New Mexico Corrections Department Policy CD-150500 - Inmate Grievances

New Mexico Corrections Department policy CD-150500 establishes the inmate grievance and appeal process for everyone incarcerated in NMCD facilities, including privately operated ones, and was most recently reviewed June 15, 2026. A grievant first files an Inmate Informal Complaint (CD-150501.3) within five working days of the incident, and the Unit Manager, Chief of Security or designee must try to resolve it within five working days. If unsatisfied, the inmate files the formal Inmate Grievance (CD-150501.1) within five working days of the informal response, or may proceed if no response arrives within ten working days. Each grievance must cover one issue, be signed, and state the relief requested. The Grievance Officer investigates and reports to the warden within fifteen working days, the warden decides within fifteen working days, and the inmate may appeal to the Office of the Secretary within five working days. No more than 90 working days may pass from filing to appeal decision. Emergency grievances are answered within three working days; all PREA grievances are treated as emergencies with a 48-hour response, there is no time limit for filing a sexual abuse grievance, and no informal step is required for one.