EPC Sheriff's Office

10/12/2026

Recently, leadership from our Investigations Division joined District Attorney Michael Allen to present to healthcare professionals nationwide at the UCHealth Trauma Symposium in Colorado Springs.

Our team spoke with attendees about what happens from start to finish during a crime scene or critical incident, and how law enforcement, prosecutors, and healthcare professionals can continue working together to ensure excellence in care for victims, proper crime scene management and preservation, and, ultimately, positive outcomes for victims throughout the Pikes Peak region.

Thank you to UCHealth for the invitation and to DA Allen for the opportunity to collaborate and share our experiences. We greatly admire and appreciate our medical and healthcare professionals for the work, dedication, and compassion they demonstrate every day in service to our community.

UCHealth
Office of the District Attorney, Fourth Judicial District of Colorado

10/12/2026

Recently, Commander Harris presented several outstanding EPSO team members with a Commander’s Citation in recognition of their exceptional work and dedication during a high-pressure domestic violence incident.

In late August, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received a call from a victim who reported their spouse had been physically abusive, was armed with a fi***rm, and had threatened the lives of the victim and responding law enforcement.

Patrol deputies immediately began working to safely rescue the victim from the property. A Drone as a First Responder was deployed, and the Emergency Reaction Team (ERT) was activated and deployed to the scene.

At the same time, Emergency Dispatchers established communication with the suspect and continued engaging with him while deputies worked to safely rescue the victim.
Partners from the Colorado Springs Police Department Tactical Unit also responded to assist.

After approximately 40 minutes of continued communication and de-escalation efforts, the suspect set down his fi***rm and was taken into custody without further injury.

Sergeant Hammond, Deputies Kruger, Myers, and A. Wedemeyer, and Emergency Services Dispatcher Masey demonstrated exceptional teamwork, decisiveness, professionalism, and dedication throughout the incident. Their actions helped protect the victim and safely resolve a volatile situation involving an armed suspect.

We are proud to recognize these EPSO team members for their quick thinking, training, and commitment to protecting our community. We are also grateful to our partners at the Colorado Springs Police Department for their assistance and teamwork in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

Great job, everyone! And thank you for the work you do every day to protect and serve El Paso County.

10/07/2026

Heads Up, El Paso County!

Our partner at the U.S. Forest Service - PSICC National Forest will conduct prescribed burns over the next few days!

Fire managers on the have been working with the National Weather Service to evaluate weather conditions for the prescribed fire. Conditions look favorable for ignitions on Oct. 8.

The Rampart Reservoir Area prescribed fire is located approximately three miles east of Woodland Park. Smoke production could last a couple of days and will be visible from Highway 24, Woodland Park and the Pikes Peak area. To view air quality impacts, please view a smoke map at airnow.gov.

Public safety is always the first consideration for all fire management operations. Each prescribed fire has a detailed prescribed fire plan developed from the comprehensive planning efforts conducted long before the project activities are initiated.

Check back for ongoing updates on the Rampart Reservoir Area prescribed fire.

Teller County Sheriff's Office, EPC Sheriff's Office, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Green Mountain Falls/Chipita Park Fire Department, The Broadmoor Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Colorado Springs Fire Department U.S. Army Fort Carson United States Air Force Academy The National Wild Turkey Federation Mule Deer Foundation Colorado Parks and Wildlife Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services

10/07/2026

⭐ Sheriff’s Office Celebrates 2026 Special Response Team Academy Graduation ⭐

Last week, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office celebrated two deputies’ graduation from the Special Response Team (SRT) Academy. The deputies completed a demanding 50-hour program that included an oral board process, rigorous physical fitness requirements, an obstacle course, and extensive classroom and scenario-based instruction.

“As someone who served on SRT for several years, I understand firsthand the commitment, discipline, and preparation required to earn a place on this team,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “These deputies demonstrated the determination and dedication required to serve in one of the Sheriff’s Office’s most specialized assignments. SRT plays a critical role in maintaining safety and security within our jail, and its members must be prepared to respond when difficult and dangerous situations arise. I am proud to welcome these deputies to the team and grateful to our SRT leadership and training staff for preparing them for this responsibility.”

