The Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Easy in these tough economic times to decry an overpopulated jail and an overburdened court. Hard to do something about it.
And it’s really tough to come up with a solution that should make both entities and taxpayers happy.
Yet that’s what the 2nd Judicial District Court and Bernalillo County have done with a new program that is bringing back three retired District Court judges on a “rocket docket.” Each will work one day a week clearing 20 to 30 probation violation cases.
That part-time expertise - Woody Smith, Diane Dal Santo and Michael Martinez - should provide full-time relief, clearing out the court’s annual backlog of 3,300 probation violation cases as well as the 700 beds those defendants routinely take up at the overcrowded Metropolitan Detention Center.
Inmates caught on technical violations may get another chance and go home with tougher requirements. Those deemed more serious will be sent back to prison. Either way, they aren’t taking up three hots and a cot any more.
The county is picking up the judges’ tab - an estimated $314,000 to $415,000 - because getting those inmates out of jail helps get the population back under its 2,200 capacity (it’s usually around 2,700).
While it will take time to put the theory into full practice, it costs taxpayers $67 to house one prisoner for one day. Multiply that by 700 and suddenly $314K to $415K a year looks like a heckuva deal. In addition, Chief Judge Ted Baca says the “pro tems” aren’t subject to disqualifications by a party, meaning fewer delays and quicker justice.
And those are things taxpayers should be happy to support.
Copyright 2010 Albuquerque Journal