SENATE MEMORIAL 63

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE BERNALILLO COUNTY METROPOLITAN DETENTION CENTER TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO IMPROVE ACCESS AND SERVICE.

     WHEREAS, the Bernalillo county metropolitan detention center is a state-of-the-art center that opened in December 2002 and is currently capable of housing two thousand two hundred thirty-six inmates and alleged offenders; and

     WHEREAS, the detention center utilizes a modern pod design that enhances efficiency and effectiveness by permitting direct visual and physical access to, and supervision of, all inmates and alleged offenders; and

     WHEREAS, the center is equipped with advanced technological video surveillance to further enhance awareness of the movement of inmates and alleged offenders, thereby reducing the opportunity for contraband to be brought into the center; and

     WHEREAS, the center is staffed with more than three hundred highly trained correctional officers, all of whom are expected to have high-level leadership and communication skills; and

     WHEREAS, the center has an interest in promoting good relations with the families of inmates and alleged offenders, as demonstrated by a Christmas celebration held in December 2008, at which eight hundred seventy-five children of inmates and alleged offenders received gifts; and

     WHEREAS, the mission of the Bernalillo county metropolitan detention center is "to protect the public and provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and alleged offenders and staff under the principles of direct supervision and in accordance with American correctional association standards"; and

     WHEREAS, although the security and protection of the public is considered to be the primary focus of its mission, the center believes that ensuring quality operations and inmate services in a fiscally sound manner is essential; and

     WHEREAS, one aspect of quality operations is providing safe and easily navigable access to inmates and alleged offenders by family members who wish to visit an inmate or who are seeking the release of an alleged offender; and

     WHEREAS, visitors to the center certainly include the friends and family members of the inmates and alleged offenders; and

     WHEREAS, although visiting hours are posted on the center's web site, navigating a system that is primarily designed for the incarceration of inmates and alleged offenders can be confusing; and

     WHEREAS, visiting an inmate can be an emotionally trying and upsetting situation, one that would benefit from a clear and accessible process and from personnel available to support and assist visitors; and

     WHEREAS, having a family member arrested is a traumatic event for all concerned, and family members have a need to know the rights and responsibilities of the alleged offender, the process for seeking the release of that offender and how long such a process is expected to take; and

     WHEREAS, in all situations, the friends and family members of inmates and alleged offenders are entitled to courteous, helpful and timely attention from the staff of the Bernalillo county metropolitan detention center;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Bernalillo county metropolitan detention center be requested to develop a plan to improve access and service; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the Bernalillo county metropolitan detention center.

- 4 -