This week, Sheriff Joseph Roybal administered the oath of office to 18 members of Posse Class 26-1 during a graduation ceremony at Shield616 Hero’s Hall in the Black Forest area of unincorporated El Paso County.
Traditionally, a Sheriff’s Posse refers to a group of civilians authorized to help maintain public order, particularly in large or remote regions where regular law enforcement resources may be limited. The term posse comitatus, meaning “the power of the county” in Latin, represents a long-standing tradition, especially in the American West, of citizens supporting law enforcement efforts and strengthening the connection between public safety agencies and the communities they serve.
For six weeks, Posse candidates attended the Sheriff’s Office Academy, where they studied policy and participated in training tailored to their future assignments and the overall volunteer mission.
Some of the areas in which volunteer Posse members will serve include:
- Regional Communications Center
- El Paso County Courthouse
- Crime Scene Security
- Crowd, Accident, and Traffic Control
- Directed Patrol, Crime Prevention, and Alarm Responses
- Fire Evacuation
- Roadblocks and Perimeter Security
- Mounted and K9 Unit
- Jail and Patrol Chaplains
- Intake and Release
- Mobile Command
- Community Affairs
The newly sworn Posse members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including former law enforcement, active-duty and retired military service, defense and public safety professions, ranching and agriculture, healthcare, and various other walks of life dedicated to service.
“The Sheriff’s Posse has long stood as a symbol of neighbors answering the call to serve—ordinary citizens stepping forward to protect their communities, lend a hand in times of need, and stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement in pursuit of public safety,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Rooted in the traditions of the American West, our modern Posse carries forward the same spirit of service, sacrifice, and civic responsibility. Tonight’s graduates represent the enduring belief public safety is strongest when communities stand together. These men and women have committed their time, training, and talents to support this Office, protect the innocent, assist those in need, and strengthen the bond between the Sheriff’s Office and the people we proudly serve. I am excited to welcome them into the Posse and continue this proud tradition of service to El Paso County.”
The Sheriff’s Office Posse, reestablished in 2025 by Sheriff Roybal, has already contributed thousands of volunteer hours in support of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves. In its first year alone (2025–2026), the Posse logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours supporting deputies, professional staff, and community members across a wide range of public safety functions.
Recruiting has already begun for the next Posse Academy, Class 27-1. Interested community members can learn more by visiting EPCSheriff.com or by emailing the Volunteer Coordinator at hayleysuppes2@elpasoco.com.
