MDC looking for permanent jail administrator in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bernalillo County is looking for a permanent jail chief to run the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque. The man hired for the job last summer backed out at the last minute and the Metropolitan Detention Center has been under the temporary leadership of Tom Ruiz. Bernalillo County says it has successfully reduced inmate population and is improving medical care, overhauling mental health services and increasing staff and inmate safety. MDC has had issues with jail conditions that led to a settlement after a years-long federal lawsuit. The Bernalillo County Correction's Officer Association recently announced a no-confidence vote in Ruiz, saying officers had no faith in his leadership. The county has defended Ruiz and credited him with many jail improvements.