Doña Ana County Detention Center Director Chris Barela has initiated an internal investigation of a 5-year veteran officer in relation to a Friday, Nov. 27, booking incident in which force was applied against a man being booked.
Barela said he reviewed videotape of the incident and contacted Doña Ana County Manager Julia T. Brown to advise her that he was recommending an immediate internal investigation and requesting expedited paperwork to place the officer on paid administrative leave while the investigation is underway.
“We have an obligation to the community and to the detainee population to ensure this facility operates in a humane and professional manner at all times,” Barela said. “A full investigation will allow the management team to fully evaluate what happened and why, so that appropriate disciplinary action – if any – can be taken.”
The detainee suffered no visible injuries but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation as a precaution. He was released back to the Detention Center soon after and has since been released from the facility.
Information from Doña Ana County