[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 194 (Wednesday, December 14, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H9826-H9828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PRISON CAMERA REFORM ACT OF 2021

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (S. 2899) to require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to 
address deficiencies and make necessary upgrades to the security camera 
and radio systems of the Bureau of Prisons to ensure the health and 
safety of employees and inmates.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                S. 2899

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Prison Camera Reform Act of 
     2021''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Bureau of Prisons has 122 institutions located 
     throughout the United States. The Bureau of Prisons employs 
     nearly 38,000 employees and is responsible for more than 
     150,000 Federal inmates.
       (2) Video footage from security camera systems and reliable 
     communication over radio systems within Bureau of Prisons 
     institutions are essential to protecting the health and 
     safety of Bureau of Prisons employees and Federal inmates.
       (3) Based on the experience of Bureau of Prisons 
     correctional staff, the noticeable presence of functioning 
     security cameras serves as an effective deterrent to criminal 
     behavior and misconduct.
       (4) Well-documented deficiencies of camera systems at 
     Bureau of Prisons' facilities have hindered investigators' 
     ability to substantiate allegations of serious misconduct by 
     staff and inmates, including sexual and physical assaults, 
     medical neglect, and introduction of contraband.
       (5) In a 2016 report, the Office of the Inspector General 
     for the Department of Justice determined that ``deficiencies 
     within the BOP's security camera system have affected the 
     OIG's ability to secure prosecutions of staff and inmates in 
     BOP contraband introduction cases, and these same problems 
     adversely impact the availability of critical evidence to 
     support administrative or disciplinary action against staff 
     and inmates''.
       (6) Shortcomings in the land-mobile radio systems at Bureau 
     of Prison facilities institutions impede the communication 
     abilities of staff, slowing or preventing the response of 
     correctional officers during an emergency or threat of 
     attack, and jeopardizing the safety of both staff and Federal 
     inmates.

     SEC. 3. REQUIRED PLAN FOR REFORM OF BOP SECURITY CAMERA AND 
                   RADIO COVERAGE AND CAPABILITIES.

       (a) Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons 
     shall--
       (1) evaluate the security camera, land-mobile radio 
     (referred to in this Act as ``LMR''), and public address 
     (referred to in this Act as ``PA'') systems in use by the 
     Bureau of Prisons as of the date of enactment of this Act; 
     and
       (2) submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate 
     and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives a plan for ensuring that all Bureau of 
     Prisons correctional facilities have the security camera, 
     LMR, and PA system coverage and capabilities necessary to--
       (A) ensure the health and safety of staff and Federal 
     inmates; and
       (B) ensure the documentation and accessibility of video 
     evidence that may pertain to misconduct by staff or inmates, 
     negligent or abusive treatment of inmates, or criminal 
     activity within correctional facilities.
       (b) Contents.--The plan required under subsection (a) 
     shall--

[[Page H9827]]

