REQUESTING THE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP FAIR AND RESPECTFUL POLICIES REGARDING VISITATION BETWEEN INMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

WHEREAS, families of inmates incarcerated in the New Mexico correctional system remain committed to their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, family visits are a critical factor in fostering the rehabilitation of inmates; and

WHEREAS, since the Duran consent decree was vacated, the corrections department has not had a uniform policy regarding visitation between inmates and their family members; and

WHEREAS, families frequently do not receive notice of inmate transfers; and

WHEREAS, inmates are only allowed to make collect telephone calls, and the expense of those calls is a deterrent to regular contact with family members; and

WHEREAS, the use of video visitation is inadequate to maintain family relationships; and

WHEREAS, the transfer of inmates to correctional facilities in other states is also an impediment to maintaining family relationships and imposes a financial hardship on family members; and

WHEREAS, strip searches of family members have become an

occurrence as a prerequisite to visits with inmates;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the corrections department be requested to develop fair and respectful policies regarding visitation between inmates and their families; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in the furtherance of developing visitation policies, the corrections department be requested to collaborate with an advisory group comprised of two representatives from inmates' families, two representatives from the corrections department and an additional two members agreed upon by the aforementioned representatives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advisory group convene at least quarterly during the 2001 interim period to develop fair and respectful visitation policies, including policies that address the issues set forth in this memorial; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the corrections department and the advisory group report to the corrections oversight committee no later than October 2001 regarding the development of just and fair family visitation policies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of corrections.