Farmington, New Mexico Development News

Farmington Police Pilot Program Expands Treatment Options for Non-DWI Offenders, Addresses Public Safety Concerns

The Farmington Police Department, in collaboration with the County, is piloting a program to expand the use of the DWI jail-based treatment facility for non-DWI offenders who struggle with substance abuse. This initiative aims to create a layered approach to addressing chronic substance abuse issues by integrating the sobering center, the JIP program, and the alternate sentencing unit. The program intends to identify and compel individuals with severe substance abuse problems into treatment, offering a more structured and potentially successful path to recovery than previous methods, while also aiming to reduce crime and improve public safety. A critical component of this expanded approach is the proposed implementation of a protective custody arrangement, similar to a 'drunk tank,' to provide a safe holding facility for individuals who are a danger to themselves or others and refuse voluntary treatment, thereby reducing potential harm and liability. The department is also leveraging new data analysis software, Peregrine, to better identify prolific offenders and crime hotspots, enabling more strategic resource deployment. Discussions are ongoing with the county regarding the implementation of the protective custody arrangement, focusing on space, funding, and staffing. Additionally, the council and police department are exploring strategies to reduce opportunities for crime, including stricter controls on alcohol sales, potentially by requiring stores to lock up alcoholic beverages, similar to how other controlled substances are managed.