Reports

2024

Profile of New Mexico Prison Population FY 2023

February 2024

A considerable portion of New Mexico Sentencing Commission’s (NMSC) research focuses on correctional populations. NMSC monitors the current prison population as part of its work projecting the state prison population for the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD), policymakers, and other interested parties. The information for this reports is provided by NMCD. The report will review demographics of the confined population.

NMSC Legislative Bill Tracker Final 2024

February 2024

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2024 Reg) Final dated 2/9/2024.

NMSC Legislative Bill Tracker for February 6, 2024 Meeting

February 2024

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2024 Reg) for the February 6, 2024 meeting, dated 2/3/2024.

NMSC Legislative Bill Tracker for January 30, 2024 Meeting

January 2024

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2024 Reg) for the January 30, 2024 meeting, dated 1/27/2024.

NMSC Legislative Bill Tracker for January 23, 2024 Meeting

January 2024

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2024 Reg) for the January 23, 2024 meeting, dated 1/20/2024.

2023

Effectiveness of the Use of Peer Support Workers in Criminal Justice Settings: A Literature Review

December 2023

Peer support workers (PSWs) are used by many jurisdictions across the country as a resource to assist those involved with the criminal justice system with their challenges. This literature review will discuss the theory behind the use of PSWs, define the features of peer support programs, and examine the application of PSWs in both healthcare and criminal justice settings. It will also summarize the current research and its limitations, best practices for implementation, and implications of the research.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY2023-FY2033

August 2023

This prison population forecast was prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) and the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER). The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations and includes information that may be of interest to policy makers who are involved with the correctional system. The Sentencing Commission has produced this report annually almost every year in the past decade.

Fines and Fees in New Mexico

May 2023

This study examines traffic and misdemeanor cases in which monetary sanctions were imposed on New Mexican defendants in the five and a half-year period between FY2016 and the first half of FY2022. Throughout this report, we use the term ‘monetary sanctions’ to refer to the sum of any fines, fees, and bench warrants associated with the case. Fines are meant to hold defendants accountable and are mandatory by statute for certain crimes; they are both punishment and intended to deter crime. In New Mexico, fines are deposited in the state’s Public School Fund. Fees, on the other hand, are charged to reimburse court programs and services.

Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Criminal Justice Fees on the State of New Mexico, FY17 to FY22

May 2023

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of New Mexico has been commissioned by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission to review the nature of fines and fees charged by the criminal justice system in New Mexico and to estimate the economic and fiscal impacts of those fees. Additionally, BBER is tasked with estimating the economic effects of eliminating fee charges to indigent persons residing at or below the poverty level.

NMSC Legislative Bill Tracker Final 2023

February 2023

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2023 Reg) Final dated 2/23/2023.

NMSC Legislative Tracker for February 21, 2023 meeting

February 2023

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2023 Reg) for the February 21, 2023 meeting, dated 2/17/2023.

NMSC Legislative Tracker for February 7, 2023 meeting

February 2023

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2023 Reg) for the February 7, 2023 meeting, dated 2/4/2023

NMSC Legislative Tracker for January 31, 2023 meeting

January 2023

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2023 Reg) for the January 31, 2023 meeting, dated 1/28/2023.

NMSC Legislative Tracker for January 24, 2023 meeting

January 2023

Legislative Tracker dated 01/21/2023, Bill Research Report

Length of Stay In Detention Facilities

January 2023

This study examines the length of time adult detainees remain in detention centers or jails before they are incarcerated in a state prison, put on probation, released to their home communities, or otherwise released.

2022

Rio Arriba ReRoute

December 2022

ReRoute is federally funded and was implemented in 2019. The program is intended especially to address needs for people with low-level offenses with substance use issues, and focuses on harm reduction through medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This evaluation includes both a quantitative and qualitative component and addresses both formative and summative evaluation questions.

Profile of New Mexico Prison Population 2022

December 2022

A considerable portion of New Mexico Sentencing Commission’s (NMSC) research focuses on correctional populations. NMSC monitors the current prison population as part of its work projecting the state prison population for the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD), policymakers, and other interested parties. The information for this reports is provided by NMCD. The report will review demographics of the confined population.

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2022: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

November 2022

This study calculates proportions served on the total sentence lengths and proportions on the total prison length of female EMD offenders released in FY22 by the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD).

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY 2022 - FY 2032

July 2022

This prison population forecast was prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC). The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations and includes information that may be of interest to policy makers who are involved with the correctional system.

Legislative Tracker 02/21/2022 Session End

February 2022

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2022 Reg) session end.

Legislative Tracker 02/04/2022 for 02/08/2022

February 2022

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Legislative Tracker for the Tuesday, 2/8/2022 meeting.

