SCDC Warden Gilbert Armendariz looks on as Sandoval County Maintenance Director Charles Martinez II explains the detention center’s upgrades to commissioners and media at the May 19th ribbon cutting event. (Stephen Montoya/For The Observer)

 

It hasn’t been easy due to the pandemic, however, these upgrades were necessary for safety and efficiency — SCDC Warden Gilbert Armendariz

 

 

Sandoval County, NM – The Sandoval County Detention Center located at 1100 Montoya Road Bernalillo, NM 87004, will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. to celebrate the completion of over $5 million in upgrades, which resulted in its first accreditation with the Adult Detention Center Professional Standards Council (ADPSC).

SCDC is one of 10 detention centers out of 31 in the state of New Mexico to receive this accreditation.

This award lasts for three years at a time with an annual report due to the ADPSC confirming that SCDC has continued to maintain accreditation standards.

A few of the upgrades to this nearly 30,000 square foot facility that allowed for this accreditation, include:

  • A new camera system
  • Cell doors
  • Plumbing
  • Air conditioning
  • Paint
  • New 8 foot fence in the entrance

Other improvements underway for SCDC include a new fire suppression system and an upgrade to several of the shower stalls.

“I am pleased to see the progress we’ve made over the last two years,” said SCDC Warden Gilbert Armendariz. “It hasn’t been easy due to the pandemic, however, these upgrades were necessary for safety and efficiency.”

Sandoval County Chairman, Michael Meek, said he is impressed with how much work has been completed given the delay of construction materials nationwide.

“This goes to show the tenacity of our public works department and detention center employees,” he said.