The Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM) is a high-security prison located 14 miles south of Santa Fe. It is the only super-maximum security facility in the state of New Mexico, housing the most dangerous and high-risk offenders. The PNM complex consists of three facilities, including Level-II, Level-IV, and Level-V units.
The Level-II facility is a minimum-restriction facility that houses inmates who have committed less severe crimes. The Level-IV facility is a medium-security facility that houses inmates who have committed more serious crimes but are not considered the highest risk. The Level-V facility is a maximum-security facility that houses the most dangerous and high-risk offenders, including those who have committed violent crimes, gang members, and those with a history of escape attempts.
The PNM has a reputation for being one of the toughest prisons in the United States, with strict rules and regulations that are strictly enforced. The prison is also known for its unique architecture, which was designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape and reflect the cultural heritage of New Mexico.
| Security | Super-Max |
| Capacity | 790 |
| Physical Address | 4311 State Highway 14 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508 |
| Mailing Address | C/O Securus Digital Mail Center – NMCD PO BOX 25397 Tampa, FL 33622 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (505)-827-8201 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The Penitentiary of New Mexico has a long and complex history dating back to 1885 when it was established as the New Mexico Territorial Penitentiary. It became the State Penitentiary of New Mexico in 1912, and since then, it has undergone several transformations to become the Department’s only super-max facility, housing the highest security classification of offenders in the state of New Mexico.
Throughout its history, PNM has experienced several riots and incidents that have led to significant changes in its operations and management. In 1980, the prison experienced the worst riot in the history of corrections in the United States, where 33 inmates were killed, over 200 were injured, and seven of the 12 officers taken hostage were hurt. The riot led to several reforms, including the creation of the Corrections Department.
Over the years, PNM has expanded its facilities to accommodate the growing number of inmates. In 1897, prison overcrowding required inmates to be housed in yard buildings, and in 1912, a new cell house was completed at PNM to address the overcrowding problem. In 1939, a minimum-security Honor Farm was built in Los Lunas, but overcrowding remained a challenge. In 1953, the prison constructed a new facility with 104 cells at a cost of $150 thousand.
Today, PNM continues to be a critical component of the Corrections Department, providing a secure and safe environment for the highest security classification of offenders in the state of New Mexico.
Facilities
The Penitentiary of New Mexico is the state’s only super-maximum security prison, housing the highest security classification of offenders in the state. The facility is located along the old Turquoise Trail, 14 miles south of Santa Fe. The prison has several facilities, including cell blocks and dormitories, that house inmates based on their security level.
Cell Blocks
The Penitentiary of New Mexico has several cell blocks that house inmates based on their security level. Cell Block 4 is the highest-security cell block in the prison and houses inmates who pose the greatest risk to the safety of staff and other inmates. The cell block has 96 cells, and each cell is designed to house a single inmate. Inmates in Cell Block 4 are allowed out of their cells for only one hour a day.
Dormitories
The Penitentiary of New Mexico has several dormitories that house inmates based on their security level. The prison’s Level II dormitory is the lowest-security dormitory in the prison and houses inmates who have shown good behavior and are considered low-risk. The Level IV/V dormitory houses inmates who have been convicted of violent crimes, while the Level VI dormitory houses inmates who have been convicted of the most serious crimes.
Inmates on death row are housed in a separate area of the prison. The prison also houses federal inmates who are serving time in New Mexico. The Penitentiary of New Mexico is subject to federal laws and regulations, as well as state laws and regulations.
Overall, the Penitentiary of New Mexico is a highly secure facility that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the state. The facility’s staff is trained to handle any situation that may arise and to ensure the safety of all inmates, staff, and visitors.
Programs and Services
The Penitentiary of New Mexico offers a variety of programs and services to help offenders transition back into the community. These programs and services are designed to promote positive personal growth and self-development.
Education
PNM offers a range of educational programs to help offenders improve their academic skills and increase their chances of finding employment after release. These programs include adult basic education, high school equivalency, and vocational training.
Training
PNM provides offenders with job training and skills development programs to help them prepare for employment after release. These programs include vocational training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
Behaviorally Based Step Programs
PNM offers behaviorally based step programs to help offenders address the underlying issues that led to their incarceration. These programs use evidence-based practices to help offenders develop the skills and behaviors necessary to succeed in the community.