       (1) identify and include plans to address any deficiencies 
     in the security camera system in use at Bureau of Prisons 
     correctional facilities, including those related to--
       (A) an insufficient number of cameras;
       (B) inoperable or malfunctioning cameras;
       (C) blind spots;
       (D) poor quality video; and
       (E) any other deficits in the security camera system;
       (2) identify and include plans to adopt and maintain any 
     security camera system upgrades needed to achieve the 
     purposes described in subsection (a), including--
       (A) conversion of all analog cameras to digital 
     surveillance systems, with corresponding infrastructure and 
     equipment upgrade requirements;
       (B) upgrades to ensure the secure storage, logging, 
     preservation, and accessibility of recordings such that the 
     recordings are available to investigators or Courts at such 
     time as may be reasonably required; and
       (C) additional enterprise-wide camera system capabilities 
     needed to enhance the safety and security of inmates and 
     staff;
       (3) identify and include plans to address any deficiencies 
     in the LMR and PA systems in use at Bureau of Prisons 
     correctional facilities, including those related to--
       (A) an inadequate number of radios;
       (B) inoperable, outdated, or malfunctioning LMR or PA 
     systems;
       (C) areas of Bureau of Prisons correctional facilities that 
     lack adequate reception for radio operation;
       (D) radios that lack an emergency notification feature 
     (also known as a ``man down'' function), which automatically 
     sends an alert and transmits the location of that radio in 
     the event the wearer is in a prone position; and
       (E) any other deficits in the LMR or PA systems;
       (4) include an assessment of operational and logistical 
     considerations in implementing the plan required under 
     subsection (a), including--
       (A) a prioritization of facilities for needed upgrades, 
     beginning with high security institutions;
       (B) the personnel and training necessary to implement the 
     changes; and
       (C) ongoing repair and maintenance requirements; and
       (5) include a 3-year strategic plan and cost projection for 
     implementing the changes and upgrades to the security camera, 
     LMR, and PA systems identified under paragraphs (1) through 
     (4).
       (c) Implementation Deadline.--Not later than 3 years after 
     the date on which the plan is submitted under subsection 
     (a)(2), and subject to appropriations, the Director of the 
     Bureau of Prisons shall complete implementation of the 
     submitted plan.
       (d) Annual Progress Reports.--Beginning 1 year after the 
     date on which the plan is submitted under subsection (a)(2), 
     and each year thereafter until the end of the 3-year period 
     described in subsection (c), the Director of the Bureau of 
     Prisons shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the 
     Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the progress of the 
     implementation of the submitted plan.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Nadler) and the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Spartz) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on S. 2899.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, S. 2899, the Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021, is 
bipartisan legislation that would require the Bureau of Prisons to 
evaluate the security camera, land-mobile radio, and public address 
systems in use at the BOP institutions, submit to Congress a report on 
any deficiencies, and implement a plan for needed improvements.
  In 2016, the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General issued 
a report on deficiencies within BOP camera systems. The report found 
that camera deficiencies affected the ability to secure prosecutions of 
staff and incarcerated individuals in cases involving introduction of 
contraband in BOP facilities and adversely affected the availability of 
critical evidence to support administrative or disciplinary action 
against staff and incarcerated individuals.
  Following that report, BOP took some action to improve the camera 
systems. However, their efforts have proved insufficient. A follow-up 
OIG memo in 2021 found that of the over 24,000 cameras across all BOP 
institutions, 86 percent, more than 20,000, are still analog or utilize 
old technology. Analog cameras produce poor-quality video, have limited 
coverage, and contribute to dangerous or unsafe areas within BOP 
institutions.
  A fully digital camera system would produce improved video quality 
and coverage, enhanced search capabilities, and expand video storage 
periods of between 60 and 120 days. These capabilities would improve 
the BOP's threat assessments, monitoring, and contraband interdictions.
  Improving BOP camera systems will create safer institutions for both 
correctional staff and incarcerated individuals.
  Tragic cases of officer assaults against individuals while 
incarcerated often rely on camera footage as evidence, but outdated 
technology makes holding these officers accountable even more 
difficult.
  This bill would require the BOP to investigate and address 
deficiencies in the camera and radio systems across all institutions. 
The BOP would also be required to implement all needed improvements 
within 3 years and to submit annual progress reports. The significant 
oversight mechanisms within this legislation will enable Congress to 
hold the BOP accountable and ensure that all deficiencies are addressed 
within the specified time period.
  Security camera systems within prisons are critical for protecting 
the safety, well-being, and civil rights of both incarcerated people 
and prison employees.
  This bipartisan measure would require the BOP to investigate and 
address these critical safety concerns and ensure that the improvements 
will, in fact, be made by including significant congressional 
oversight.
  I thank Representatives Keller, McBath, and Trone, as well as Senator 
Ossoff, for introducing this important legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the bill, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  S. 2899 requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to evaluate 
the security camera, radio, and public address systems in all BOP 
facilities and to submit a report to Congress with a plan to address 
the deficiencies.
  Once the report is submitted, BOP has 3 years to implement the system 
upgrades as detailed in the report. The bill also requires the BOP to 
submit annual progress reports to Congress on the implementation of the 
submitted plan.
  In 2016, the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of 
Justice published a report identifying major problems with the BOP's 
security cameras. These problems included security cameras with blind 
spots, cameras that were inoperable, cameras with poor video quality, 
and other serious deficiencies.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller).
  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to speak in support of S. 
2899, the Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021.

