Sandoval County Commission will consider a proposal at its meeting on Thursday to ban the use of all tobacco and tobacco products by inmates and staff at the Sandoval County Detention Center.
Currently, the detention center allows staff and inmates to smoke in outdoor areas but not inside the structure.
A commission briefing memo states the policy goal is to provide a healthier and safer working environment at the jail.
If approved, the ban would extend to having tobacco in any department vehicle assigned to the county detention center and to inmates working off-site.
It would also apply to detention center visitors and contractors, who could have their security clearance revoked, be removed from the property and possibly be subject to felony criminal charges under a state law that covers bringing contraband items into places of imprisonment.
Staff found in possession of tobacco or tobacco products would be subject to discipline, possibly including termination of employment and possible criminal charges under the same law.
The use of tobacco or tobacco products is currently prohibited at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County.
Reprint story -- Email the reporter at rrayburn@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3831
