What is one function of the Federal Bureau of Prisons?

The function of overseeing penitentiaries and correctional institutions falls directly under the responsibilities of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This agency is tasked with the management and administration of federal correctional facilities, including prisons and detention centers across the United States. It plays a critical role in maintaining the security and safety of both staff and inmates, while ensuring that imprisonment serves its rehabilitative purposes.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is specifically designed to manage individuals convicted of federal offenses, distinguishing its functions from those of local jails, which are typically managed by state and local governments. While other options touch on relevant aspects of law enforcement and corrections, they do not align with the core responsibilities of the Bureau, which focuses on the federal correctional system. Therefore, the primary function of supervising penitentiaries and correctional institutions is a central duty of the Bureau, making it the correct answer.