The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the El Paso County Jail has been selected by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) to receive the 2025 Program of the Year Award.
This prestigious recognition is presented annually to only one correctional facility program nationwide, chosen from more than 500 jails, prisons, and juvenile confinement facilities accredited through NCCHC.
The award recognizes the Jail’s groundbreaking Therapeutic Response Unit and Stabilization Team (TRUST) Program, which was launched in September 2022 in response to a rise in use-of-force incidents and assaults on peace officers. TRUST pairs trained clinicians with deputies to de-escalate crises involving incarcerated individuals experiencing acute mental health challenges. Since its inception, the program has achieved remarkable results, including a 30% reduction in use-of-force events and an overall 87% success rate in crisis de-escalations in 2024.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the compassion, innovation, and professionalism of our deputies, clinicians, and professional staff,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “The TRUST program has not only improved safety within our facility but also demonstrated treatment, respect, and understanding can lead to better outcomes for the citizens we serve. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is honored by this recognition and remains committed to advancing innovative approaches which significantly improve safety, reduce risks, and support the health and well-being of all individuals entrusted to our care.”
The award was formally presented during the opening ceremony of the NCCHC National Conference on Correctional Health Care on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Baltimore Conference Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