  Our team, along with Congresswoman McBath, introduced the House 
companion to this bill, which requires the Bureau of Prisons to 
evaluate their security cameras and address deficiencies so that the 
Bureau of Prisons can keep correctional officers and inmates safe, 
oversee misconduct, and limit contraband.
  As the chair of the Congressional Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, 
our team has facilitated several meetings with officials from the 
Bureau of Prisons and the Council of Prison Locals.
  During these meetings, we heard from corrections officers about major 
deficiencies and needed upgrades within the BOP's security camera 
system. These deficiencies have made it harder for corrections officers 
to protect themselves and maintain secure facilities.
  The Prison Camera Reform Act works to address these concerns, 
requiring the BOP to evaluate current conditions of equipment and 
formulate a plan on how they will address any deficiencies identified.
  The outstanding men and women who work in our Nation's correctional 
facilities deal with dangerous situations

[[Page H9828]]

every day. They deserve the tools and support necessary to keep 
themselves and the inmates whom they protect safe from harm.
  Shane Fausey and Steve Markle, with the Council of Prison Locals, 
have been tireless advocates for America's corrections officers and 
staff, and their sage counsel was vital in developing the Prison Camera 
Reform Act, which has been a top legislative priority for our BOP 
Reform Caucus.
  While the BOP faces many challenges, passing the Prison Camera Reform 
Act would be a major step forward for the agency, corrections officers, 
and security of America's Federal prisons.

                              {time}  1830

  Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, the lack of adequate camera systems puts the 
safety of both incarcerated individuals and correctional officers and 
staff at risk.
  The Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021 is bipartisan legislation that 
takes an important step toward making much-needed improvements.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, S. 2899, the ``Prison Camera Reform Act 
of 2021,'' is bipartisan legislation that would require the Bureau of 
Prisons to evaluate the security camera, land-mobile radio, and public 
address systems in use at BOP institutions and submit to Congress a 
report on any deficiencies and a plan to implement needed improvements.
  Security camera systems within prisons are critical for protecting 
the safety, wellbeing and civil rights of both incarcerated people and 
prison employees, including correctional officers, medical personnel 
and other staff.
  Documented deficiencies in the federal Bureau of Prisons' security 
camera systems, however, limit the effectiveness of that protection.
  A 2016, DOJ Office of Inspector General report identified major 
deficiencies and needed upgrades within the BOP's security camera 
system, including blind spots, inoperable cameras and limited 
functionality.
  In a 2021 memo, OIG reaffirmed the 2016 report stating that ``the OIG 
continues to see the same deficiencies in our investigations that we 
observed during our 2016 review. These deficiencies have negatively 
impacted the OIG's investigations and ability to secure prosecution of 
serious incidents in BOP institutions, including sexual assaults, civil 
rights violations, introduction of contraband, dereliction of duty, and 
even inmate deaths.''
  Although BOP has begun upgrading these systems at some institutions, 
serious shortcomings remain.
  This bill would require BOP to investigate and address deficiencies 
in the camera and radio systems across all institutions.
  BOP would also be required to implement all needed improvements 
within three years and submit annual progress reports. The significant 
oversight mechanisms within this legislation will enable Congress to 
hold BOP accountable and ensure all deficiencies are addressed within 
the specified time period.
  ``Dead spots'' in video surveillance coverage inside FCI Dublin in 
California may have even contributed to the lack of accountability for 
the sexual abuse committed against incarcerated women in that facility.
  Earlier this month, a former unit manager at FCI Dublin testified 
that the facility lacked sufficient security camera coverage and that 
many cameras are either not monitored or footage is deleted. The former 
warden is relying heavily on the lack of video footage in his defense 
against the sexual assault case.
  This tragic story highlights the need to address camera deficiencies 
within BOP facilities as quickly as possible. The lack of adequate 
camera systems puts the safety of both incarcerated individuals and 
correctional officers and staff at risk.
  This bill is a bipartisan common sense measure to require that BOP 
investigate and address these critical safety concerns and ensures that 
the improvements will be made by including adequate Congressional 
oversight.
  I want to thank Representatives Keller, McBath, and Trone as well as 
Senator Ossoff for introducing this important legislation. I urge all 
of my colleagues to support the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, S. 2899.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________