Members of Albuquerque area’s law enforcement, judicial community, elected officials and others from the region gathered for a Public Safety Summit on Jail Population, hosted by the Mid-Region Council of Governments.

Over the last year, the population at the Metropolitan Detention Center has skyrocketed. Currently, the MDC is holding 500 inmates more than capacity allows.

“We’re at a critical crossroads right now with our criminal justice system,” says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Not only are our jails seriously overcrowded, but we need to collectively look for efficiencies in all areas of the system. I’m glad that the Council of Governments can serve as the neutral party to get these groups together.”

The summit brought together elected officials and representatives from all aspects of the local criminal justice system. The all day-event fostered a new commitment to communication and the establishment of a local criminal justice collaborative.

"The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court has done its part to reduce MDC populations, but this is an issue that affects the whole community and all of us in the criminal justice system must be part of the solution." says Chief Metro Court Judge Judy Nakamura.

The summit provided a format to openly discuss everyone’s role in the system and how each organization can more effectively fulfill its mission.

“This kind of collaboration only works to enhance our existing public safety efforts,” says Chief Ray Schultz, Albuquerque Police Department.

“The collaboration and cooperation this group has already demonstrated can only improve the criminal justice system in our community,” says Chief District Court Judge William Lang.

Contact:  Steve Gallegos ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )