What does it take to run New Mexico's prison system? Chris and Gabby sit down with New Mexico Corrections Department Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero to discuss the realities of overseeing the state's eight prison facilities. Tafoya Lucero offers an inside look at the challenges facing corrections today, including staff shortages, contraband smuggling, inmate healthcare, and reflects on what it was like to navigate prison operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares why rehabilitation and reentry have become major priorities for the department, including expanded educational, vocational, and workforce programs designed to prepare inmates for life after release. With roughly 96% of people in New Mexico's prisons eventually returning to their communities, she explains why she believes successful reentry is critical to public safety and reducing recidivism.

The conversation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people, policies, and decisions shaping New Mexico's correctional system.

Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.