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Santa Fe County outlines changes to release and transportation procedures at adult detention facility
Summary
After a public review prompted by concerns about people walking from the adult detention facility, the county described immediate steps—van availability, reflective vests, signage—and longer-term planning including transit partnerships, a proposed trail along Highway 14, and possible staff additions.
Santa Fe County officials on June 24 presented a plan of operational changes and longer‑term strategies to reduce the number of people walking from the Adult Detention Facility (ADF) along Highway 14 and improve safe access to transit.
The presentation, given by ADF leadership and county staff, summarized immediate measures already implemented: assignment of transportation officers during high‑release hours (2 p.m.–10 p.m.), a county van staged near the release door with roughly 30‑minute turnaround availability, distribution of reflective vests to anyone who intends to walk, and new bilingual signage in the booking and lobby areas describing transportation options.
Deputy Warden Wade (presenter) told the board that during a two‑week sample period beginning June 2 the staged van and a more proactive intake survey produced 83 county transports — already exceeding the number of transports recorded during an entire prior quarter. The county also said about 15% of releases in that sample indicated an intent to walk even after staff offered transport or a vest.
Officials described additional strategies under study: negotiations with the North Central Regional Transit District for a MyBlue-style on‑demand service stop at the jail (pending RTD board approval), coordination with Presbyterian Medical Services on expanded appointment access and potential transports, purchase of public transit vouchers for rail runner and local buses, a volunteer driver program to cover gaps, and a third‑party follow‑up survey to measure outcomes after release.
County leadership also proposed building an off‑road pedestrian trail along Highway 14 in existing right of way from ADF toward the 599/Rail Runner area to provide a safe walking route; staff estimated a capital cost in the order of $2 million and said an initial design request is included in the county manager’s proposed capital budget.
Commissioners asked questions about staffing and costs; the county said covering the current 8‑hour transportation officer window with overtime costs approximately $81,000 per year and that hiring permanent staff to fill the transport role is under consideration. Commissioners and community members praised the county’s quick operational changes and urged continued attention; county officials said they will continue to monitor the measures, conduct surveys and pursue transit and trail options.
The presentation followed earlier public concern about releases and pedestrian safety; county staff said they are coordinating with hospitals, law‑enforcement partners and nonprofit groups on next steps and outreach.
