Detention center reports average daily population of 173, highlights elderly detainee and juvenile out-of-county billing

The Curry County Adult Detention Center presented its April report, saying the average daily population for the month was 173, with 184 total detainee bookings and 51 first-time bookings. The facility recorded 702 completed video visitations and six detainee baptisms in April as volunteer and programming services continued.

Detention staff singled out an elderly detainee who requires extensive assistance with daily living. Captain/Commander-level staff reported three pending criminal cases for the individual and said the detainee's attorney plans to raise competency at the next scheduled hearing in September; staff said they would move the detainee if medically necessary and had considered transferring to a corrections facility with a 24-hour-equipped hospital if attorneys and logistics allowed.

Juvenile housing was billed to other counties for April: billing detail presented included Lee County (9 juvenile detainees for 162 days totaling $48,600), Bernalillo Youth (2 juveniles for 60 days totaling $13,500), Dona Ana (2 juveniles for 60 days totaling $12,000), and San Juan (3 juveniles for 56 days totaling $26,600), with total juvenile billing reported in the transcript (facility figures to be reconciled with finance staff). Adult corrections billing (New Mexico Department of Corrections) and adult probation and parole charges were also presented.

Detention officials emphasized staff training and compliance, reporting completion of required safety and sanitation inspections, OSHA fire-safety certifications for key staff, and additional less-than-lethal and interrogation training for personnel. Commissioners thanked staff for extra care provided to the elderly detainee.