Overview of Federal Oversight in State Prisons
Federal agencies do not have routine or automatic rights to visit state prisoners, as state correctional facilities are primarily under the authority of state governments. However, federal agencies may intervene under specific legal authorities, particularly when there are allegations of systemic abuse, civil rights violations, or conditions that violate the U.S. Constitution.
While day-to-day oversight is managed at the state level,federal agencies can conduct investigations and on-site visits when warranted by law or court order.