Transition
PNM provides transition services to help offenders make a successful transition back into the community. These services include case management, counseling, and support groups.
Community-Based Supervision
PNM offers community-based supervision programs to help offenders successfully reintegrate into the community. These programs provide offenders with the support and resources they need to stay on track and avoid reoffending.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at PNM are determined by the offender’s housing unit. Visitors must be on the offender’s approved visitation list and must present valid photo identification.
- Level II
Saturday & Sunday
8:30 am – 3:30 pm - Level IV – V
By Appointment Only
Wednesday – Sunday
8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm - Level VI
By Appointment Only
Wednesday – Sunday
8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm
Overall, the programs and services offered by PNM are designed to help offenders make a successful transition back into the community. By providing education, training, behaviorally based step programs, transition services, and community-based supervision, PNM is helping to reduce recidivism and promote public safety.
Classification and Accreditation
The Penitentiary of New Mexico has a Bureau Classification System that ensures that all inmates are appropriately classified according to their risk level and needs. The system is designed to provide the most effective supervision and treatment for each inmate. The classification process begins when an inmate arrives at the facility and is evaluated based on various factors such as criminal history, behavior, and mental and physical health.
PNM has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since 1986. The accreditation is a rigorous process that evaluates the facility’s compliance with more than 500 national standards. These standards cover all aspects of the facility’s operations, including safety, security, health care, and programming. The accreditation ensures that PNM is adhering to the highest standards of correctional practices.
PNM follows the Balanced System Approach, which is a classification system that takes into account the inmate’s risk level and needs. The approach aims to provide inmates with the necessary resources and programming to reduce their risk of reoffending. The system also ensures that inmates are placed in the appropriate custody level and housing unit based on their risk level.
PNM has the highest security classification level in the state of New Mexico and houses inmates at Level II, Level IV/V, and Level VI. The Level II facility is a minimum-restrict facility that houses inmates who are transitioning to lower custody levels. The Level IV/V facility is a medium-security facility that houses inmates who have committed serious offenses. The Level VI facility is a maximum-security facility that houses the most dangerous and violent offenders.
In conclusion, the Bureau Classification System, National Accredited Status, American Correctional Association, Balanced System Approach, and the highest security classification levels are all important aspects of PNM’s operations. These systems ensure that inmates are appropriately classified, provided with the necessary resources and programming, and housed in the appropriate custody level and housing unit.
Controversies and Reform
Duran v. King Consent Decree
In 1980, the Penitentiary of New Mexico experienced one of the deadliest prison riots in U.S. history. The riot resulted in the deaths of 33 inmates and the injury of over 200 others. In the aftermath of the riot, the Duran v. King Consent Decree was established. This decree required the state of New Mexico to make significant changes to the prison system and to provide a safe and humane environment for inmates.
The Duran v. King Consent Decree mandated that the state of New Mexico improve the conditions of confinement, including sanitation, nutrition, and medical care. Additionally, the decree required that the state hire and train additional correctional staff and establish a grievance system for inmates.
Overcrowding
One of the major issues facing the Penitentiary of New Mexico is overcrowding. Overcrowding has been a persistent problem in the prison system for decades. The prison system has struggled to manage the growing number of inmates and the limited resources available to them.
Overcrowding has led to a number of problems in the prison system, including increased violence, poor living conditions, and inadequate medical care. The state of New Mexico has attempted to address the issue of overcrowding by constructing new prison facilities and implementing alternative sentencing programs.
Prison Reform
In recent years, there has been a growing movement toward prison reform in the United States. The goal of prison reform is to create a more rehabilitative and restorative justice system that focuses on reducing recidivism rates and providing inmates with the skills and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society.
New Mexico’s prison system has been at the forefront of this movement, implementing a number of innovative programs designed to reduce recidivism rates and improve the lives of inmates. These programs include vocational training, education programs, and substance abuse treatment.
Despite these efforts, there is still much work to be done to reform the prison system in New Mexico. The state must continue to invest in programs and initiatives that will reduce recidivism rates and provide inmates with the skills and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society. Additionally, the state must continue to address the issue of overcrowding and ensure that inmates are provided with safe and humane living conditions.
The controversies and reforms surrounding the Penitentiary of New Mexico have impacted not only the prison system but also the broader criminal justice system in the state. The actions taken by the state to address these issues will have a significant impact on the lives of inmates, correctional staff, and the community as a whole.