Bernalillo County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Bernalillo County?
Inmate records in Bernalillo County are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office that document individuals who are currently or were previously in custody. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks an individual from initial booking through their entire period of incarceration and eventual release. Pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, certain inmate records are considered public documents.
It is important to distinguish inmate records from court records. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to an individual's case, inmate records specifically document the custodial aspects of incarceration. The New Mexico Corrections Department and Bernalillo County detention facilities maintain these records in accordance with § 33-2-12.1 NMSA, which mandates the creation and maintenance of inmate records.
The record creation process begins at booking when an individual is first taken into custody. During this intake process, personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge information are collected. These records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the record is completed with release information but remains on file with the correctional facility.
Are Inmate Records Public In Bernalillo County?
Yes, certain inmate records in Bernalillo County are public under New Mexico law. The New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), codified in § 14-2-1 NMSA, establishes that "every person has a right to inspect public records of this state." This includes many aspects of inmate records maintained by Bernalillo County detention facilities.
The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
- Basic booking and arrest information
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
However, certain information within inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure under § 14-2-1(A) NMSA, which protects confidential information such as:
- Medical and mental health records
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Confidential informant information
- Records protected by other state or federal laws
Members of the public seeking inmate records may access basic information through the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center online inmate lookup system or by submitting a formal records request to the facility.
What's Included Inmate Records in Bernalillo County
Inmate records in Bernalillo County contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer
- Current custody status
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level
- Disciplinary records while in custody
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges (including statute numbers)
- Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
- Arresting agency case numbers
- Warrant information (if applicable)
- Prior booking history at the facility
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted, not posted, etc.)
- Bond conditions
- Court-ordered holds or detainers
Court Information:
- Court case numbers
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court dates
- Court disposition information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer, etc.)
- Release conditions (if applicable)
- Probation/parole information (if applicable)
These records are maintained in accordance with New Mexico state law and Bernalillo County detention facility policies. While some of this information is publicly accessible, other portions may be restricted due to privacy concerns or security considerations.
Bernalillo County Prison System
The Bernalillo County correctional system operates under a structured framework designed to manage both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders. The primary facility for incarcerating individuals in Bernalillo County is the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), which serves as the county jail. This facility is operated by Bernalillo County and is distinct from the state prison system managed by the New Mexico Corrections Department.
The Bernalillo County jail system primarily houses:
- Individuals awaiting trial who have not been granted or cannot afford bail
- Persons serving sentences for misdemeanors (typically up to one year)
- Individuals convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Persons held on probation or parole violations
- Individuals temporarily detained on behalf of other jurisdictions
It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system. The Bernalillo County jail houses individuals for shorter periods, typically for sentences of one year or less, while the state prison system, operated by the New Mexico Corrections Department, houses individuals serving longer sentences for more serious offenses.
The Bernalillo County jail system is administered by:
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
100 Deputy Dean Miera Drive SW
Albuquerque, NM 87151
(505) 839-8700
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
The facility operates under the oversight of the Bernalillo County Commission and in accordance with standards established by the New Mexico Association of Counties and the American Correctional Association.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and specialized populations. These facilities include:
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
100 Deputy Dean Miera Drive SW
Albuquerque, NM 87151
(505) 839-8700
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
The MDC is the primary detention facility in Bernalillo County, housing both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The facility has a capacity of approximately 2,500 inmates and includes specialized housing units for different populations.
Youth Services Center (YSC)
5100 2nd Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 468-7400
Bernalillo County Youth Services Center
The YSC is a juvenile detention facility that houses youth who are awaiting adjudication or have been adjudicated for delinquent acts. This facility is separate from adult facilities in compliance with federal and state laws requiring sight and sound separation of juvenile and adult offenders.
Community Custody Program (CCP)
100 Deputy Dean Miera Drive SW
Albuquerque, NM 87151
(505) 839-8999
Bernalillo County Community Custody Program
The CCP is an alternative to incarceration that allows qualifying individuals to serve their sentences while living in the community under supervision. This program may include electronic monitoring, day reporting, or other forms of community-based supervision.
Resource Reentry Center
400 Roma Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 468-7250
Bernalillo County Resource Reentry Center
This facility provides services to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. The center offers case management, behavioral health services, and connections to community resources to support successful reentry.
Each of these facilities operates under specific security protocols and programming designed to meet the needs of the populations they serve while maintaining public safety.
Who's in Prison In Bernalillo County
The Bernalillo County detention facilities house a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
- Persons who have been denied bail due to the nature of their charges or flight risk
- Individuals who cannot afford to post bail
- Persons awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Sentenced Offenders:
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
- Persons convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Individuals serving short felony sentences that can be accommodated at the county level
Technical Violators:
- Persons who have violated terms of probation
- Individuals who have violated conditions of parole
- Those who have failed to comply with court orders
Special Populations:
- Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
- Persons with medical conditions requiring enhanced care
- Veterans in specialized treatment programs
- Individuals in substance abuse treatment programs
According to data from the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, the facility typically operates at 85-95% of its rated capacity. The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 23 days, while sentenced offenders may remain in custody for up to one year, depending on their sentence.
The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups. The county has implemented various initiatives to address these disparities, including pre-trial services programs and diversion options for eligible individuals.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Bernalillo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Bernalillo County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple systems that allow for the search and retrieval of inmate records:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center Custody List
- Enter search criteria such as the inmate's name, booking number, or date of birth
- Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and booking date
- Note that the online system only provides information for currently incarcerated individuals
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Metropolitan Detention Center Records Department during public counter hours
- Complete a records request form, specifying the information being requested
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.50 per page)
- Allow processing time as specified by records staff
Written Records Request:
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Submit a written request under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act
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Address the request to:
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
Records Custodian
100 Deputy Dean Miera Drive SW
Albuquerque, NM 87151 -
Include specific information about the inmate (full name, date of birth, approximate dates of incarceration)
-
Provide contact information for response
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Allow up to 15 calendar days for a response as permitted under § 14-2-8 NMSA
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the MDC Records Department at (505) 839-8700
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Note that limited information may be provided by telephone due to verification constraints
- Be prepared to verify your identity if requesting specific inmate information
For individuals seeking information about inmates in state prison facilities rather than the county jail, the New Mexico Corrections Department Offender Search provides an online database of state inmates.
How To Find an Inmate in Bernalillo County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Bernalillo County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by county and state agencies. These free resources allow family members, friends, legal representatives, and other interested parties to verify an individual's incarceration status and location:
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the MDC Custody List through any internet-connected device
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name) in the search fields
- Alternatively, search by booking number if known
- Review the results, which include current housing location, booking date, and charges
- This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost
Telephone Information Line:
- Call the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center at (505) 839-8700
- Follow the automated prompts for inmate information
- Provide the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Receive basic custody information including confirmation of incarceration and visiting hours
- This service is available during business hours at no cost
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Records:
- Visit the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court website
- Select "Case Lookup" from the available options
- Enter the individual's name to search for associated cases
- Review case information, which may include custody status notations
- This service provides court case information that can help confirm incarceration status
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the public lobby of the Metropolitan Detention Center during regular business hours
- Speak with the reception staff and request inmate location information
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the inmate
- Receive information about custody status and visiting procedures
- No fee is charged for basic inmate location information
For individuals who may be in state custody rather than county detention, the New Mexico Corrections Department Offender Search provides a free online database to locate inmates in the state prison system.
These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's custody status. For more detailed records, a formal records request may be required, which could involve fees for document reproduction.
How To Visit an Inmate In Bernalillo County
Visiting an inmate at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center requires adherence to specific procedures established to maintain facility security and ensure orderly visitation. The following guidelines outline the current visitation process:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Inmates may have up to 8 approved visitors on their list
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate or school ID
- Registration for visits must be completed at least 24 hours in advance
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
Visit Schedule:
- General population inmates are permitted two 60-minute visits per week
- Visitation days are determined by the inmate's housing unit
- Visits must be scheduled through the online visitation system or by calling (505) 839-8725
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visit time
- Late arrivals may result in cancellation of the visit
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
- Essential medications in original prescription bottles
- Baby supplies if visiting with an infant (limited to one diaper, one bottle, one blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
- Cameras or recording devices
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
- No gang-related clothing or colors
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
- No clothing similar to inmate or staff uniforms
Visit Types:
- In-person contact visits (available for eligible inmates)
- Non-contact visits through glass partitions
- Video visitation (available from designated terminals within the facility)
- Remote video visitation (available from home computers for a fee)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
Visit Restrictions:
- Physical contact is limited to a brief embrace at the beginning and end of contact visits
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit
- Visitors who violate rules may be permanently banned from visiting
These procedures are established pursuant to § 33-3-1 NMSA, which authorizes detention facilities to establish reasonable regulations for visitation. For the most current information on visitation procedures, visitors should contact the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center directly.
