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 […]
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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 […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Local Gov., New Mexico Statewide News
What is a bond anyway?
Just as individuals and families use savings and take on debt to make large purchases, so do local, state and federal governments. While a family buying a new vehicle or a home might look for a car loan or mortgage, governments have a variety of debt-financing options available, each with their own rules and benefits. […]
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Councilor aims to curb inappropriate social media posts from official accounts
An Albuquerque city councilor is looking to enforce new social media rules for city employees after posts from the Albuquerque Police Department’s (APD) official social media account caught the council’s attention for the second time in as many years. At a meeting Sept. 5, councilors confronted Mayor Tim Keller’s administration about posts one councilor called […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Bernalillo County, Housing & Homelessness, Local Gov., New Mexico Statewide News
County commissioners to hear presentation on mobile hygiene units
Some Bernalillo County residents may take handwashing, showers and other personal hygiene actions for granted. But those without permanent or reliable housing don’t have as many opportunities to keep up with personal hygiene and therefore can be at risk for a variety of health issues. Some say the answer might be as simple as a […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Local Gov., New Mexico Statewide News
MDC leadership, labor union hopeful grant money will lead to new hires
As the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) struggles with less than 70% staffing, Bernalillo County commissioners this month accepted $3 million in grant funding to help the jail hire nearly two dozen corrections officers. Commissioners accepted the grant from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration during their Sept. 10 meeting. The funding can be […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized
Are fluoride levels in ABQ’s water safe?
According to new research, extreme levels of fluoride in drinking water could be associated with lower IQ in children, but according to local water officials, Albuquerque and Bernalillo County’s fluoride levels are still safe for residents. In its “Monograph on the State of Science Concerning Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopment and Cognition,” the National Toxicology Program, […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized
Bernalillo County breaks ground on Los Vecinos Community Center
Bernalillo County broke ground Sept. 19 on the next phase of renovations at Los Vecinos Community Center in Tijeras. According to a press release from the county, the event celebrated the start of several improvements, including a new multisport court, new playing fields, a new stage and other special events amenities, a new skate park, […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized
BernCo Commissioner Seeks Pot Parity
A Bernalillo County commissioner is looking to make things more fair for county employees who use cannabis outside work hours. Commissioner Eric Olivas said he plans to introduce legislation that would treat off-duty use of recreational cannabis in the same way as off-duty alcohol use. He called it a basic rights issue. Olivas said he’s been […]