New Mexico Prison Turns Away Prisoners Brought by New Unit

The Metro Detention Center in Albuquerque refused to accept inmates, said police.

The Metro Detention Center (MDC) refused inmates brought by Albuquerque’s new “transport Police,” a new addition to the force. The transport Police were created to save time by bringing new inmates to the prison.

MDC officials questioned whether the transporters could actually book a new inmate since they are not certified police officers.

Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz called a news conference to say the MDC is out of line.

“I know for a fact that people routinely are booked in to MDC by people that are not certified police officers including [Associated Protective Services] APS security personnel, Probation and parole officers," said Shultz.

MDC officials said they didn't find out about the program until Thursday. Inmates could still be brought as long as there is a certified police officer to book them, said MDC-Captain Henry Perea said.

An Albuquerque Police officer will be stationed at the prison until the situation is resolved, said Chief Shultz.

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