SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico corrections officers and their union leaders are concerned that a slate of legislative proposals for tougher criminal sentencing could aggravate safety problems at understaffed state prisons.
Connie Derr speaks for a public employees' union overseeing about 9,000 state corrections workers. She said Wednesday that more funding will be needed to recruit and pay for corrections officers if the Legislature approves tougher sentencing provisions backed by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
Corrections officers say they are working dangerously long hours to make up for vacant positions.
The House of Representatives has approved increased spending of $5.7 on salaries for prison guards and supervisors next year at the New Mexico Corrections Department. Supporters of tougher sentencing provisions say that funding will address growth in the prison population.