How To Send Money to a Bernalillo County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center have several approved methods for sending funds. These funds are deposited into the inmate's commissary account, allowing them to purchase approved items from the facility's commissary.
Methods for Sending Money:
-
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Systems website
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Select "Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's information (full name and inmate ID number)
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
- Service fees apply (currently 3.5% of the transaction amount)
-
Lobby Kiosk:
- Visit the MDC lobby during regular business hours
- Use the TouchPay kiosk located in the public lobby
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Make deposits using cash, credit card, or debit card
- Receive a receipt confirming the transaction
- Lower service fees apply for cash transactions (currently $2.00 per transaction)
-
Phone Deposits:
- Call TouchPay at 1-866-232-1899
- Provide the inmate's information when prompted
- Follow the automated instructions to complete the transaction
- Service fees apply (currently $6.95 per transaction)
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Money Order by Mail:
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Purchase a money order payable to "Bernalillo County Inmate Trust Fund"
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Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
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Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with the money order
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Mail to:
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
Inmate Trust Fund
100 Deputy Dean Miera Drive SW
Albuquerque, NM 87151 -
No service fees apply for money orders
-
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $1.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposits per inmate: $500.00
- Maximum monthly deposits per inmate: $1,500.00
Transaction Fees:
- Online deposits: 3.5% of transaction amount
- Lobby kiosk (cash): $2.00 flat fee
- Lobby kiosk (credit/debit): 3.5% of transaction amount
- Phone deposits: $6.95 flat fee
- Money orders: No fee
Prohibited Items:
- Cash sent through mail
- Personal checks
- Cashier's checks
- Third-party checks
- Foreign currency
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Payment of court-ordered fines and fees
- Release funds
Restricted Uses:
- Funds cannot be transferred between inmates
- Funds cannot be used to purchase prohibited items
- Funds cannot be withdrawn by the inmate while in custody
- Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
These procedures are established in accordance with Bernalillo County policies and § 33-3-11 NMSA, which governs inmate accounts and property.
How To Send Jail Mail In Bernalillo County
Corresponding with inmates at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center requires adherence to specific guidelines designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain contact with family, friends, and legal representatives. The following procedures outline the current mail policies:
Methods for Sending Mail:
-
Regular Postal Mail:
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Address envelopes with the inmate's full name, inmate ID number (if known), and facility address:
Inmate Full Name, ID Number
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
100 Deputy Dean Miera Drive SW
Albuquerque, NM 87151 -
Include a complete return address on all correspondence
-
Mail without a return address will not be delivered
-
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery to inmates
-
-
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Privileged"
- Must include the sending attorney's name, title, and return address
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Must be from an attorney, court, or recognized legal organization
-
Electronic Messaging (if available):
- Some facilities offer secure electronic messaging through approved vendors
- Family and friends must create an account through the approved vendor
- Fees may apply for electronic messages
- All electronic messages are subject to monitoring and screening
Approved Mail Items:
- Letters (on plain white, lined, or colored paper)
- Greeting cards (plain cards without musical, electronic, or pop-up components)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (following the procedures outlined in the money-sending section)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (subject to review)
- Drawings from children (on plain paper with no crayon or marker)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Cash or personal checks
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or labels
- Cards larger than 5"x7"
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit materials
- Materials depicting violence or gang activity
- Hardcover books (must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor)
- Food items or candy
- Clothing or fabric items
- Perfumed paper or envelopes
- Crayon or marker drawings
- Items with biohazards (lipstick, bodily fluids, etc.)
- Any items that pose a security threat
Mail Inspection Process:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by facility staff
- Mail containing prohibited items will be rejected
- Contraband items may be destroyed or returned to sender at the sender's expense
- Mail may be photocopied, with copies provided to inmates and originals stored in their property
- Mail suspected of containing illegal materials may be turned over to law enforcement
Mail Restrictions:
- Inmates in disciplinary segregation may have limited mail privileges
- Mail between inmates at the same facility is prohibited unless specifically authorized
- Mail between inmates at different facilities requires approval
- Mail containing threats, escape plans, or criminal activity will be rejected and may result in criminal charges
These mail procedures are established pursuant to facility policies and § 33-3-5 NMSA, which governs inmate correspondence.