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On a single night in 2023, about 20 of every 10,000 people in the U.S. were experiencing homelessness, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (majorosl66/AdobeStock)

Advocacy groups want NM's Governor to halt special legislative session

New Mexico advocacy groups are calling on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to cancel next week's special session where lawmakers are scheduled …

According to a survey by SafeWise.com, 42% of New Mexicans rely on guard dogs to protect their property while 36% use security cameras. (RobertWilson/AdobeStock)

NM lawmakers return to Roundhouse to address public safety

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called lawmakers back to the state Capitol this month for a legislative session about public safety…

New Mexico is seventh among states with the most illegal street racers, according to Insurify. (AKGKStudio/Adobe Stock)

Understaffing hampers proactive police efforts in NM, nationwide

A new survey shows there's been an increase in the number of police officers on the streets since the COVID-19 exodus, but some Americans are still …

The opioid crisis led to more arrests across the U.S. including New Mexico, which now offers services to combat recidivism in 14 of 33 counties. (JUN LI/AdobeStock)<br />

NM counties reduce recidivism through RISE program

By Anya Petrone Slepyan for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Co…

Albuquerque had one of the highest homicide rates in the nation in 2021, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association. (Artem/Adobe Stock)

Amid Legal Challenges, NM Governor Enacts Gun Restrictions

One day after New Mexico Gov. Michele Lujan Grisham announced a ban on the public carry of guns in and around Albuquerque, a pro-gun group is suing…

The average young person knows at least one other person who's been injured or killed by a gun, according to a survey by Everytown for Gun Safety and the Southern Poverty Law Center. (michelmond/Adobe Stock)

Report: Young Americans Feel Unsafe, Support Stricter Gun Laws

Some 74% of young people in the U.S. believe gun violence is a problem, and almost 60% want to see stricter gun laws, according to a new report from …

FBI Director Christopher Wray recently told the Senate Judiciary Committee the investigation of hate crimes is the number one priority within the agency's civil rights program. (fbi.gov)

Albuquerque's Muslim Community On Edge After Four Murders

Albuquerque has been thrown into the national spotlight after the shootings of four Muslim men, including three in the past two weeks, prompting …

Only three states - Georgia, Texas and Wisconsin - continue to prosecute 17-year-olds in adult courts, according to The Sentencing Project. (AlexasFotos/Pixabay)

Report: Blaming Youth for COVID Crime Wave is False

Data from The Sentencing Project showed the share of crimes in the U.S. committed by young people has fallen by more than half in the past two …

According to the Sentencing Project, 25 states and the District of Columbia have banned life sentences without the possibility of parole for people younger than 18. (GerdAltmann/Pixabay)

NM Misses Chance to Ban 'Life Without Parole' Sentences for Youths

With hours remaining in New Mexico's 2022 legislative session, a bill to disallow life sentences without the possibility of parole for juveniles was …

The Grassroots Law Project is collecting signatures on a petition asking New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to call up a juvenile justice

NM Juvenile Justice Advocates Press Governor for Action

New Mexico's 30 day legislative session, held in even-numbered years, typically focuses on budget issues, but juvenile justice advocates are hopeful …

Violence and maltreatment remain widespread in juvenile corrections and detention facilities nationwide, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (johnhain/Pixabay)

Debate Over Youth Prison Sentences Continues in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. -- A New Mexico legislator is optimistic a bill will pass in the 2022 session to prohibit life sentences for juveniles convicted of …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

Albuquerque is one of at least three new cities with Democratic governors where President Donald Trump plans to send federal agents to

Trump to Send Federal Anti-Crime Agents to Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr announced yesterday that 35 federal agents will be deployed to …

New Mexico youth aging out the the state's juvenile justice system during the pandemic have found many offices closed, so it's harder to get the documents needed for a job or driver's license. (GoranH/Pixabay)

Will COVID-19 Hasten Juvenile Justice Reform in New Mexico?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As in the prison population in general, young people of color are disproportionately represented in the U.S. juvenile justice …

It's estimated that nationwide, 218,000 young people are admitted to detention facilities each year. (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept.)

Can COVID-19 Help Reform the Juvenile Justice System?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As the coronavirus pandemic took hold across the U.S. last month, the number of young people in local secure detention centers …

A majority of Americans support laws that allow family members or police to request temporary removal of guns from a person deemed at risk to themselves or others, according to a 2019 APM Research Lab/Guns & America/Call To Mind survey. (LoveableNinja/Pixabay)

Will New Mexico Be Next "Red-Flag" State?

