Contact vs. Non-Contact Visits at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility

In-person visits at CNMCF are non-contact by default. You'll sit across from your loved one with a physical barrier between you - no touching allowed. Contact visits are only available to immediate family members who've provided proof of their relationship.

CNMCF has a specific definition of

Proof and Paperwork

• ✓ Make sure you’re on the inmate’s current approved visitation list.
• ✓ Read and sign the Visitor Statement of Understanding before any visit.
• ✓ Complete the visitor application fully and truthfully; omissions or falsifications can be enough to deny visiting privileges.

Even if you’re immediate family, CNMCF’s default is still a non-contact (barrier) visit unless proof of kinship has been provided. If you’re hoping for contact visits, plan ahead so you’re ready to show whatever documentation the facility requires to verify the relationship.

Visitor approval isn’t a “one-and-done” thing. Visitor applications have to be renewed every two years, so if it’s been a while since you last visited, you may need to reapply before you’ll be allowed in.

During a barrier visit, you'll see your loved one face-to-face, but materials like concrete and glass separate you - physical contact isn't possible. Looking for video visits instead? CNMCF doesn't schedule those through the facility. Video visits happen through Smart Communication on inmate tablets, and you'll need NMCD approval before you can schedule one.

1. Confirm you’re approved to visit - you must be on the inmate’s current approved visitation list.
2. Complete the application carefully - answer every question and be truthful; omissions or falsifications can lead to denial of visiting privileges.
3. Keep your approval current - visitor applications must be renewed every two years.
4. Be ready for the required forms - before any visit, you’ll need to read and sign the Visitor Statement of Understanding.
5. Prepare proof of kinship for contact visiting - contact visits are only available to immediate family when proof of kinship has been provided, so confirm with the facility what documentation they accept.