BOP Program Statement 3716.01 § 1

It is the policy of the Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) to take the necessary steps to prevent all forms

of harassment, both sexual and non-sexual. The Bureau is committed to providing a safe and

professional environment for all staff free from discrimination, harassment including sexual

harassment, and retaliation for reporting harassment. The Bureau treats every incident seriously

and will promptly investigate all allegations of harassment.

In accordance with U.S. Department of Justice Order 1207, Reporting and Responding to Sexual

Misconduct, “[a]ll Department staff and contractors are strictly prohibited from engaging in

sexual misconduct towards anyone with whom they interact in connection with their job and

from retaliating against others for reporting sexual misconduct or participating in the complaint

or response process.” The term sexual misconduct encompasses any inappropriate behavior of a

sexual nature, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment. Any staff member found to have

sexually harassed another will face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from

employment and, when appropriate, may be prosecuted in accordance with federal law. Any

3716.01 3/19/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 1

violation by contractors or their personnel may lead to termination of the contract or other

appropriate contractual remedies. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously

and treated with respect and in confidence. Retaliating against a staff member for making such a

complaint is a violation of federal law.

Not all harassment amounts to a violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws.

Generally, harassment must be severe or pervasive to constitute a violation of law. The Bureau,

however, prohibits not only unlawful harassment but all harassing conduct in the interest of

stopping harassment before it becomes a violation of EEO laws. This program statement applies

to all Bureau staff.

a. Program Objectives.

■ Bureau staff work in an environment free from harassing conduct and intimidation from

all staff (regardless of position), contract workers, and inmates.

■ Staff who make claims of harassing conduct or provide information related to such claims

be protected against any further harassing conduct or retaliation.

■ Staff who fail to comply with the terms of this program statement be referred to the

Office of Internal Affairs (OIA) pursuant to the Program Statement Standards of

Employee Conduct.

b. Institution Supplement. None.