FREE TRIAL: Join Bulwark+ for 14 DaysThe Bureau of Prisons, a component of the Justice Department, has traditionally handled prison placement decisions. DEMOCRATS AND LEGAL OBSERVERS unconvinced of the BOP’s independence point to a May 6 BOP policy change, quietly issued under Blanche’s supervision as acting attorney general, that they say gives the attorney general carte blanche over federal prison placement. “The attorney general could absolutely effectively extend the time an inmate would otherwise serve,” he said. ShareWHATEVER ITS PRACTICAL IMPACT may ultimately be, the BOP policy is already drawing scrutiny in Blanche’s confirmation process. Ross said she would consider legislation restoring exclusive prison placement authority to the BOP.