SANTA FE, N.M. - A "red flag" gun bill is headed to the New Mexico Senate floor for debate - but not without a major revision from the original …

About 73,000 New Mexicans have enrolled in the state's medical marijuana program since it was introduced in 2007. (health.harvard.edu)

NM Expands Cannabis Options to Treat Opioid Addiction

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Opioid-use disorder tops the list of several new qualifying conditions for people in New Mexico who want to enroll in the …

New Mexico's governor has demanded that a right-wing militia group stop detaining migrants at the border after they rounded up about 300 immigrants, many of them children. (Hencer Oliva/Adobe)

Vigilante Accused of Holding Migrants at Border to Appear in Court

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A New Mexico man the FBI says was part of a right-wing militia group stopping migrant families at the border will appear in …

A recent legislative study found that recidivism is costing New Mexico taxpayers $40 million per year. (fordaminstitute.org)

Approved NM Probation Reform Hits Snag

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico lawmakers have discussed how to reduce the costs to the state for probation and parole for several years, but a …

In 2017, Albuquerque had 75 homicides, the highest number in at least 20 years. (thevillagefreepress.org)

Albuquerque Nixes Hosting Future NRA Gun Events

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The National Rifle Association will hold its final National Police Shooting Championship in Albuquerque next week after the …

The 30-day 2018 New Mexico legislative session begins in Santa Fe on Tuesday with crime and violence set to get plenty of attention. (nmchiro.org)

Criminal Justice Top Priority at Roundhouse

SANTE FE, N.M -- The 2018 legislative session starts tomorrow, and Gov. Susana Martinez said she plans to push legislation that would grant legal …

New Mexico will receive $2.5 million in federal grants to help authorities make a dent in the backlog of thousands of untested rape kits. (ocrcc.org)

Albuquerque to Test Huge Rape Kit Backlog

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Victims of sexual assaults that occurred in Albuquerque more than 30 years ago may finally get justice now that decades-old …

The Torrance County Detention Facility, a for-profit private prison in Estancia, N.M., is scheduled to close because of a lack of prisoners. (CoreCivic.com)

Will Federal Immigration Crackdown Benefit NM's Private Prisons?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The prison population is declining in most states - but not in New Mexico, and that's creating problems for elected …

A 2015 report lists New Mexico as third in the nation in cases of men killing women in domestic-violence cases. (Pixabay)

First-Ever Abuse Hotline Open for New Mexico Native Americans

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- For the first time, Native Americans living in New Mexico can call a free crisis hotline to report domestic abuse. Compared …

The new report notes there is evidence of systemic maltreatment in youth prison facilities in New Mexico since 2011. (Pixabay)

Report: Youth Prisons Should Close for Good

SANTA FE, N.M. – Children should not be kept behind bars, according to a new report that examines the ineffectiveness of youth prisons in New …

A new report says fees and fines imposed in the juvenile-court system often become major setbacks to families who are already financially strapped. (Youth Justice Coalition)

Report: NM Juvenile Offenders Trapped in “Debtor’s Prison”

SANTA FE, N.M. - Fines and fees within the juvenile-justice system can be crushing for families, according to a new report. According to the …

Gov. Kurt Riley with the Pueblo of Acoma speaks at a news conference announcing the introduction of the STOP Act in Congress. (Heinrich Staff Photo)

Proposed Law Increases Penalties for Trafficking Native Artifacts

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Outrage over recent attempts to auction Native American artifacts in Europe has spurred the introduction of legislation in the U.…

About 52,000 New Mexico children are growing up with a parent in prison during at least part of their childhood. (zodebala/iStockphoto)

Report: Prison Sentences Affect Both Parent and Child

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – More than 5 million children across the nation, including 52,000 in New Mexico, experience separation from a parent due to …

A proposal for $41 million in President Obama's budget proposal would help New Mexico and others clear the backlog of untested rape kits. (Wikimedia Commons)

Federal Budget Includes $41 Million to End Rape Kit Backlog

SANTA FE, N.M. - Victims advocacy groups are hailing the inclusion of $41 million in President Barack Obama's proposed budget to help address the …

At least one New Mexico conservation group says the armed militia that took over over a national wildlife refuge is treading on other Americans' public lands and their right to enjoy them. (DodgertonSkillhouse/morguefile)

New Mexico Wildlife Group Protests Oregon Land Takeover

ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. – The director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation traveled to rural Oregon this week to join a group of people protesting …

New Mexico officials discovered more than 5,400 untested rape kits during a recent audit of police evidence lockers. (click/morguefile)

New Mexico Audit Finds 5,411 Untested Rape Kits

SANTA FE, N.M. – Victims' rights advocates are hoping New Mexico officials take steps during the upcoming legislative session to deal with the …

A bill coming again to the 2016 New Mexico Legislature would require unlicensed gun dealers to perform background checks before selling firearms at gun shows. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bill Aims to Close Loophole in New Mexico Gun Laws

