In a recent report released by the Justice Department's internal watchdog on Wednesday, shocking conditions were revealed during a surprise inspection at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, a federal women's prison in Florida. Investigators discovered a rat infestation, leaking roofs, and inmates being served moldy bread, shedding light on long-standing management challenges within the agency responsible for housing federal inmates.

The inspection, which took place in May, revealed a dire state of affairs at the facility, which houses 746 women and 115 men. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz, in an exclusive interview with NBC News, expressed his team's astonishment at the conditions found in Tallahassee. Similar substandard conditions were also uncovered during a surprise inspection back in January at a prison in Minnesota, indicating systemic issues within the federal prison system as a whole.

Horowitz pointed to underfunding, staff shortages, and mismanagement as major contributors to the prevailing problems. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, a part of the Justice Department, currently spends approximately $8.4 billion annually to accommodate around 158,000 inmates. Despite efforts made by the Justice Department leadership to address these long-standing challenges, the conditions discovered in Tallahassee demonstrate the urgent need for further improvement.

The findings of the inspection painted a grim picture of the prison's facilities. Horowitz described the presence of black, pooled water in the showers, walls covered in mold, evidence of rodent droppings, bugs crawling on cereal boxes, and warped food containers. Inmates were even served bread with visible mold. The report documented conditions that no one should be subjected to, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and reform.

Concerns over the management of federal prisons have persisted for over a decade, as Horowitz has repeatedly documented instances of poor management and deplorable conditions. High-profile cases, including the deaths of inmates such as Jeffrey Epstein and Whitey Bulger, have shed light on the failures of the Bureau of Prisons in ensuring the safety and well-being of those in their custody.

The Senate investigation from last year also exposed rampant sexual abuse of female prisoners by male prison guards, adding to the litany of problems identified within the federal prison system.

In response to the report, the Bureau of Prisons expressed its appreciation for the Inspector General's work and acknowledged the need for corrective actions. Collette Peters, the newly appointed bureau chief, emphasized the importance of accountability, respect, and correctional excellence in her efforts to bring about meaningful change.

Horowitz underscored the significance of how society treats its incarcerated population, emphasizing that the conditions observed in Tallahassee are a violation of basic human rights. The need for proper treatment and care for inmates is paramount, and the deplorable conditions uncovered only serve to further highlight the urgency for comprehensive reform.

As the conditions within federal prisons continue to raise concerns, it is evident that immediate action must be taken to address the persistent management challenges that plague the Bureau of Prisons. The report serves as a stark reminder that the treatment of inmates reflects upon the values and compassion of society as a whole.