History of the Special Response Team

In 1990, a riot erupted at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Metro Detention Facility. Inmates housed in Ward A2W, a 28-bed unit for violent offenders, gained access to the door system and dismantled heavy metal components, turning them into weapons. The inmates threatened staff and were minutes away from releasing other inmates from their cells.

Deputies on the Metro floor requested assistance from Criminal Justice Center staff to regain control of the unit. During the incident, three deputies were seriously injured.

The incident exposed the urgent need for a team equipped and specially trained to respond to emergencies inside the jail. Following the incident, the Special Response Team was formed. Early team members were tasked with acquiring specialized equipment and developing training to build a unit capable of responding to high-risk situations.

Since its creation, SRT’s responsibilities have grown significantly. Today, the team handles a wide range of critical operations, including forced cell extractions, open-area containment, riot control, high-risk extraditions and transports, high-risk jury trials and site visits, and supplemental support for the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. The team also responds to requests for assistance from law enforcement agencies across Colorado, providing specialized support during critical and high-risk incidents.

The Special Response Team remains an important component of detention security and regional law enforcement support, providing specialized training, equipment, and expertise to help protect deputies, staff, and individuals in the care of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

10/07/2026

Recently, Sheriff Joseph Roybal was a guest of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Pikes Peak at their Annual City Connection event at Wings Credit Union in Colorado Springs.

Sheriff Roybal spoke about the work our Office is doing to help ensure El Paso County remains a safe, affordable, and special place for people to work, live, and raise their families.

A Colorado Springs native, Sheriff Roybal also had the opportunity to speak with Colorado Springs’ first woman Mayor, the Honorable Mary Lou Makepeace, about how our community has changed and grown over the years.

Thank you to the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Pikes Peak for the invitation, the great questions, and your continued partnership. We are grateful for everyone who works to make our community a great place to call home.

10/06/2026

💙 ✉ Sheriff’s Office Receives Robert Perske Award for Blue Envelope Project ✉ 💙

Recently, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office was honored to receive the Robert Perske Award from The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region in recognition of efforts to bring the Blue Envelope Project to the Sheriff’s Office and expand safety, dignity, and inclusion for individuals who may have communication, sensory, or cognitive challenges.

Sheriff’s Office Patrol Lieutenant Mike Pitt and Professional Staff Member Sarah Somers accepted the award on behalf of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for their work bringing the Blue Envelope Project to the agency.

During the award presentation, The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region expressed its appreciation for Sheriff Roybal’s commitment to the disabled community and his leadership in advancing initiatives designed to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities.

Keynote speaker Ben Kjar highlighted Sheriff Roybal’s commitment to creating positive change, describing his approach as “disobeying average” by championing programs which promote safety, dignity, and inclusion.

The Blue Envelope Project provides individuals with autism and other disabilities with a tool they can voluntarily use during law enforcement interactions. The envelope helps communicate important information about an individual’s needs and guides law enforcement officers, promoting greater understanding and more effective communication during potentially stressful encounters.

“I am grateful to the members of our Sheriff’s Office who brought the Blue Envelope Project forward and recognized an opportunity to make a difference in how we serve members of our community,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “I also want to thank the individuals, families, advocates, and organizations throughout the Pikes Peak region who have helped make this important program a success. Programs like the Blue Envelope Project remind us effective public safety begins with understanding, communication, and a commitment to serving every member of our community with dignity and respect.”

The award honors Robert Perske, an American author, theologian, and disability rights advocate whose work focused on protecting the rights and dignity of people with intellectual disabilities. Perske advocated for individuals with intellectual disabilities who were wrongfully convicted and helped advance the concept of the “dignity of risk,” emphasizing the importance of supporting people with disabilities while respecting their autonomy and right to make choices.

Kjar, the evening’s keynote speaker, shared his personal experiences living with Crouzon Syndrome and discussed the importance of perseverance, inclusion, and challenging assumptions about people with disabilities. Kjar also produced the documentary Standout: The Ben Kjar Story, which chronicles his life and experiences.

Sheriff Roybal thanked The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region for recognizing the Sheriff’s Office and emphasized the importance of partnerships which help law enforcement better serve every member of the community.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to strengthening relationships with individuals, families, advocacy organizations, and community partners to improve safety, communication, and trust throughout El Paso County.

