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Possible solution for overcrowded NM jail

Officials want more inmates sent to state prisons

By Samantha McDonald
KRQE

ALBUQUERQUE — Bernalillo County thinks it has a solution to its jail overcrowding problem and that is to make the state take more inmates.

The county is asking legislators to pass a law that would send any person convicted of a felony to a state lock-up not the Metro Detention Center.

They also want the state to take anyone convicted of a misdemeanor who is sentenced to more than 180 days.

Right now any inmate sentenced to less than a year goes to MDC.

The county’s top public safety official, Tom Swisstack says the plan would save a lot of money.

Full story: Possible solution for jail overcrowding