Legislative Tracker 01/28/2022

February 2022

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker (2022 Reg)

Policy Brief: Evidence-Based Initiatives to Reduce Street Violence: A Review of Promising Approaches

January 2022

This brief provides insight into the effectiveness of various approaches designed to reduce violence in the United States, particularly street violence, or violence that take place in public spaces and often involves young people or members of gangs. In 2022, the New Mexico State Legislature will be considering many bills related to such violence.

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2021: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

January 2022

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by male inmates released in fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) who earned deductions to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statute (Section 33-2-34 NMSA 1978).

2021

Profile of New Mexico Prison Population

December 2021

A considerable portion of New Mexico Sentencing Commission’s (NMSC) research focuses on correctional populations. NMSC monitors the current prison population as part of its work projecting the state prison population for the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD), policymakers, and other interested parties. The information for this report is provided by NMCD. The report will review demographics of the confined population.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY2022 - FY2031

August 2021

This prison population forecast was prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC). The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations, and includes information that may be of interest to policy makers who are involved with the correctional system.

Legislative Tracker Final Action 04/14/2021

April 2021

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker dated 04/14/2021, tracker of bills reviewed by the Legislative Committee reflecting all of the final actions by the Governor.

Legislative Tracker 03/16/2021

March 2021

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker dated 03/16/2021

Legislative Tracker 03/09/2021

March 2021

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker dated 03/09/2021

Legislative Tracker 03/02/2021

March 2021

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker dated 03/02/2021

NMSC Projections Supplement for Fall 2020: Male and Female Prison Populations in New Mexico Have Continued to Decrease

January 2021

The policies adopted by the state to combat COVID-19 will affect the prison population. However, as the crisis is continuing at this writing, it is difficult to create an accurate 10-year projection that accounts for dramatic changes that will likely come. Instead of publishing a long-term projection, NMSC has created a model for the population over a one-year term. These projections show population trends since the last report, as well as provide a short-term estimate of where the population is headed over the next year assuming trends continue with no additional interventions.

2020

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2020: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

December 2020

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by female inmates released in fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020) who earned deductions to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

NM Competency Assessment Results FY19

September 2020

Working with New Mexico Counties, the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) designed a study to examine the competency process in New Mexico. NMSC received competency related events filed with the courts as well as competency evaluations from the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative’s data base, bhsdstar. We received information on 1,528 competency evaluations performed in FY19. These evaluations were for 1,418 individuals from all districts within the state. For individuals that had multiple evaluations in the time period, we selected their first evaluation. This report summarizes the results of NMSC's analyses of those evaluations.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY2021 - FY2030

June 2020

This prison population forecast was prepared by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of New Mexico for the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC). The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations. This report also includes information that may be of interest to policy makers who are involved with the correctional system.

Legislative Tracker 02/24/2020

February 2020

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker dated 02/24/2020.

Legislative Tracker 01/31/2020

January 2020

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Bill Tracker dated 01/31/2020.

2019

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2019: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

December 2019

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by male inmates released in fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019) who earned deductions to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

Probation and Parole A Review of Current Literature

October 2019

The criminal justice system involves the courts, jails and prisons, and community supervision for individuals charged with breaking the law. Community supervision is a term that encompasses the practice of parole and probation after an individual has been released from incarceration. The most recent report about state probation and parole programs from the U.S. Department of Justice states that an estimated 4,537,100 adults where under community supervision as of year-end 2016 (Kaeble, 2018).

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release

October 2019

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (Adult Community Corrections Act, N.M. Stat. ann. §§33-9-1 to –10 (2013)). Twelve previous estimates have been published by the NMSC. The methodology we use to provide this estimate is identical to what has been used in the previous estimates.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast FY2020-FY2029

June 2019

This prison population forecast was prepared by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at UNM for the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC). The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations. This report also includes information that may be of interest to policy makers who are involved with the correctional system.

Initial Evaluation of Alternatives to Violence Program Analysis of Participant Feedback Surveys

March 2019

This report compiles and analyzes participant responses to the Alternative to Violence Project (AVP) in New Mexico Prisons. We analyzed participant feedback surveys that were completed at the end of AVP Workshops. The data was gathered from 1,265 female participant surveys from the years 2005 to 2017.

2018

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons FY 2018 Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

December 2018

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by female inmates released in fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018) who earned deductions to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

The Santa Fe Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion

October 2018

The Santa Fe Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program was established in 2014. The New Mexico Sentencing Commission was selected to evaluate the pilot phase of the LEAD program. This report outlines the methodology and results of that evaluation.

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2018

August 2018

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (Adult Community Corrections Act, N.M. Stat. ann. §§33-9-1 to –10 (2013) ).

