During a recent OIG investigation, we determined that during a prison work detail at a national park, the inmates—whose criminal histories included firearms- and drug-related convictions—were found with contraband after they had been left working unsupervised in a park’s campground for approximately 2 hours. NPS employees were overseeing the work detail program without any formal training or guidance, which led to inmates gaining access to contraband such as tools and knives. We found that the NPS has no relevant policies or formal procedures in place for the management of inmates while they are under the supervision of the NPS.
We also found that prison work detail agreements differed from park to park because they were coordinated and approved between the local NPS superintendent and the supporting prison facility. In fact, two national parks used prison work details without any written agreement. The NPS does not require review and approval of these agreements at any level higher than the local park; moreover, there is no review by the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor. Without standardization and oversight of these agreements, parks are using a variety of methods to create them when they do not necessarily have the authority to do so.
The absence of NPS policies and oversight regarding prison work details at NPS properties creates risks to NPS employees, park visitors, and the prison community, and may expose the U.S. Department of the Interior to liability. We made three recommendations to improve the safety and security of NPS employees and park visitors, and to ensure consistent approval and employment of prison work details across the NPS.