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NEW MEXICO ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT COLLABORATE IN
FIRST EVER “TRAIN THE TRAINER” INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

Santa Fe, New Mexico – December 19, 2012 - The New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) and the New Mexico Corrections Department have entered into a first ever collaboration to provide “Train the Trainer” instruction to corrections and detention facility staff who have primary responsibility for training. The training program offers corrections and detention facilities’ trainers with the latest in instructional methods so as to enhance the quality of corrections and detention staff training and professionalism. The 40-hour program, which took place December 10 -14 at the New Mexico Corrections Academy, was attended by trainers from juvenile and adult corrections and detention facilities. Nine counties participated in the training, including Bernalillo, Luna, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Valencia, Chaves, Taos, Cibola and Santa Fe Counties. The Corrections Department sent staff from its various divisions.

Corrections Department Secretary Gregg Marcantel said, “Today’s challenges facing Detention are immense. Communities expect government to work together to address these challenges. The entire corrections community is dedicated to making our communities safer. In that light, we are honored to partner with the New Mexico Association of Counties and are committed to future collaborations as we strengthen and improve corrections in New Mexico."

NMAC Executive Director Paul Gutierrez said, “We are honored to work with the Corrections Department in delivering a quality instructional program for trainers from New Mexico’s corrections and detention facilities. The training will ultimately enhance the professionalism and skills of corrections and detention operations, which in turn will benefit New Mexico.”

Lieutenant Wade Ellis and Sergeant Aaron Martinez of the Santa Fe County Adult Correctional Facility participated in the training. “The Santa Fe County Adult Correctional Facility is pleased to participate in the “Train the Trainer” program. It will serve to enhance the skill set of all our detention staff,” Said Jail Administrator Mark Gallegos.

The New Mexico Association of Counties is a non-profit, nonpartisan association representing and serving New Mexico’s 33 counties. As a professional association of county elected officials and employees, NMAC supports and promotes the idea that all county elected officials and professional county employees should have the opportunity to act together to solve problems and to work for the progress of county governments in New Mexico. NMAC provides numerous programs and services to counties including legislative representation, self-insurance, legal assistance and professional development. Please contact Paul Gutierrez at 505.250.7749 orpgutierrez@nmcounties.orgor Sal Baragiola at 505.490.1266 or sbaragiola@nmcounties.orgfor more information. Please visit the NMAC website at www.nmcounties.orgfor additional information on the New Mexico Association of Counties.