What You Can’t Bring to a Visit at Western New Mexico C.F. — Prohibited Items & Consequences
Heading to Western New Mexico C.F.? Assume anything that could compromise safety or security will be treated as contraband. Your safest bet: arrive with as little as possible and never bring restricted items onto Department property.
At Western New Mexico C.F., "contraband" has a specific meaning. It covers deadly or explosive materials, currency, weapons, ammunition, alcohol, and controlled substances. Alcohol and controlled substances are prohibited on Department property at all times - even if you're just carrying them and have no intention of passing anything to an inmate. Not sure if something qualifies? Leave it behind.
Zero-tolerance reminder: Introducing - or attempting to introduce - controlled substances, weapons, or explosives is a major visiting violation. You can be immediately removed from Department property and reported to local law enforcement.
Screening starts the moment you arrive. Staff will ask whether you're carrying contraband, so be ready to answer directly and honestly.
Search rules stay in effect the entire time you're on institutional grounds. The facility may use drug-detection dogs from the New Mexico Corrections Department Canine Unit, plus mechanical detection devices. Don't assume anything will slip through - and don't bring anything you wouldn't want discovered.
Strip searches aren't routine, but they can happen. The Warden may require one if there's probable cause to believe you're carrying contraband. Refuse, and your visit will be canceled or suspended.
Item exchanges in the visiting room are extremely limited. Inmates cannot transfer anything during a visit except photographs and letters - and even those must be inspected and approved by the Visiting Room Officer.
If staff believe you're using, possessing, distributing, or trying to introduce contraband, the response is immediate: removal from Department property and a report to local law enforcement.
Contraband issues can also affect your future visits. If your visitation privileges are suspended or terminated, you'll receive written notice. You can appeal by following the process outlined in the Inmate Visitation policy.
- ✓ Ask for (and keep) the written notice if your visitation privileges are suspended or terminated.
- ✓ Save your own notes right away: date, time, what happened at entry screening, and what you were told.
- ✓ Follow the appeal process in the Inmate Visitation policy if you believe the suspension/termination was a mistake.
- ✓ If you were removed from property and told law enforcement would be contacted, write down exactly what staff said and when.
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