Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –New statistics recently presented by Santa Fe County jail officials show a sharp increase in annual intakes and releases of inmates. Over a five year period there’s been a 34 percent increase in inmate numbers and county officials want to why. In 2021 the jail logged over 4789 intakes with releases of 4775. In 2025 there were 6412 intakes and 6437 releases. The county says they’re on track to see an estimated 6536 intakes and 6628 releases this year. Additional statistics indicate about 70% of the inmate population is released within about 95 hours of being booked, 50% are gone within 48 hours. Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adan Mendoza believes the rising numbers at the jail reflect what law enforcement agencies across the state have seen play out for several years. In a statement Sheriff Mendoza said, “While our deputies continue to make arrests and proactively address crime, New Mexico’s bail reform system has resulted in many repeat offenders being released back into our communities shortly after arrest.”
