Report by New Mexico's Legislative Finance Committee: Corrections Department Review of Facility Planning Efforts & Oversight of Private Prisons & Health Programs

There has been a public concern with the cost, quality, adequacy, and effectiveness of New Mexico's prison operations due to the increased population and prison riots. The number of state inmates has increased over 440% to 6,574 since 2001, during the same time the number of prisons increased from one to twelve. This review of the Corrections Department assessed the basic medical, mental health, addiction, and food services to inmates. The key findings included:

• New Mexico houses 42% of its state inmates in private prisons, the highest rate in the nation. The private prisons cost more than they should due to contract price increases.
   
• The department projects its inmate population will increase 37% by 2016, requiring bed space for an estimated 9,365 inmates, which may cause overcrowding
   
• Inmates generally have access to behavioral health services, but need effectiveness of the services should be monitored

The New Mexico prisons were given several recommendations by the Corrections Department. New Mexico prisons should modify agreements for private correctional facilities They should also develop and implement a 10-year facility strategic plan and submit the plans to the Courts. The medical vendor should be required to provide monthly reports on medical spending and report program outcome performance information for addictions and mental health services. These recommendations will help reach the overall objective of improving  prison operations and planning.