Recidivism for New Mexico Prisons FY 2007—FY 2014 Cohorts

July 2018

Recidivism reduction is one of the most common performance measures used to evaluate programs that serve criminal justice populations. This report represents the updated trends for the FY 2007- FY 2014 cohorts by gender. Whereby, recidivism is defined as an individuals return to prison for any reason.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast FY2019 - FY2028

June 2018

This prison population forecast was prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission. The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations. This report also includes information that may be of interest to policy makers during discussions of the correctional system.

2017

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2017

November 2017

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act). Eight previous estimates have been published by the NMSC. The methodology we use to provide this estimate is identical to what has been used in the previous estimates.

2016

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2016

November 2016

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act). Eight previous estimates have been published by the NMSC. The methodology we use to provide this estimate is identical to what has been used in the previous estimates.

New-Mexico-Prison-Population-Forecast-FY2017-FY2026

July 2016

This prison population forecast was prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission. The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations. This report also includes information that may be of interest to policy makers during discussions of the correctional system. Sentencing Commission staff held quarterly meetings (October 2015, April 2016 and June 2016) with NMCD staff to review inmate population trends and to discuss factors that may affect the forecast.

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons FY 2015 Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

April 2016

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by male inmates released in fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015) who earned deductions to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

Adverse Childhood Experiences in the New Mexico Juvenile Justice Population

February 2016

Faculty from the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Law and the UNM School of Medicine, and New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) initiated a joint project to look at the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) nationally and in New Mexico. The study was intended to better establish the association between early childhood trauma and delinquency, as well as to explore the role that law and medicine can play in ensuring better health and juvenile justice outcomes for children who have experienced ACEs.

2015

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2015

November 2015

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act). Eight previous estimates have been published by the NMSC. The methodology we use to provide this estimate is identical to what has been used in the previous estimates.

Understanding Recidivism: Definitions and Return to Prison Rates for Individuals Released from New Mexico Prisons FY 2007

September 2015

This report sets forth the 3-year and overall recidivism rates for individuals who released from New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) facilities from FY 2007 - FY 2011.

Executive Summary: New Mexico Recovery Academy Evaluation Study

September 2015

The purpose of the current study is to assess the effectiveness of the Recovery Academies in a variety of ways and to serve as a baseline against which more recent Recovery Academy clients can be gauged.

Arrest Rates: Mayas Place Clients 2005-2011 and Crossroads Clients 2001-2011

September 2015

Staff from Crossroads and Maya's Place provided NMSC with client lists. Using these lists, NMSC staff removed any duplicated clients and identified clients who had been both Maya's Place and Crossroad's clients. If a client had been in both programs, we tracked them from their start date at Maya's Place.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY 2016-FY2025

July 2015

This prison population forecast was prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission. The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations. This report also includes information that may be of interest to policy makers during discussions of the correctional system. Sentencing Commission staff held quarterly meetings (October 2014, April 2015 and June 2015) with NMCD staff to review inmate population trends and to discuss factors that may affect the forecast.

Valencia County Detention Center

June 2015

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) was asked by the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) to provide assistance to Valencia County Detention Center (VCDC) to determine characteristics of their inmate population.

2014

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2014: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

November 2014

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by female inmates released in fiscal year 2014 (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014) who earned deductions to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2014

October 2014

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act). Seven previous estimates have been published by the NMSC. The methodology we use to provide this estimate is identical to what has been used in the previous estimates.

Updated Exploratory Sex Offender Recidivism Study: 2004-2006 Probation Sentence & Prison Release Cohorts

October 2014

This analysis builds on a report that was published by NMSC in 2012. Additional release and probation cohorts were added. The analysis includes offenders who were released from NMCD facilities or began probation for a sex offense that requires registration for calendar years 2004 - 2006. Additionally, in this analysis, NMSC staff were given access to Offender Watch by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to confirm registration and NMCD probation data to confirm that offenders in the probation cohort received sentences that did not include prison time.

Motor Transport Police Division Staffing Study Report in Brief

June 2014

The main effort of the study involves a staffing study of the uniformed patrol officers and the non-patrol civilian transport inspectors of MTPD. The report contains three sections; each section addresses one of the three contracted topics, i.e., staffing study, bypass routes, and fee structure.

Motor Transport Police Division Staffing Study Final Report

June 2014

The main effort of the study involves a staffing study of the uniformed patrol officers and the non-patrol civilian transport inspectors of MTPD. The report contains three sections; each section addresses one of the three contracted topics, i.e., staffing study, bypass routes, and fee structure.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY 2015-FY2024

June 2014

This prison population forecast was prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission. The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations. This report also includes information that may be of interest to policy makers during discussions of the correctional system.

Adolescent Treatment Centers:Literature Review and Issues in New Mexico

May 2014

The primary purpose of this report is to briefly review existing literature on publicly funded adolescent RTC's in relation to New Mexico's Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center. Specific areas of interest include gaining a better understanding of the best practices and guidelines for RTC's as well as a better understanding of the challenges such facilities face.

