Search Bernalillo County, NM Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Bernalillo County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Bernalillo County, NM
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Bernalillo County
- Visitation Rules at Bernalillo County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Bernalillo County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Bernalillo County
- Bernalillo Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Bernalillo County?
- Bernalillo County Facility Directory
- Bernalillo Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, you can utilize both online and offline methods. Online, the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center provides an Inmate Lookup tool on its official website (https://www.bernco.gov/metropolitan-detention-center/inmate-lookup/), where you can search for current detainees by name or booking number. For more comprehensive information or older incarceration records, you can contact the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center directly in person or by phone at (505) 839-8700; their address is 100 Deputy Dean Miera Drive SW, Albuquerque, NM 87151. Additionally, you may visit the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office for assistance, or submit a written records request to the Bernalillo County Public Records Office. Whether searching online or visiting local offices, be prepared to provide identifying information about the inmate to help staff locate the correct records.
How to Find an Inmate in Bernalillo County, NM
Inmate records for individuals connected to Bernalillo County can be accessed online, but the right search tool depends on whether the person is held in a local jail, a New Mexico state facility, or in federal custody. Use the following resources to locate current inmate information based on the type of detention.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center/Inmate Lookup | Local jail inmates, current custody status | Online Search Phone: (505) 839-8700 | Searchable by name or booking number. Jail located at 100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM 87151. |
| New Mexico DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates under NM Corrections Department | Online Search | Includes current NM state prisoners; excludes most recent jail bookings. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Local and state custody status, custody notifications | Online Search | Register for custody status changes. Statewide coverage, including Bernalillo County. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates nationwide | Online Search | No federal prisons in New Mexico; federal inmates may be held in neighboring states (e.g., Texas, Arizona). |
| In-Person Records Request | Official inmate/jail records and booking details | Bernalillo MDC Records Office: 100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM 87151 Phone: (505) 839-8702 | Visit or call for official records requests; photo ID required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Bernalillo County
After an arrest in Bernalillo County, individuals undergo a standardized booking process that involves arrest, transportation to jail, fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and a housing assignment. Processing typically takes between 4 to 8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DWI, reckless driving, driving on suspended | Very High | 24–72 hours, or until bond/release is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, distribution, paraphernalia | High | 1–7 days, or until hearing/bond |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, battery, domestic battery | High | 24–72 hours; may require court order to release |
| Property Crimes | Burglary, theft, shoplifting | Moderate | 1–7 days, or until bond/release is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Very High | Until next court hearing or payment of bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation violation, unpaid fines, bench warrants | High | Varies; often until hearing or case resolution |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, robbery, serious drug crimes | Moderate | Until case resolution; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Bernalillo County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the current rules with the facility and confirm that you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00am – 11:00am | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 8:00am – 11:00am | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 8:00am – 11:00am | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 8:00am – 11:00am | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 8:00am – 11:00am | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00pm – 5:00pm | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00pm – 5:00pm | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo identification required. |
| Dress Code | No revealing, offensive, or gang-related clothing allowed. |
| Prohibited Items | No weapons, electronics, bags, or contraband permitted. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate’s approved visitor list before arrival. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside normal hours with prior arrangement. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Bernalillo County Jail
Inmates at Bernalillo County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for security purposes. Here’s how to reach an inmate:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID] / Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center / 100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM 87151
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates place outbound collect or prepaid calls via [Provider]. | Create account with [Provider] and add funds. | Calls are monitored; no incoming calls; call durations may be limited. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters or approved items to jail address using correct format. | None, send via US Postal Service. | No contraband; letters inspected; avoid stickers, glitter, or cash. |
| Digital Messaging | Send electronic messages through [Provider]'s system. | Register with [Provider] online and fund account. | All messages monitored; attachments may be restricted. |
| Video Calls | Schedule remote video visits via [Provider] platform. | Sign up with [Provider], schedule and pay for session. | Sessions monitored; dress code and behavior rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Bernalillo County
The New Mexico Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, coordinating with the New Mexico Corrections Department and community partners to provide parole, reentry, and support resources in Bernalillo County.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Board of Parole | Determines parole eligibility and conditions for state-sentenced offenders. | State prisoners seeking parole | NM Board of Parole / (505) 827-8971 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows eligible inmates to earn sentence credits for good behavior or program participation. | Qualifying state inmates | NMCD Good Time Policy |
| Parole Supervision (Albuquerque) | Provides supervision, support, and enforcement of parole conditions locally. | Released parolees residing in Bernalillo County | Albuquerque District Office: 4337 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 / (505) 383-2800 |
| Reentry Housing | Links returning citizens to transitional and supportive housing options in Bernalillo County. | Recently released individuals needing housing | NMCD Reentry Division / (505) 827-8861 |
| Employment Assistance | Offers job readiness, training, and placement support for people with criminal records. | Justice-involved individuals reentering the workforce | New Mexico Workforce Connection: 501 Mountain Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 / (505) 843-1900 / Website |
| Benefits Restoration | Helps restore Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release. | Eligible returning citizens | Bernalillo County Income Support Division: 1120 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Albuquerque, NM 87114 / (800) 283-4465 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated system for crime victims to receive custody status updates on inmates. | Victims and concerned individuals | NM VINE / (877) 551-8463 |
Bernalillo Incarceration Statistics
Bernalillo County, home to Albuquerque, has historically reported some of New Mexico's highest crime and incarceration rates, particularly for violent and property offenses. The county operates the Metropolitan Detention Center, where most local inmates are held.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 6,518 | 1,227 | 17% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 5,178 | 974 | 13% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 1,038 | 195 | 2.7% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 302 | 57 | 0.8% | ↑ Increasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 26,485 | 4,983 | 70% | → Stable |
| — Theft / Larceny | 13,076 | 2,459 | 35% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 8,023 | 1,508 | 21% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 5,386 | 1,016 | 14% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 2,350 | 442 | 6% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 1,827 | 344 | 5% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 1,124 | 211 | 3% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 76% Male, 24% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 13%, 25–34: 34%, 35–44: 28%, 45+: 25% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 42% Hispanic, 30% White, 6% Black, 4% Native American, 18% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Violent crimes, Property crimes, Drug offenses | Local facility data |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 3.8 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 47% within 3 years | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Bernalillo County?
Bernalillo County currently holds an estimated 1,250 inmates in local custody across various facility types. Offenders sentenced to longer terms are typically transferred to a New Mexico state facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 850 | 68% | $95 | 91% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 120 | 10% | $95 | 73% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 180 | 14% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 50 | 4% | $95 | 61% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 50 | 4% | $329 | 70% |
| Total | 1,250 | 100% | — | — |
Bernalillo County Facility Directory
Bernalillo County operates five correctional facilities, including a county jail, a community custody and restorative center, a youth services center, a work release center, and a specialty behavioral care facility. These facilities collectively serve the detention needs of adults and juveniles in the county.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) | County Jail | Albuquerque | 2,236 | ~1,350 | Medium/Maximum |
| Bernalillo County Community Custody & Restorative Center | Community Jail | Albuquerque | 120 | ~90 | Minimum/Community |
| Youth Services Center (YSC) | Youth Facility | Albuquerque | 78 | ~50 | Juvenile |
| Community Custody Program/Work Release | Work Release Center | Albuquerque | 95 | ~60 | Minimum |
| Behavioral Health Care Campus | Specialty | Albuquerque | 34 | ~25 | Specialty/Mental Health |
Bernalillo County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail and Bond Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid and Rights
- Re-entry Programs and Community Support
- Family Support Services