SANTA FE, N.M. - Unlicensed gun dealers would be required to perform background checks before selling firearms at gun shows in a bill pending in the …

The movement to end mass incarceration in the U.S. has a new digital tool for its toolbox. Credit: Oneword/iStockphoto.com

Web Platform Exposes Companies Connected to Private Prison Industry

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Human rights advocates are deploying a new digital tool to help convince corporations to stop profiting from mass incarceration…

Pastor Rodgers says the bombing will not deter church services or its mission in the community. Courtesy: Calvary Baptist Church

Church Pastor in Las Cruces: "Bombing Won't Stop Our Mission"

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Pastor Scott Rodgers with Calvary Baptist Church in Las Cruces, one two churches in the city where bombs exploded during …

PHOTO: The U.S. Public Interest Research Group is calling on McDonald's to stop purchasing meat from animals raised using antibiotics. The fast-food giant says it is updating its purchasing policies this year. Photo credit: Alvimann/morguefile.

No More Antibiotics at McDonald's?

SANTA FE, N.M. – The company known for its Golden Arches is being asked to make its burgers, chicken nuggets and other menu items antibiotic-…

PHOTO: Two Albuquerque police officers involved the fatal shooting of a homeless man are facing possible murder charges.<br />Photo credit: Dick Elbers/Wikimedia Commons.

Albuquerque Police May Face Murder Charges in Homeless Man's Death

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg is pursuing murder charges against two Albuquerque police officers in the …

PHOTO: New Mexico would receive incentives for locking up fewer juveniles under a newly updated Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act introduced in Congress. Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

NM Could See Juvenile Justice Reforms with Congressional Action

SANTA FE, N.M. - Congress is set to consider updating a decades-old law that guides New Mexico and all states on the custody and care of juveniles in …

PHOTO: Santa Fe city leaders hope a new hotline leads to arrests as the city deals with increased drug abuse. Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol.

Santa Fe Launches Drug-Tip Hotline Targeting Heroin Dealers

SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe city leaders are counting on a new hotline to encourage people in the community to report suspected drug dealers as …

PHOTO: As if having their personal financial information compromised wasn't enough, concerned consumers now must worry about the wave of scams as a result of the data breach. Photo credit: Nicholas Eckhart.

Secondary Scams Follow Massive Data Breach at Target

ALBUQUERQUE, N. Mex. – The massive data breach at Target Stores that exposed debit and credit information for millions of shoppers is likely …

PHOTO: In New Mexico and around the nation, having a parent in prison is more common than childhood autism. Photo courtesy of the FBI.

Report: 1.75 Million U.S. Kids Have a Parent In Prison

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In New Mexico and around the nation, having a parent in prison is more common than childhood autism. That detail was …

PHOTO: Overcrowding at Albuquerque's Metropolitan Detention Center is causing hundreds of inmates to be housed in Texas jails at a huge cost to taxpayers, according to New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association President-elect Matt Coyte. Image courtesy of Bernalillo County.

NM Attorneys: Lower Bonds Will Reduce Jail Overcrowding

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Overcrowding at Albuquerque's Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) is causing hundreds of inmates to be housed in Texas jails at a …

PHOTO: The number of youths in juvenile corrections is down nationwide and in Arizona over the last 18 years. A new report credits the approach for a sharp drop in juvenile crime. CREDIT: Thomas Hugh Martin, ESQ.

Report: Fewer Locked-Up Kids, Less Youth Crime

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - In New Mexico and nationwide, fewer juveniles are being incarcerated. At the same time, the juvenile crime rate is down sharply…

NM House Introduces Gun Bill

SANTA FE, N.M. - New Mexico State House Bill 77 covers eight conditions that would determine a person's eligibility to own or possess a firearm…

Groups to FCC: Hang Up on High Prison Phone Rates

WASHINGTON - Phone calls from prison to an inmate's home can cost up to 24 times a normal call. After more than 10 years of trying to get the …

Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona’s SB 10-70, Upsets People in Neighboring State

ALBUQUERQUE - The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld only one of four challenged provisions of Arizona's SB1070 immigration law, the section requiring …

Report: ‘Lock ‘em Up’ Approach to Juvenile Justice Doesn’t Work

SANTA FE, N.M. - When kids act up, locking them up is the wrong thing to do, in most cases. A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation delivers …

Border Patrol Vet Endorses Doña Ana Wilderness Bill

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - An expert with border security in his blood recently made a visit to New Mexico to share his views on a bill now in Congress that …

Oficial Veterano Fronterizo Apoya Ley de Protección de Doña Ana

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Un veterano de tercera generación en la Patrulla Fronteriza recientemente visitó Nuevo México para dar un tour a…

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NM: Criminal Justice