SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 56

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE METROPOLITAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL REPORT TO AN INTERIM LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REGARDING A STUDY OF THE WARRANT PROCESS IN BERNALILLO COUNTY.

     WHEREAS, the metropolitan criminal justice coordinating council, among its duties, examines criminal justice statutes that impact the efficient and equitable administration of justice in Bernalillo county; and

     WHEREAS, the metropolitan criminal justice coordinating council uses its resources to study and make recommendations to improve the criminal justice system in Bernalillo county; and

     WHEREAS, the metropolitan criminal justice coordinating council is currently using its resources to study the warrant process in Bernalillo county; and

     WHEREAS, substantial criminal justice resources are expended each year to process and serve warrants in Bernalillo county; and

     WHEREAS, the metropolitan criminal justice coordinating council resolves to complete a comprehensive study and evaluation of warrants processed and served in Bernalillo county; and

     WHEREAS, the study will include an examination of whether it is prudent to change the statutory basis for certain warrants from criminal law to civil law; and

     WHEREAS, the study will also include data collection to determine if public safety and criminal justice resources would be impacted by changes in the warrant process; and

     WHEREAS, the study will include an examination of how Bernalillo county compares to other jurisdictions of similar size in regard to crime rates and criminal justice budgets;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the metropolitan criminal justice coordinating council be requested to report the results of its study to the legislative corrections oversight and justice committee no later than November 1, 2004; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the executive director of the metropolitan criminal justice coordinating council.

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