TRE - The Resource Exchange
The Independence Center

10/06/2026

Sheriff Joseph Roybal and members of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and Mounted Unit were honored to be guests of Very Reverend Kyle Ingels, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, and the Respect Life Apostolate during their recent Respect Life Annual Dinner at the Flying W in Colorado Springs.

The evening included a special recognition of first responders and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of protecting and serving our community. Sheriff Roybal spoke about the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to reducing victims, protecting our community, and serving with compassion, courage, and dedication.

We are grateful for those who support law enforcement and first responders throughout the Pikes Peak region. We are proud to work for this community, and we love the people we have the privilege of serving.

The Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Fire Department
Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon

10/05/2026

🚧 DUI Suspect Arrested After Reaching for Fi***rm During Traffic Stop in Cimarron Hills 🚧

On September 29, 2026, at approximately 9 PM, Patrol deputies traveling in the Cimarron Hills area of unincorporated El Paso County located a vehicle stopped in the roadway of U.S. State Highway 24.

The driver, later identified as 23-year-old Jose Tello, appeared to be unconscious but was breathing. Deputies also observed an open alcohol container in plain view. The vehicle had front-end damage, and the driver’s side tire was flat.

Deputies requested medical personnel from the Cimarron Hills Fire Department.

Tello began to regain consciousness and reached for a fi***rm concealed in his pocket. Deputies ordered Tello out of the vehicle at gunpoint and detained him.

Deputies learned Tello was a previously convicted felon and was prohibited by law from possessing a fi***rm.

Tello was booked into the El Paso County Jail on the following charges:

-Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender
-Driving Under the Influence
-Prohibited Use of a Fi***rm

He was released on a $2,000.00 bond, the amount set by state statute.

“This incident is a reminder of the dangers our deputies encounter during what may initially appear to be a routine traffic-related call,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Our deputies recognized the warning signs, responded quickly when the suspect reached for a fi***rm, and safely took control of the situation without anyone being injured. Driving under the influence is dangerous on its own, but combining impaired driving with illegal possession of a fi***rm creates an even greater threat to our community. I commend our deputies for their professionalism, awareness, and commitment to keeping the public safe.”

10/05/2026

Recently, we had the opportunity to recognize two outstanding members of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for their dedication, leadership and commitment to serving others.

👏 Congratulations to Deputy Maher, our August Sworn Employee of the Month!

Deputy Maher was recognized for his work during a difficult incident involving an elderly couple, where the husband’s health and safety were at substantial risk. Through patience and compassion, Deputy Maher built a rapport with the victim’s wife despite previous unsuccessful attempts by others. When the situation became more difficult, he remained calm and composed, treating her with dignity and respect while working to safely resolve a potentially volatile situation.

His professionalism and ability to de-escalate the situation helped bring it to a safe resolution without injury to anyone involved. Great job, Deputy Maher!

👏 Congratulations to Sergeant Harmon, recipient of a Leadership Award!

Sergeant Harmon was recognized for his dedication to our Patrol team and his extensive work involving our patrol vehicle fleet. His consistent effort and input over the years have helped drive significant positive changes for our fleet and the deputies who rely on it every day.

Sergeant Harmon has also made a tremendous impact on the BHCON unit, building trust and influence while helping change the trajectory of the unit and supporting the addition of a third team. His ability to balance operational responsibilities with active, engaged leadership is a great example of what it means to lead.

We are proud to celebrate Deputy Maher and Sergeant Harmon and grateful for the commitment they bring to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and our community every day. Thank you for leading by example and making a difference! 👏💙

10/04/2026

5 Tips to Help Prevent Crime in Your Neighborhood

1. Lock Up and Light Up 🔑🔒 💡
Lock doors, windows, vehicles, and garages. Keep exterior areas well-lit, especially around entryways and driveways.

2. Know Your Neighbors 🏠
Build relationships with your neighbors and look out for one another. A connected neighborhood is better equipped to recognize unusual activity.

3. Secure Valuables 🚪
Keep valuables out of sight and avoid leaving items such as tools, electronics, or fi***rms unsecured in vehicles or garages.

4. Report Suspicious Activity 📱💻
If you see something suspicious, report it to law enforcement. Avoid confronting or approaching someone you believe may be involved in criminal activity.

5. Protect Your Property Online and Offline 📷🗝
Be mindful of what you share on social media, especially when you are away from home. Consider cameras, alarms, and other security measures to help protect your property.