BOP Program Statement 5370.12 § 3

The following Bureau components are responsible for ensuring consistent establishment of

Recreation programs, services, and resource allocation.

a. Education Services Branch (ESB)

The ESB is the agency’s source for expertise on development, coordination, and management of

recreation programs. Specifically, the ESB is responsible for the following functions:

■ Providing national oversight and development of recreation programs and initiatives for

the inmate population.

■ Researching and gathering information on recreation programs and trends addressing the

physical, emotional, and social well-being of inmates.

■ Assisting Regional Education Administrators (REA), Supervisors of Education (SOE),

and Supervisors of Recreation (SOR) in establishing new programs that encourage

inmates to make constructive use of their leisure time.

■ Representing the Bureau at internal and external events/conferences by providing

information regarding inmate recreation programs.

■ Providing leadership and guidance to Regional Office and institution staff.

■ Developing and providing staff professional development regarding recreation programs.

■ Preparing recreation program monitoring reports for internal and external stakeholders.

b. Regional Education Administrators (REA)

■ Ensuring all institutions offer recreation programs that meet the diverse needs of the

inmate population.

5370.12 6/22/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 3

■ Advising ESB of issues and concerns affecting recreation programs at the institutions in

their region.

■ Providing oversight to institutions regarding the implementation and monitoring of new

and existing recreation programs.

■ Monitoring and ensuring institution staff are appropriately reporting quarterly outcomes.

c. Institutions

■ Ensuring recreation programs are supervised by staff meeting the qualifications outlined

in the General Policies and Instructions for the Qualification Standards Handbook.

■ Offering recreation services and leisure activities targeting the physical, emotional, and

social well-being of the inmate population.

■ Tracking participation in recreation programs by updating the applicable Bureau inmate

management system and other databases as appropriate.

■ Monitoring and reporting recreation program performance and outcomes quarterly to the

Central Office ESB.

■ Including recreation programs in the Admission and Orientation (A&O) reference

materials as well as posting them on the Recreation department bulletin board.

■ Ensure inmates used as recreation program assistants, under the supervision of a qualified

staff member, are trained using the Recreation Assistant Training program.