Information for the Justice Reform Effort in New Mexico

April 2014

Following the lead of South Dakota and Texas, among other states, a bi-partisan legislative sub-committee has begun working on criminal justice reform in New Mexico. This report summarizes information that may be useful to the sub-committee, including: 1) data points regarding New Mexico's inmate population and how it compares to national data; 2) information regarding admissions to prison and length of stay; 3) factors that drive the inmate population in New Mexico; and 4) justice system reforms enacted in other states

Assessment of the Second Judicial District Court Pretrial Services Office

February 2014

Testing the effectiveness of the pilot program was focused to a process evaluation and comparison to known best practices. A significant finding was that neither the MDC nor the SJDC-PTS through January 2014 had implemented a risk assessment tool. This finding meant that a number of routine output and performance measures recognized as best practices and PTS guidelines could not be completed for this study.

Assessment of the Second Judicial District Court Pretrial Services Office: Report in Brief

February 2014

This study was undertaken to evaluate the implementation of the expanded SJDC pretrial services division. The study was performed in two parts. First, we reviewed the SJDC-PTS and compared processes during FY13 to best practices found in the literature. Second, we analyzed the type and amount of services provided to PTS clients before and during FY13.

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2013: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

January 2014

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by male inmates released in fiscal year 2013 (July 1, 2012 June 30, 2013) who earned deductions to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

2013

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2013

September 2013

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act). Six previous estimates have been provided to the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC).

Reasons for Probation Violation Arrests and Bookings in a Sample of New Mexico's County Detention Facilities

July 2013

The goals of this study were to explore the reasons for adult probation violation bookings and to find the number of times an offender had violations that were recorded but did not result in arrest. In 2012, the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) published a report entitled, Length of Stay in Detention Facilities: A Profile of Seven New Mexico Counties (August 2012). This analysis is meant to supplement that report by providing additional information concerning arrestees in jail for a probation violation.

Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences & Victimization Among New Mexico's Female Inmate Population: Implications for Correctional Programming

July 2013

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) partnered with the New Mexico Interpersonal Violence Data Central Repository (NMIVDCR) to analyze victimization survey data that the Repository collected from women prisoners in New Mexico. This report looks at childhood exposure to household dysfunction and lifetime incidence of various types of physical and sexual abuse. In addition to establishing baseline incidence numbers for female offenders in New Mexico, the report compares this data to national incidence among non-offender and offender populations.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY 2014-FY2023

July 2013

This prison population forecast was prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission. The forecast is designed to assist the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) in assessing immediate and future inmate populations. This report also includes information that may be of interest to policy makers during discussions of the correctional system. Sentencing Commission staff held quarterly meetings (September 2012, January 2013 and June 2013) with NMCD staff to review inmate population trends and to discuss factors that may affect the forecast.

Effect of Mental Health Diagnoses on Length of Stay in Two New Mexico Detention Facilities

April 2013

This report is a supplement to "Length of Stay in Detention Facilities: A Profile of Seven New Mexico Counties" (August 2012) and presents an expanded analysis of arrestees who received mental health services

Effect of Competency and Diagnostic Evaluation on Length of Stay in a Sample of New Mexico Detention Facilities

April 2013

This analysis supplements a NMSC 2012 length of stay report entitled "Length of Stay in Detention Facilities: A Profile of Seven New Mexico Counties." This report provides additional information concerning arrestees who had a competency hearing. The following literature review provides context for our analysis of the effect of competency on length of stay and discusses how competency differs from mental illness.

2012

Exploratory Sex Offender Recidivism Study

October 2013

This reports looks at recidivism for a 2004 cohort of sex offenders released in New Mexico who released from prison or received a probation sentence.

New Mexico Department of Public Safety Staffing Study: Report in Brief

December 2012

This is a 4-page report in brief of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Staffing Study: Final Report

New Mexico Department of Public Safety Staffing Study: Final Report

December 2012

In April 2012 the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) contracted with the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) to conduct a staffing study of several units of the DPS. This study includes patrol and non-patrol units. Following this introduction there is a review of relevant literature, a methods section, a description of the site and the DPS divisions and bureaus in the study, an analysis section, a discussion of the results, and a conclusion section.

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2012: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

December 2012

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by male inmates released in fiscal year 2012 (July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012) who earned credits to their sentences under New Mexico's Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2012

November 2012

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act).

Exploratory Sex Offender Recidivism Study: 2004 Probation Sentence & Prison Release Cohorts

September 2012

This analysis was prepared by New Mexico Sentencing Commission staff. Available data sources were used. It is intended to exploratory in nature and not intended to be definitive and does not represent recidivism rates for sex offenders in New Mexico generally. It is important to note that this analysis does not track sex offenders who may have committed subsequent offenses in other jurisdictions. This analysis follows two groups: 1) 79 convicted sex offenders in a probation cohort who were sentenced to probation only in 2004; and 2) 126 convicted sex offenders who were released from prison in 2004. Offenders in both cohorts were convicted of a sex offense that required they register as a sex offender.

