clarify approval requirements for external use of Bureau-generated social media content.

These provisions apply to all Bureau-managed communications platforms and institution settings

and are intended to support transparency while maintaining operational integrity and respect for

individual rights.

The term multimedia production as referenced in this policy applies exclusively to the official

work product originating from the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs (OCPA), and their

1480.06 6/22/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 2

1480.06 6/22/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 3

designated staff. This includes, but is not limited to, video, audio, graphic, and digital content

created for public dissemination, internal communication, or agency representation.

No other offices, divisions, or staff are authorized to independently produce, release, or distribute

multimedia content to the public under the agency’s name. All such productions must originate

from, or be coordinated through, OCPA to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with

agency standards, messaging, and policy.

Audiovisual (A V) production produced at MSTC or not otherwise originating from OCPA must

comply with the Program Statement Audiovisual Productions.

a. Program Objectives.

 News Media Engagement

(1) The public will be informed about Bureau operations through contacts with news

media representatives.

(2) The privacy and rights of both inmates and staff will be protected, including the right

of an inmate not to be photographed or recorded.

(3) Representatives of the news media will be informed of procedures through which

they may request interviews.

(4) Staff will be able to identify representatives of the news media who qualify to

interview inmates in federal institutions.

 Multimedia Production

(1) Multimedia production activities from the OCPA will be conducted in accordance

with applicable federal regulations, and will include compliance with updated digital

accessibility standards, data security requirements, and DOJ policies governing

multimedia and AV content.

(2) Multimedia productions from the OCPA will be planned and approved by appropriate

authorities. Management controls will be in place to ensure efficiency, incorporating

digital distribution needs, metadata standards, and lifecycle management through

modern production tools and practices.

(3) A library of multimedia productions, including AV assets and related files, will be

maintained for continuity and compliance with Bureau records management

standards.

 Third-Party Websites and Applications

(1) The Bureau will use third-party websites and applications, including social media, in

a manner that:

 promotes the mission, goals, and objectives of the Bureau and DOJ;

 ensures compliance with applicable statutes, Bureau and DOJ regulations and

policies, and federal government-wide guidance;

 protects individual privacy;

 complies with applicable ethical standards;

 ensures accurate and effective communication; and

 maintains the security of Bureau and DOJ systems and information.

b. Institution Supplement. Required. Each institution must develop an Institution Supplement

to implement this program statement. The Institution Supplement is to include, at a minimum,

guidelines for the implementation of a local media emergency plan, which must include

procedures for drafting press releases and statements for an emergency (e.g., escape, walkaway,

etc.), the creation of a press pool and where members of the news media are permitted to gather,

a comprehensive list of local news media outlets with updated contact information, a designated

location for a media center and Public Information Officer (PIO) office area with the

equipment/supplies needed for these areas, and procedures for responding to emergent media

inquiries received after normal duty hours as directed by the Chief Executive Officer. Prior to

implementation, the Institution Supplement must be submitted to the appropriate Regional

Director for approval.