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Media Overview

This page outlines the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) policies governing media access and media activities. 

NMCD correctional facilities and programs are publicly funded, and the public has a legitimate interest in understanding how they operate. NMCD is committed to providing accurate and timely information through news media and official social media channels. At the same time, NMCD must protect the safety, security, and privacy of staff, inmates, individuals on community supervision, and visitors. NMCD’s goal is to promote transparency while maintaining safe and secure operations. 

Media Inquiries and Official Responses 

All media inquiries are coordinated through the NMCD Public Information Officer (PIO). 

NMCD makes reasonable efforts to research and respond to media inquiries in a timely manner. In some instances, requested information may be unavailable, incomplete, under review, or restricted by law or policy. When information cannot be released, NMCD will advise the media of the applicable limitations. 

Information provided by NMCD represents the most accurate information available at the time of release and may be subject to revision as additional facts become known. 

Public Relations Office
https://www.cd.nm.gov/about-us/public-relations/ 

Public Information and Records 

NMCD strives to provide accurate, factual information to the public through the news media, consistent with applicable law, privacy protections, and security requirements. 

When appropriate and available, the NMCD Public Information Officer (PIO) may release general information related to NMCD operations.  

NMCD does not release confidential, protected, or sensitive information, including information that would compromise safety, security, privacy, ongoing investigations, or medical confidentiality. 

Media Access and Interviews 

Media representatives may visit NMCD facilities and communicate with inmates in accordance with NMCD policies and security requirements. 

NMCD does not arrange one-on-one, in-person interviews with inmates. 

Media representatives may contact inmates through NMCD-approved communication methods. Such contact is subject to all applicable screening, monitoring, and security requirements. 

No individual may be interviewed against their will. This includes inmates, individuals on community supervision, and NMCD staff, consistent with NMCD policy and applicable law. 

Media Access to Facilities 

Before Visiting a Facility 

  • Media representatives must complete any required screening or clearance forms provided by the PIO prior to facility access
  • Media representatives from outside the United States must provide their name, date of birth, and passport information

While Inside a Facility 

  • Media representatives must remain with the PIO or a designated escort
  • Interviews may occur only in approved areas
  • Interviews may occur only with inmates or groups approved in advance based on safety, security,victim sensitivity, and operational considerations 

For breaking news events, media representatives may be granted access to areas outside the secure perimeter of a facility, as determined by NMCD. 

Cameras and Recording Devices 

Cameras, microphones, and recording devices are not permitted inside NMCD facilities unless approved in advance by the Warden, the Director of Adult Prisons, and the PIO. 

All personal cell phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside facilities and must remain secured in locked vehicles. 

In limited circumstances and only with prior approval, general footage of common areas may be permitted when individuals are not readily identifiable. Inmates must be notified in advance and given the opportunity to avoid the area. 

Recording close-up images of security cameras, doors, locks, or windows is prohibited. 

Recorded footage is subject to review by NMCD security staff for security concerns. If footage compromises safety, security, or privacy, NMCD may require redaction or deletion prior to departure. 

Special Filming and Production Requests 

Requests for documentary projects, feature filming, extended video production, or other non-routine media activities within NMCD operational facilities must be submitted in writing to PIO and approved in advance. 

Such requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be approved, modified, or denied based on safety, security, victim sensitivity, operational impact, staffing, privacy considerations, and compliance with NMCD policy. 

Approval of special filming or production requests is discretionary and may include specific conditions or limitations. 

Contacting Inmates 

Media representatives may contact inmates by: 

  • Writing a letter that includes a phone number the inmate may call
  • Requesting to connect with the inmate through the Smart Communications tablet system
  • Becoming an approved visitor and meeting during regular visiting hours, subject to approval under CD-100200
  • Participating in a video visit, if approved as a visitor 

It is solely the inmate’s decision whether to respond or place a call. 

Mail Correspondence 

All incoming inmate mail is inspected and uploaded to inmate Smart Communications tablets. 

To avoid delays, correspondence must include:  

  • The inmate’s full name
  • The inmate’s NMCD number
  • The correct mailing address

Helpful links: 

Find an NMCD number using the Inmate Search tool
https://www.cd.nm.gov/offender-search/ 

Find inmate mailing addresses
https://www.cd.nm.gov/inmate-mail-addresses/ 

Connect through the Smart Communications system
https://www.smartinmate.com 

Example letter

Becoming an Approved Visitor 

Inmates may have in-person and virtual visits with approved visitors. 

Media representatives seeking to visit an inmate should first write to the inmate, include their contact information, and ask whether the inmate agrees to the visit. 

If the inmate agrees, the media representative must complete a Visitation Request Form under CD-100200 Inmate Visitation and mail it to the appropriate facility. 

Visitation Request Form 
https://www.cd.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CD-100200-1.pdf 

Additional visitation information is available here 
https://www.cd.nm.gov/constituent-services/family-and-offender-resources/visitation/ 

Recording, photography, and video are not permitted during visitation. 

Dress Code 

All visitors, including media representatives, must comply with NMCD’s dress code before entering a facility. 

Visitors may be denied entry if clothing does not meet policy requirements. 

Dress code details are available in CD-100200 Inmate Visitation 
https://www.cd.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CD-100200-1.pdf 

Stock Video and Photos 

The NMCD Public Information Officer maintains a library of stock video and photographs. These materials are available to media representatives upon request. 

Definition of Media Representative 

For purposes of media access and coordination, a media representative is an individual engaged in gathering, producing, or reporting information for distribution to the public through a recognized news outlet, broadcast organization, or digital publication. 

Individuals seeking media access may be asked to provide information demonstrating their media role or intended publication or broadcast. 

Disclaimer 

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Media access, visitation, interviews, and recording activities are subject to NMCD policies, facility operations, victim sensitivity, and security requirements, and may be limited, modified, or denied at any time based on safety, security, or operational considerations. Nothing on this page creates a right to access, visitation, or interviews beyond what is authorized by NMCD policy and applicable law.