Length of Stay in Detention Facilities: A Profile of Seven New Mexico Counties

August 2012

This report looks at median length of stay in seven New Mexico county detention centers using June 30, 2010 as a snapshot date.

New Mexico?s Female Prisoners: Exploring Recent Increases in the Inmate Population: Report in Brief

August 2012

The female prison population has been increasing since calendar year 2010. However, a dramatic increase occurred in the beginning of 2011, surpassing both the projected population and the capacity of the New Mexico Women?s Correctional Facility (NMWCF). While the population has fluctuated some since that point, it has remained high in recent months since its peak in September 2011. It is expected that this trend will continue. The current research was initiated in an effort to discern the source of this increase.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY2013-FY2022

June 2012

This report provides a forecast for the New Mexico prison population for fiscal years 2013 - 2022.

Appendices: New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY2013-FY2022

June 2012

Appendices for the New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY2013-FY2022 report.

Analysis of the Impact of Juvenile Justice Programming in Nine New Mexico Counties

May 2012

The purpose of this particular research task is to analyze the impact of juvenile justice programming in the nine selected New Mexico counties have on the juvenile justice system, and to study and report on how these programs contribute to the understanding of law enforcement and juvenile justice system factors, which perpetuate Disproportionate Minority Contact in New Mexico. The report was produced for CYFD and remain the sole property of CYFD and JJAC.

State of New Mexico Disproportionate Minority Contact Statewide Assessment: Preliminary Report

March 2012

The purpose of this assessment is to begin to determine the mechanisms contributing to DMC in New Mexico. This assessment is based primarily on juvenile justice system data provided by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Data Analysis/FACTS Bureau. Other sources of information used in this report include: relative rate index trends, the review of reports compiled by other states, a review of other literature, a review of the New Mexico juvenile justice system, and formal and informal discussions with CYFD staff. We also briefly describe other aspects of our research that includes a review of juvenile justice system prevention and intervention programs that provide additional context to the NM juvenile justice system. This report follows general guidelines provided by OJJDP for conducting a DMC statewide assessment/study. The reports were produced for CYFD and remain the sole property of CYFD and JJAC.

Executive Summary: State of New Mexico Disproportionate Minority Contact Statewide Assessment: Preliminary Report

March 2012

The DMC mandate of the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) requires states to institute multi- pronged intervention strategies including juvenile delinquency prevention efforts and system improvements to assure equal treatment of all youth. OJJDP requires states to complete an assessment that is submitted with their 3-Year Plan. Since June 2009, CYFD has contracted with the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC), which is housed at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) to provide research services including the completion of the state?s assessment report.

Tracking Children With Juvenile Referrals to Determine if They Have Subsequent Contacts With the Adult Criminal Justice System: A Feasibility Study

February 2012

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) was interested in knowing if children who had referrals as juveniles subsequently get arrested or have court cases filed once they become adults. To this end, NMSC staff was asked to conduct a feasibility study to determine if a sample of children with referrals could be matched to data from the Dept. of Public Safety and the Administrative Office of the Courts. The report was produced for CYFD and remains the sole property of CYFD and JJAC.

2011

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2011: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

November 2011

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by male inmates released in fiscal year 2011 (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011) who earned credits to their sentences under New Mexico's Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2011

October 2011

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act).

Comparison of Case Outcomes: Household Member Assault/Battery Cases and Non-Household Member Assault/Battery Cases

June 2011

This study compares cases involving assault and battery on a household member. The existence of separate statutes allowed us to compare the case outcomes when the victim meets the household member definition compared to when the victim is not a household member.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY2012-FY2021

June 2011

This report provides a forecast for the New Mexico prison population for fiscal years 2012 - 2021.

2010

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2010: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

October 2010

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by female inmates released in fiscal year 2010 (July 1, 2009 ? June 30, 2010) who earned credits to their sentences under New Mexico's Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2010

October 2010

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act).

Number of Offenders Confined in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in July 2009 for Possession of a Controlled Substance

September 2010

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission staff is a count of individuals confined in New Mexico Corrections Department facilities in early July 2009 who were confined on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Section 30-31-23 NMSA 1978).

A Review of Juvenile Justice Programs in New Mexico

July 2010

The purpose of this literature review is to report on best practices in the area of juvenile justice intervention programs, focused on the four distinct program types that are the subject of this review.

Analysis of the Impact of Juvenile Justice Programming in Six New Mexico Counties

July 2010

The purpose of this project is to contribute to the understanding of law enforcement and juvenile justice system factors, which perpetuate Disproportionate Minority Contact in New Mexico, and analyze the impact of juvenile justice programming in six New Mexico counties.

