New Mexico’s 2024 Legislative Session Sees Repeat of Ineffective “Tough on Crime” Policies
Innovative Solutions Needed – Breaking the Cycle of Crime in New Mexico through Proactive Investments
According to the published article by ACLU New Mexico, as New Mexico‘s 2024 legislative session began on January 16, lawmakers introduced familiar “tough on crime” policies. These measures, often repackaged yearly, fail to make communities safer. Instead, they break up families, keep people in poverty, and lead to more crime. If locking people up was the solution, New Mexico would be one of the safest states by now. It’s time for lawmakers to try new ideas and invest in programs that help people avoid crime in the first place, creating safer and healthier communities.
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Cruel Jail and Prison Conditions Cause Psychological Harm and Increase Reoffending
Jail and prison conditions are cruel, causing severe psychological harm that makes it harder for people to get their lives back on track. The ACLU has documented many cases of abuse, including medical neglect, sexual assault, filthy conditions, and unfair treatment based on race, gender, and disability. This abuse creates trauma, especially for inmates with mental health issues or past abuse, making it even harder for them to reintegrate into society and support their families after release. Studies show that time in prison often increases the chances of reoffending because of the trauma it causes.
Parental Imprisonment in New Mexico Devastates Children
A 2016 study found that 10 percent of children in New Mexico have experienced a parent’s imprisonment, which has severe consequences. These children are more likely to face poverty, homelessness, hunger, substance abuse issues, anxiety, and legal troubles. Laws that raise incarceration rates negatively impact all children in New Mexico, but they particularly harm children of color, whose parents are more frequently arrested and incarcerated.
Incarceration Creates Financial Burdens for Entire Families
People in prison in New Mexico earn very little money, making it hard for them to buy basic hygiene products. Their families often have to cover these costs, along with court fines, while also losing income because their loved one is in prison. This financial burden mainly falls on women, who pay 83% of these costs, making it hard to provide food, childcare, and housing. After release, former inmates face many challenges in finding jobs and housing because of legal restrictions and stigma, making it nearly impossible to rebuild their lives.
Too Many People Are Incarcerated for Technical Violations
About 30% of New Mexico’s prison population is there for breaking parole or probation rules, with 70% of these being minor violations like missing a meeting or failing a drug test. This approach wastes millions of dollars and sets people up for failure, as many violations happen due to lack of transportation or inadequate treatment for substance abuse. Last year, a bill to stop this practice was passed but vetoed by Governor Lujan Grisham. Investing in solutions like substance abuse treatment and addressing systemic issues would be more effective in keeping families together and improving public safety.
Our Money Is Better Spent on Diversion Programs and Housing Security
Addressing the root causes of crime through diversion programs is cheaper and more effective than creating debt and criminal records. These programs offer services like case management, drug and alcohol treatment, and counseling, which reduce repeat offenses and improve public safety. Despite their success, Governor Lujan Grisham recently suspended a youth diversion program. New Mexico should continue investing in these programs and housing security to prevent crime, as stable housing is crucial. The state must also ensure safe housing and stop laws that unfairly target homeless people.
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