BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – The Bernalillo County Sheriff calls it a massive waste of resources. More than a quarter of a million dollars a year is spent returning suspects who run away, back to Bernalillo County.
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Recent numbers from the sheriff’s office show more than half of them end up back on the streets of Albuquerque within days of their return. “Why are we paying to bring people back into our community that can do harm and be a repeat offender?” said Sheriff John Allen, Bernalillo County.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said the number of extraditions back to the county has increased, and it’s taking a financial and operational toll. “The context would be this, $350,000 a year when we used to pay about $233,000 a year for extraditions,” said Allen.
This yearly total includes extraditions from other parts of the state as well as bringing in fugitives who’ve fled New Mexico. “It’s been going up because of the crime that we’re seeing and people running away from here to face accountability, and people that also leave,” said Allen.
Allen said while it’s crucial for justice, extradition efforts place a heavy load on resources and pose significant risks. “I just sent my deputies to the Española area. And it was a $100 warrant. And on the way back, just for their gas, and then they actually hit an elk. That whole trip cost me more than the warrant,” said Allen.
According to the sheriff’s office, 109 out-of-state extraditions took place last year and over 50% were released pending trial or had their charges dismissed. “We bring that person back, and then they’re released on their own recognizance. So, what is the whole point of saying we’re going to hold them accountable? And we’re truly not,” said Allen.
On top of sending out deputies to bring back fugitives, Allen pays a contractor to extradite suspects out of state. Allen admitted it was accurate to say it’s a waste of resources. He presented possible solutions like prioritizing serious criminal offenders and finding other ways to address fugitives facing lower-level misdemeanor crimes.
This, all in an effort to efficiently manage local resources and respect victims at the same time. “We know we’re going to have to pay money for crime and extraditions and the job that we’re supposed to do by law, but is it really the most efficient way? And I believe this is not,” said Allen.
Under the current law, the sheriff’s office is required to extradite. Sheriff Allen said he’s also advocating for sheriffs in rural parts of the state who might not have the same budget. “This isn’t just a problem here in Bernalillo County. It’s also a problem for the whole state of New Mexico and what other sheriffs are dealing with,” said Allen.
Sheriff Allen said he is working with Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to find solutions.