Josh Smith abruptly stepped down as Dep Dir of the FBOP & honestly, I am disappointed.
Was his approach unconventional? Absolutely. He entered BOP leadership with something rarely represented at that level: lived experience inside the same system he was working to improve.
He visited facilities, spoke directly with incarcerated individuals, challenged long-standing practices & pushed for greater transparency, accountability & rehabilitation. <- That kind of change was never going to make everyone comfortable.
The article describes tension between Smith & some current/former BOP employees. It also raises questions that deserve fair and transparent answers. However, we should not speculate about whether any of those issues led to his departure because no reason has been publicly confirmed.
What I find most disappointing is the continued belief that supporting incarcerated LOs somehow means working AGAINST correctional staff. It should never be “us versus them.” Staff deserve to feel safe, respected & heard – and incarcerated individuals deserve humane treatment, meaningful rehabilitation and the opportunity to return home better prepared for success.
Those goals can and should exist together.
Real reform requires people on all sides to come to the table, listen to one another and work toward practical solutions. We cannot continue doing things the same way simply because “that’s how it has always been done.”
Josh Smith brought a perspective to BOP leadership that has been missing for far too long. As he said, perhaps he was able to “start a fire.” I sincerely hope that fire does not go out.. and that Dir Marshall continues moving forward, listening to staff, incarcerated individuals, families and advocates while pursuing the meaningful change this system desperately needs.
Change can be uncomfortable. But lasting progress will only happen when people are willing to work together!
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