SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 57

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Timothy Z. Jennings

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT STUDY AND COMPARE THE RECIDIVISM RATES AND THE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PRISONS IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico prisons are facing a shortage of bed space in the near future; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has no plans to increase the number of prisons throughout New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, recidivism reduction is one of the critical means that the corrections department can use to ensure adequate bed space for the future; and

     WHEREAS, over ninety percent of prisoners will be released from prison back into their communities; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico needs to ensure that prisoners are receiving the appropriate programming to prepare them for their eventual release from prison; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that prisoners are prepared to become productive members of their communities; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that prisoners are taught skills while in prison to address their possible addictions and mental health, education, vocational, parenting and family unification needs;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the corrections department be requested to study and compare the recidivism rates and the similarities and differences of program requirements and outcomes between the public and private prisons in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting the study the corrections department confer with other persons and organizations with knowledge and interest in recidivism reduction; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the corrections department report the results of the study, including any legislative recommendations, to the interim corrections oversight, courts and justice committee by November 1, 2005; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of corrections and the co-chairs of the interim corrections oversight, courts and justice committee.

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