Reforming criminal justice in NM

If you were not already aware, New Mexico has high crime rates. According to the US Census, we are 5th highest for violent offenses (per capita) and 8th highest on property crimes.

The Rio Grande Foundation and the Drug Policy Alliance recently teamed up to exchange ideas and attempt to come to an agreement on non-partisan ways to address criminal justice issues in a cost-effective manner. Several states have been active in reforming criminal justice in their states and there is a conservative group called “Right on Crime” that advocates for reasonable reforms.

Marc Levin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (our sister think tank in Texas, a state that has actively pursued reforms) presented at the recent conference in Albuquerque. His presentation is available here.