The criminal justice system in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, comprises several key components designed to maintain law and order. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) handle law enforcement duties, focusing on public order and criminal investigations. The judicial system includes the Second Judicial District Court, which handles major criminal and civil cases, and the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, dealing with misdemeanors and preliminary hearings.
The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) is the primary correctional facility, offering housing and rehabilitation for inmates. Supporting services include the Public Defender’s Office, which provides legal representation for those unable to afford it, and victim assistance programs offering crisis intervention and counseling.
Probation and parole services supervise offenders in the community, aiding their reintegration. Community initiatives focus on crime prevention and reentry support, with programs aimed at educating residents about safety and providing resources for former inmates. This integrated system of law enforcement, judicial processes, correctional facilities, and support services works together to ensure public safety and administer justice in Bernalillo County.