Bernalillo County, N.M. – The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) is announced the death of one of the facility’s corrections officers, as the result of a single-car crash late Wednesday night.
MDC Corrections Officer Raquel Sachs died late Wednesday night in the crash on Shelly Drive SW, near the I-40 frontage road. The 19-year-old officer was part of the 252nd MDC cadet class, which graduated from the academy on Sept. 6, 2024. Officer Sachs began her official tour of duty at MDC on Sept. 21, 2024.
“The Bernalillo County community, including County Commissioners, officers, staff at the Metropolitan Detention Center, and the warden’s office, extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Officer Raquel Sachs,” says interim Bernalillo County Manager Shirley Ragin. “Our thoughts and prayers are also with the MDC Cadet Class 252 officers, who are mourning this tragic loss.”
Warden Kai Smith adds, “Officer Sachs had just begun her career at MDC, but her impact was already felt among the staff and her fellow officers. MDC has lost more than a dedicated officer–it has lost a member of its family.”
Counseling services are currently being offered to Bernalillo County employees impacted by this incident. The crash that claimed Officer Sach’s life is under investigation by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
This is not the first fatal one vehicle crash involving an MDC employee. What were the hours worked before she left for home? So sorry for the family.
I know personally that these poor officers work their tails off working countless hours due to attrition, not to mention how dangerous it can be. Prayers to her friends and family.
Someone needs to ask, “How many hours was she required to work in the last 7 days.” MDC is terribly under staffed and they force guards to work up to 16 hours a day. Often 4 16 hour days a week. New graduated are low man on the schedule and get dumped on every week. The forced OT is a time bomb waiting to explode. This tragedy is just the tip of the ice berg. Something must be done about staffing and forced OT.
As an Officer at the facility, I’m genuinely surprised to see people in the comment sections on our side here. Yes 3-4 16 hour shifts a week is the standard at an absolute minimum of 64 hours a week across five days with the allowance for more OT voluntarily. Sachs was on the newer side definitely, but still such a nice person, spoke with her the shift prior on Tuesday. Honestly if the county would install lights on that road, we’d be a lot safer. It’s just pitch black the entire drive.
You made a great point about how dark that road is; it can be quite intimidating to drive down. I believe it’s important for us to address this issue to prevent any potential accidents in the future. It’s unfortunate that incidents have already occurred, and taking action now could enhance safety for everyone.