Otero County Detention Center – Alamogordo, NM

Otero County Detention Center is located in Otero County and is the jail for the area. Looking for somebody in jail at Otero County Detention Center? This page tells you all about anything you might want to know about Otero County Detention Center,such as: How to locate an inmate at Otero County Detention Center. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Otero County Detention Center intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give you advice and information that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have questions, just ask it, and any tips or comments that might be a benefit to others is appreciated.

Do you know someone in jail and don’t know how to find them?

Has someone who has been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

To see who is in jail at Otero County Detention Center you have to go to their web site and do an inmate search.

The Otero County Detention Center Inmate List is an online list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, including custody status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to find info about anyone booked or released in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get the information more quickly if you enter their first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member might be in a different jail you should look here, too: New Mexico County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photo, is the photograph that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the photos, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Otero County Detention Center inmates can be searched on the website, or you can go in person to the Otero County Detention Center. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to put in the person’s legal name, and the booking date.

Need to know how to get your mugshot erased from the Otero County Detention Center website? This will be difficult, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Return To Main Menu

Obviously, if you are in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, bail will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you must promise to be there for your court date, and until that day you can’t leave the area.

In most cases, an inmate can earn time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and act right while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. You will have to stay the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might get to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount all depends on the seriousness of your charges. You will have to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will need to call the Otero County Detention Center. If you’ve got the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Having to get someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but in some cases, it’s really easy if you have the money. First, figure out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail can’t take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually have a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. This money will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman may ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Get Out on House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The jail intake process takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, will have to answer some simple questions, like your full legal name, home address, date of birth and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• You will get to use the phone to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might get to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Do you know any tips that might help other people that get arrested to get through the procedure?

Speak Your Mind

When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process may take anywhere from 10 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will be freed. Also, it might depend on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if the magistrate needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the release date, you should plan to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you need to start a jail sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into jail custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring allowed items when you go to jail, such as a driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail. Your visitors will go into a log of visitors for the requesting inmate. Every visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Otero County Detention Center can change, so review the official Otero County Detention Center jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls may be limited or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 575-437-6420

All inmate mail must be sent via US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of mail or package delivery. You should write or type the name, inmate number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates is opened and reviewed by the jail administration, and will be returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Otero County Detention Center, use this address:

Otero County Detention Center
1958 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310-8121

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Otero County Detention Center
1958 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310-8121

The mail policy at Otero County Detention Center can change, so you should visit the official website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

Return To Main Menu

If you have been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these being the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call them. You might be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the complicated legal system. The quicker you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, read: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender is staffed by independent investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are a matter of public record. They include a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You have the ability to access your court records with the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents related to your court case are maintained at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the fees and charges associated with your court case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Otero County magistrate is the judge that rules over your court case. Magistrates do many different things, like setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with the defendant’s background information and details of the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will consider when determining the sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim. Be sure to remember you are able to ask to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you can review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you must go to jail to serve out your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Want to find out if someone is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you need to query the Otero County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you can call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Otero County jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. Arrest records are public record and the information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, like a court order. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders are listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view these offenders on the internet, but you should know that you won’t see the actual address, just the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file containing a docket and any of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access your court records online, or at the Otero County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any of the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

During a criminal records search, you won’t find out if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments might make it easier for others.

Tell Your Story

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Otero County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in the Otero County jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up each morning at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then get breakfast. Following breakfast participate in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Otero County Detention Center, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Otero County Detention Center uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send funds to people in jail can change, so it would be best to visit the official website before you send any money.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Otero County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Otero County Detention Center, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Otero County Detention Center

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Tell Your Story


Return To Main Menu

Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Post A Comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about your jail experience so other people will know what to expect.

What to put in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to find out how to get in touch with someone you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Otero County Detention Center


Return To Main Menu
1879