NMCD collaborates with UNM to offer unique learning opportunity

Contact:

Brittany Roembach

Public Information Officer, Corrections Department

Brittany.roembach@cd.nm.gov

505-382-3541

April 26, 2024

NMCD collaborates with UNM to offer unique learning opportunity

ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) proudly announces its groundbreaking partnership with the University of New Mexico's (UNM) Albuquerque campus to provide a select group of students with an immersive criminal justice experience focused on corrections.

"This collaboration with the University of New Mexico emphasizes NMCD's commitment to fostering educational excellence and preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals," stated NMCD Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero . "By providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the corrections field, we aim to inspire them to consider a rewarding career path within our department."

This innovative initiative marks NMCD's first collaboration of its kind, offering students a hands-on research experience in the dynamic field of corrections. Over the course of 15 weeks, 18 juniors and seniors from UNM will delve into diverse topics including classification, reentry, and probation and parole, gaining invaluable insights into the inner workings of the corrections system.

Each week, students will follow a structured module schedule encompassing readings, lectures, site visits, and engaging discussions, aimed at bridging the gap between theory and practice. Today, the students will have the unique opportunity to visit the Albuquerque probation and parole office, where they will be paired with seasoned professionals to gain firsthand insights into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the field.

NMCD remains dedicated to promoting experiential learning opportunities and facilitating a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system. Through this partnership with UNM, NMCD seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in corrections, ultimately contributing to a safer and more just society.

###

The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) is one of the largest State Departments in New Mexico. The department staff and volunteers are fully committed to integrating programs in its state-owned facilities for rehabilitation. It is through programs, like educational certificates, that the department aims to reduce the risk of recidivism and enhance public safety in communities. For more information, visit cd.nm.gov or follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn , Twitter at @NMCDPIO.