Local 2499 Officers Call for New Leadership at Bernalillo Detention Center

Concerns over safety and management have prompted significant unrest among staff at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (BCMDC). Members of AFSCME New Mexico Local 2499 recently expressed their frustrations through a vote of no confidence in the current warden, Kai Smith.

The vote of no confidence, passed unanimously by Local 2499 last month, was officially submitted during a June 9 county commissioner meeting. Employees allege that Warden Smith's mismanagement has contributed to a rise in safety issues, violence, and fatalities within the facility.

Joseph Trujeque, president of Local 2499, highlighted that the vote was backed by more than 300 BCMDC employees, including over 200 officers. He noted that the recent increase in officer assaults and dissatisfaction with Smith's leadership fueled the decision.

Local 2499 has been active over the past two decades in establishing robust safety standards, fair shift bidding processes, and effective communication channels. The union's efforts aim to maintain these achievements and ensure the facility's security amidst current challenges.

In a significant show of support, over 150 union members, along with their families and community allies, attended the county commission meeting. The group presented over 1,000 signatures to reinforce their call for a leadership change. Twenty members addressed the commission, urging them to appoint a new warden who prioritizes safety and efficiency.

"He said he wanted to build leaders, empower staff and move MDC forward. Two years later, the facade has crumbled. This is not leadership. It is a chess game of strategic self-protection. He has positioned his pieces and hierarchy to keep himself from responsibility and all repercussions," remarked Mary Rena, a BCMDC employee of 15 years, during the meeting.

Trujeque pointed out that the union has repeatedly flagged concerns about worsening conditions, critical staffing shortages, and safety risks, yet they have not received any adequate responses. This lack of communication has raised questions about accountability and leadership at the facility.

BCMDC Lt. Donovan Greathouse also expressed concerns, stating, "Inmate-on-inmate violence is increasing. Assaults on staff are increasing. When supervisors raise legitimate safety concerns, they’re often ignored or told, 'Make it happen.' The consequences are becoming impossible to ignore."

Members of the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT), a specialized unit dealing with emergencies, have resigned due to unresolved safety issues and inadequate responses from Warden Smith.

"We are calling for improvements in staffing and training, so we can continue to provide the highest quality of safety to those housed at MDC and our community. Our expertise on the job and our unified voice matters. That’s why Local 2499 members are fighting back and standing up for our jobs, our co-workers, the people housed at MDC, and the community we serve," Trujeque stated.