By Mary Alice Murphy

Commissioners, elected officials and the media toured the Grant County Detention Center. Administrator Mike Carillo and Deputy Administrator Joe Andazola led the tour after the regular Grant County Commission meeting Thursday.

"I count on Joe a lot," Carillo said at the beginning of the tour, which was primarily led by Andazola. "He knows corrections. He is a valued employee." Carillo noted the facility receives visits from several volunteers who work with the inmates. "We also have several man traps, for which the entry door must be closed before the other door can be opened."

To a question, Andazola reported the facility held 72 inmates that day. "We typically, at any time, have seven to eight inmates, who have been sentenced to terms shorter than a year. Those sentenced for longer times are sent to state or federal prisons."

He noted that inmates' clothing was color-coded, with yellow, meaning the inmate has been sentenced; green indicating the general population of men, with pink being the color for the general population of women. Those who present problems, male or female, wear red and must be belly-chained and escorted when they are moved.

At the laundry, Carillo said if an inmate damages clothing or blankets, they have to pay for them.

Andazola noted that inmates, using the money put into their account when they were booked into the facility, may order items such as shampoo and other hygienic needs, three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Carillo said inmates who have earned privileges may also pay for hot food, such as pizza.

"We use telemedicine in the facility," Carillo continued. "The person being booked in is seen in the booking area to determine if there are any health issues. The inmate gets to see the medical practitioner on a screen."

To a question about the pharmacy, Andazola said the state regularly checks it.

Carillo said he has in the past requested assessments from the New Mexico Department of Corrections, as well as Luna County. "We are taking the recommendations and trying to apply them."

Andazola said the Department of Corrections is also doing a tactical assessment.

The tour went into the inmate area, where there are five 12-man pods in the male section and three female pods.

"We want to cut recidivism," Carillo said. "It is generational. We see kids and grandkids from when Commissioner Ron Hall and I were police officers."

The Detention Center has worked to get funding for an inmate support system to cut recidivism, but has fallen short in its efforts. It however uses students from the university in some volunteer positions to try to give support to inmates while in the facility and soon after they are released.

Commissioners adjourned their meeting from the jail lobby.