Beyond the Myths: Making Sense of the Public Debate about Crime in New Mexico

Here in New Mexico, our criminal justice system is undergoing a series of reforms, aimed at ending unconstitutional policing, jail overcrowding, and wealth-based incarceration to create a justice system that is more accountable, fair, and equitable. Because the reforms are new, it’s still too early to assess what is working and what needs changing.  Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped some elected officials from telling the public that justice reform is causing crime to rise.

Many New Mexicans are asking, what is really going on? This preliminary report clears up some of the confusion by identifying the major reforms underway and separating myth from reality.