Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety

NM public defenders offer ‘safe space’ for warrant resolution

The state public defender’s office is looking to help people with outstanding arrest warrants straighten them out. A team of attorneys from the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender will host a “warrant workshop” Thursday, Oct. 3, at the International District Library. They will be helping resolve arrest warrants from Bernalillo County.  “This […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Local Gov., New Mexico Statewide News

Here’s how you can get grants and rebates in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque both offer a variety of reimbursements, rebates and other forms of freebies for eligible individuals and businesses. From home improvement to caregiving, here are some of the ways you might qualify for some of these benefits.  Energy audits in Albuquerque Low-income homeowners in Albuquerque can […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Education, Local Gov.

APS, in light of GA school shooting says it’s taking a proactive approach to safety

Gabriella Durán Blakey wants the public to know that leaders are working to keep students safe in Albuquerque’s classrooms, despite recent instances of guns reported at schools. Blakey, superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools used her biweekly newsletter to remark on security within the district and the efforts officials are making to avoid incidents like the […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Housing & Homelessness, Local Gov.

Bernalillo County buries 222 unclaimed residents

Bernalillo County officials and members of the public gathered Thursday morning to recognize 222 deceased residents as part of its unclaimed indigent cremation program — the highest number since the initiative began in 2012. A ceremony was held at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque where each person’s name was read. Urns containing ashes from cremations […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Local Gov.

Safety takes a front seat at the ABQ Balloon Fiesta

The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will have a safety focus, both on the ground and in the air, an event spokesperson said Wednesday. “Balloon Fiesta aims to create a secure and enjoyable environment where everyone can experience the magic of the flying events without concerns for their well-being,” Tom Garrity said. “To ensure a […]

ABQ city councilors set to debate campaign finance changes

The next mayoral and City Council election is not until next year, but Albuquerque city councilors are already debating how much public money some council candidates should receive for campaigning.  During the council’s Sept. 16 meeting, Councilor Joaquín Baca introduced a proposal to “clean up” campaign finance sections of the city’s charter.  Council candidates currently […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Local Gov.

City, county agree on jail fixes

Bernalillo County’s jail system continues to work out reforms spurred by a long-running lawsuit. During their Tuesday meeting, Bernalillo County Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Albuquerque to continue joint operations at the Medical and Mental Health Triage Facility, Prisoner Transport Unit and Resource Reentry Center. Under the agreement, arrestees will undergo […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Housing & Homelessness, Local Gov., New Mexico Statewide News

Transient bookings at MDC on the rise

The number of inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) who are classified as transient is on the rise — a trend that’s concerning to advocates who work with those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. The MDC is run by Bernalillo County and is the largest county jail in the state. It has an average inmate […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Local Gov.

Mobile hygiene units pique county interest

Bernalillo County officials plan to further study the idea of starting a mobile hygiene program after county commissioners responded positively to a presentation at Tuesday’s meeting, although there are no immediate plans to roll it out yet. Jamie Duvall of consulting firm Apex Evaluation discussed research findings her company gathered on behalf of the county’s […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Gov., New Mexico Statewide News

MDC officer accused of illegal relationship with inmate released

A former Metropolitan Detention Center corrections officer who is accused of having an illegal relationship with an inmate was released from custody Monday after a court hearing.  The former officer, Chevonne Culbreath, was arrested Sept. 17 and charged with criminal sexual penetration and trying to illegally bring contraband into the jail after an inmate reportedly […]