Sentencing in Felony Domestic Violence Cases - Phase 2

June 2010

This report analyzes sentences for felony domestic violence cases in the First and Second District Attorney's Offices.

Report in Brief: Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court DWI-Drug Court Intent-to-Treat Outcome Study Stage 2

June 2010

The goal of this study is to better understand the effectiveness of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court DWI- Drug Court in reducing the recidivism rates of participants (graduates and non-graduates) compared to two matched comparison groups.

New Mexico Prison Population Forecast: FY 2011 - FY 2020

June 2010

This report provides a forecast for the New Mexico prison population for fiscal years 2011 - 2020

The 2010 National Crime Ranking of New Mexico: A Caution Against Trusting Crime Ranking Publications

April 2010

This brief paper was prepared to show how some nationally-published crime rankings, many of which are highly publicized, are neither accurate nor reliable indicators of actual crime rates in New Mexico.

2009

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court DWI Drug Court Intent to Treat Outcome Study

November 2009

Our review of DWI Drug Court clients and Probation comparison group members focused on determining differences in the re-arrest rates for DWI.

New Mexico Corrections Department Prison Population Forecasting: 1st Quarter Report

October 2009

This is the initial quarterly report on prison population forecasting prepared by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) for the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD).

Time Served in NM Prisons, FY 2009: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

October 2009

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by male inmates released in fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 ? June 30, 2009) who earned credits to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

Estimated Number of Initial Parole Reviews 2010-2014 for Implementation of Section 31-21-10.0 NMSA 1978

August 2009

This analysis of offenders sentenced to prison in New Mexico as sex offenders with charges mentioned in Section 31-21-10.1 NMSA 1978 is derived from information provided to the New Mexico Sentencing Commission by the New Mexico Corrections Department.

Estimated Number of Individuals Booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Juvenile Warrants

August 2009

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of bookings on juvenile warrants into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) from July 1, 2004 through May 31, 2009.

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in July 2009 Eligible for Controlled Release 2009

July 2009

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act).

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court DWI Drug Court Intent to Treat Outcome Study Report Brief

June 2009

The goal in conducting this study is to better understand the effectiveness of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court DWI-Drug Court in graduating program participants and reducing the recidivism rates of participants (graduates and non-graduates) compared to a matched comparison group of Metropolitan Court Probation clients.

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court DWI Drug Court Intent to Treat Stage 1 Outcome Study

June 2009

The goal in conducting this study is to better understand the effectiveness of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court DWI-Drug Court in graduating program participants and reducing the recidivism rates of participants (graduates and non-graduates) compared to a matched comparison group.

Bias Based Policing in Four New Mexico Counties:Brief

June 2009

In this brief: We describe the driving behaviors and characteristics of drivers in four New Mexico counties and profile characteristics of stopped drivers.

Bias Based Policing in Four New Mexico Counties

June 2009

In 2007, the New Mexico Legislature authorized funding for the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) to conduct a statewide study of bias-based policing in New Mexico.

Dona Ana County Magistrate Court DWI Drug Court Outcome Study

May 2009

This report summarizes findings from an outcome study of the Third Judicial District Dona Ana Magistrate Court DWI-Drug Court conducted by the New Mexico Sentencing Commission at the University of New Mexico.

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court DWI Drug Court Cost Study

May 2009

This study was conducted to enhance the outcome study of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan DWI-Drug Court program with a review of the cost of the DWI-Drug Court program.

DWI De Novo Appeals

January 2009

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) received an appropriation from the New Mexico State Legislature to study the prevalence and outcome of de novo appeals in DWI cases statewide except Bernalillo County.

2008

Position Paper: Residential Restrictions

November 2008

This document presents the formal position of the New Mexico Sex Offender Management Board (the ?Board?) on whether imposing legal restrictions on places where persons who have been convicted of sex offenses may reside will promote public safety in New Mexico.

Summary of County Detention Earned Time Policies

November 2008

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission?s annual survey of adult detention centers contained a series of questions regarding NMSA 33-3-9; County jails, deduction of time for good behavior.

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2008: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

October 2008

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by female inmates released in fiscal year 2008 (July 1, 2007 ? June 30, 2008) who earned credits to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

Estimated Number of Offenders in New Mexico Corrections Department Facilities in October Eligible for Controlled Release 2008

September 2008

This analysis by New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) staff is an estimate of the number of individuals in New Mexico Correction Department (NMCD) facilities who might be eligible for controlled release (1978 NMSA 33-9-5, Adult Community Corrections Act).

Collateral Consequences in New Mexico: A First Look

September 2008

The 48th Legislature of New Mexico provided funding to the New Mexico Sentencing Commission to convene a task force to study the collateral consequences of criminal arrest, conviction and extended periods of incarceration and to make recommendations on how to neutralize or eliminate those consequences to the appropriate legislative interim committees before November 1, 2008. This paper represents the first work of the Commission and the task force.

