The Western New Mexico Correctional Facility (WNMCF) faces serious allegations of neglect and abuse towards incarcerated women, leading to tragic consequences. This account, from an anonymous inmate companion observer, details the harrowing conditions and lack of adequate mental healthcare within the facility. She witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this neglect, resulting in multiple suicides in 2022.
Neglect and Abuse at WNMCF: A First-Hand Account
The companion observer, tasked with monitoring inmates in crisis, describes a system where women suffering from mental illness are often placed in solitary confinement for extended periods. Nadia*, a mother of three, was one such case. Sent to WNMCF following a suicide attempt at the county jail, she was held in solitary for two weeks, pleading for help that never came. Despite repeated calls for mental health support, Nadia tragically ended her life. The observer and other inmates were never informed of Nadia’s suicidal tendencies, highlighting a critical failure in communication and care.
Beyond the lack of mental health resources, the observer recounts instances of correctional officers (COs) actively contributing to the women’s distress. One CO routinely targeted Alexandria with verbal abuse and denied her basic privileges, leading to visible signs of anxiety and distress. Similarly, Jamie, a pretrial detainee, endured months of solitary confinement and relentless mockery from the same CO, ultimately leading her to suicide. The CO’s delayed response to Jamie’s attempt further underscores the alleged negligence.
Systemic Failures and Retaliation at Western New Mexico
When the observer reported the CO’s abusive behavior, she faced retaliation, losing her position as a companion observer. This highlights a concerning pattern of silencing those who speak out against the injustices within WNMCF. The lack of consequences for the abusive CO and the broken cameras in suicide watch cells, left unrepaired for months, further demonstrate the systemic failures within the facility. Current policy mandates one-on-one observation for suicidal inmates, but with only one or two observers per shift for seven inmates across two floors, this policy is impossible to implement. Observers are forced to work extended shifts, but the lack of staff and resources makes providing genuine support and companionship nearly impossible.
A Plea for Change in Western New Mexico
The observer’s account paints a grim picture of life inside WNMCF. She emphasizes the profound impact of the COs’ actions on the vulnerable women in their care, highlighting the urgent need for adequate training and adherence to policy. The lack of mental healthcare, coupled with the alleged abuse and neglect, creates a desperate environment where suicide feels like the only option for some. This anonymous testimony serves as a desperate plea for intervention and reform within the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility. The women incarcerated there deserve to be treated with dignity and receive the mental health support they desperately need. Their voices, amplified by this brave observer, demand to be heard.