Measuring the Fiscal Impact of Criminal Justice Legislation on the New Mexico Corrections Department: A Response to Senate Memorial 47

July 2008

Senate Memorial 47 instructed the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC), the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the NM Sentencing Commission (NMSC or Commission) to collaborate and look at the feasibility of devising a method of measuring the fiscal impact of legislation that increases or decreases criminal penalties, creates new crimes, imposes or removes mandatory minimum terms or imprisonment, requires specific technology for monitoring probationers or parolees or modifies the law in such a way that the time served in prison or on probation or parole increases or decreases.

Research Publications and Current Projects of the New Mexico Sentencing Commission

June 2008

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission?s mission is to provide information, analysis, recommendations and assistance from a coordinated cross-agency perspective so that our three branches of government and citizens have objective, accurate and practical information they need to make policy decisions that benefit the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

Best Practices in Gender Specific Probation and Parole Models and Survey of Women Currently on Supervision in New Mexico

June 2008

This paper introduces the reader to the field of corrections dealing with gender responsive programming. From a definition of gender related terms, we move to describing the differences between men and women found in current criminal justice literature. Describing differences include understanding gender characteristics and a look at recent statistics.

2007

Distance Restrictions On Sex Offender Residential Housing

December 2007

Pursuant to Section 9-13-3D(9) NMSA 1978, the Sex Offender Management Board shall ?research and analyze safety issues raised when sex offenders live in a community.? This document presents the formal position of the New Mexico Sex Offender Management Board (the ?Board?) on whether imposing legal restrictions on places where persons who have been convicted of sex offences may reside will promote public safety in New Mexico.

Research Adult Probation and Parole Services: A Response to House Joint Memorial 61

December 2007

NMSC contacted national and state probation and parole agencies and collected relevant information on caseload standards, salary data, retention information, and evidence based practices.

Diagnostic Evaluation: Alternatives to Current Law and Practice

November 2007

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) and the New Mexico Corrections Department were asked by the Legislative Finance Committee to study the continuing need for NMCD to perform diagnostic evaluations.

A WORKLOAD ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR THE NEW MEXICO TRIAL COURT JUDICIARY, NEW MEXICO DISTRICT ATTORNEYS? OFFICES AND NEW MEXICO PUBLIC DEFENDER DEPARTMENT

June 2007

This document was prepared under Contract No. 06-354-P636-0003, between the State of New Mexico through the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (?the Sentencing Commission?) and the National Center for State Courts (?the National Center?), for a workload assessment of the trial court judges in the Judicial Branch of New Mexico (?the Judicial Branch?), the New Mexico District Attorneys (?the District Attorneys?), and the New Mexico Public Defender Department (?the Public Defender Department?).

2006

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2006: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

November 2006

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by inmates released in fiscal year 2006 (July 1, 2005 ? June 30, 2006) who earned credits to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy (33-2-34 NMSA 1978).

2005

Analysis of Offenders Sentenced to Prison in New Mexico

November 2005

This analysis of offenders sentenced to prison in New Mexico is derived from information provided to the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) by the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD).

Length of Stay for Arrestees Held on Felony Charges: A Profile of Six New Mexico Detention Facilities

March 2005

The New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) contracted with the New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) to conduct a study to assess the effects of housing arrestees charged with felonies in New Mexico detention facilities. The goal of the study was to better understand how long felony arrestees stay in detention centers and the corresponding cost.

The Cost of Housing Arrestees Held on Felony Charges: A Profile of Six New Mexico Detention Centers

January 2005

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission (NMSC) was contracted by the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) to conduct a study to assess the cost of housing arrestees charged with felonies in New Mexico detention facilities. This report provides a count of individuals held on felony charges in six detention facilities in New Mexico on June 30, 2003 and estimates the annual cost of housing four categories of felony arrestees throughout the state.

2004

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, FY 2004: Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

November 2004

This report provides calculations of the average proportion of time served by inmates released in fiscal year 2004 (July 1, 2003 ? June 30, 2004) who earned credits to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

New Mexico Sentencing Commission Data Report: An Overview of the Juvenile Justice And Criminal Justice Systems

July 2004

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission was created to assist agency leaders and policy makers in looking at juvenile and criminal justice issues from a multi-agency perspective. This statistical and narrative overview of the New Mexico juvenile and criminal justice systems is a key component of the commission?s core mission.

2003

Juvenile Referrals and Dispositions in New Mexico: An Analysis of CYFD FY01 Data

January 2003

The following report offers a more detailed examination of juvenile referrals during fiscal year 2001, with the objective of providing baseline information for planners and policymakers that can be updated for successive fiscal years.

2002

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, Fiscal Year 2002: A Preliminary Analysis of the Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

October 2002

This provides a preliminary estimate of the average proportion of time served by inmates, released in fiscal year 2002, who received credits to their sentences under the Earned Meritorious Deductions (EMD) statutory policy.

An Analysis of Juvenile Justice Process and Treatment Providers in the First Judicial District

October 2002

The purpose of this study is to determine how existing juvenile treatment needs are determined and met in various localities. Our specific goal is to determine gaps in treatment services available to juvenile justice agencies.

Juvenile Justice Treatment Programs: A Review of the National Landscape and Local Programs in New Mexico

September 2002

The chapters in this review consider many of these programs and further address some of the similarities and differences between programs around the country and those in New Mexico.

2000

Time Served in New Mexico Prisons, Fiscal Year 1999: An Analysis of the Possible Impact of Earned Meritorious Deductions

August 2000

The purpose of this study is to determine time served under the previous Meritorious Deductions policy just prior to the effective date of the Earned Meritorious Deductions policy to generate a baseline from which to compare time served under the new policy.

1998

CONTROLLING NEW MEXICO JUVENILES? POSSESSION OF FIREARMS

April 1998

This study compares patterns of firearms possession among juvenile delinquents with current efforts to enforce firearms possession laws against juveniles in New Mexico.

SENTENCING IN NEW MEXICO: A PRELIMINARY DESCRIPTION

February 1998

This Working Paper presents information on sentences imposed in 5,258 criminal cases in New Mexico. Cases from the Second Judicial District (Bernalillo County) were sentenced during fiscal year 1995 (7/1/94-6/30/95); cases from the rest of the state were sentenced during calendar year 1995.

A PROFILE OF NEW MEXICO PRISONERS 1996, 1997

January 1998

This Working Paper presents information on prisoners under the supervision of the New Mexico Department of Corrections (NMDOC) in 1996 and 1997. For each year, information is presented for prisoners who were under NMDOC supervision on a given day (2/21/96 and 8/24/97). Information covers: prisoner status and location; offenses leading to imprisonment; sentence length; and demographic characteristics. Special sections are also included on parole violators and female offenders.

1997

1996

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ABUSE OF DRUGS AND VIOLENCE AND A REVIEW OF EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

September 1996

The following sections provide current research findings on the relationship between drugs and crime, and the relationship between alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates and violence.

A PROFILE OF PROBATIONERS AND PAROLEES IN NEW MEXICO

September 1996

This Working Paper presents information on a six percent sample of probationers and parolees (625) under the supervision of the New Mexico Department of Corrections, Probation - Parole Division on September 26, 1996. Information covers general characteristics of probationers and parolees, offense characteristics, length of supervision, criminal history, special conditions of supervision, risks and needs assessments, behavior, treatment, and violations.

JURISDICTION AND PLACEMENT OF JUVENILES SENTENCED AS ADULTS: A NATIONAL OVERVIEW

September 1996

This report is a national overview or the jurisdiction and placement of juveniles sentenced as adults.

Who is in New Mexico?s Prisons? A Summary Profile

July 1996

The purpose of this working paper is to examine: 1) what kinds of offenders are serving time in the New Mexico Prison system (NMDOC), 2) for what offenses, if any, have these inmates been previously incarcerated in the DOC system, and 3) how long are the imposed sentences for different crime categories. This paper also includes a demographic portrait of the NMDOC inmates incarcerated on February 21, 1996.

PRIVATIZATION ISSUES

July 1996

There are two key issues about the future of prisons in New Mexico. One concerns the number of people behind bars and their sentences. Should we send fewer (more) offenders to prison and, once there, should they serve shorter (longer) terms? The other issue is whether prison services are better provided by private firms rather than by the state. Should we privatize corrections in New Mexico, in (greater) part or in whole?

PRISON AND PAROLE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS: NATIONWIDE AND IN NEW MEXICO

June 1996

In this paper, we review the substance abuse treatment programs that are currently available for prisoners and parolees, both nationwide and in New Mexico. Wherever possible, we include information on program evaluation and outcome.

PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS OF OFFENDERS (NATIONWIDE)

April 1996

This report focuses on providing information to the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council regarding programs in other states that are offered to special populations of offenders. The report provides an overview of programs around the nation that have been developed for the following special populations of offenders: sex offenders, offenders who have been sexually abused, offenders with substance abuse problems, offenders with mental health problems, domestic violence offenders, technical violators (probation and parole) and mentally ill juveniles.

PRE-INCARCERATION TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS, NATIONWIDE AND IN NEW MEXICO

April 1996

In this paper, we review the programs offered by each of these agencies, both nationwide and in New Mexico. We also include some other considerations regarding treatment decisions for substance abusers who have been arrested.

GOOD TIME POLICY AND PROGRAMS FOR PRISONERS (NEW MEXICO)

March 1996

The following synopsis of New Mexico's good time laws will be divided between "good time deduction" law and "meritorious deduction" law.