Today, after much anticipation from both the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of El Paso County, Sheriff Joseph Roybal announced the reopening of the Veteran’s Ward at the El Paso County Jail.
The Veteran’s Ward was initially opened in 2015 and served the unique, veteran-dense population of the Pikes Peak region. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Ward closed in 2020.
This exclusive Ward provides services which are veteran-specific to incarcerated veterans. Eligibility for the Ward is based on the qualifications used in Veterans Trauma Court. Programs such as Time 4 Change and 22 Push Up Challenge are taught by El Paso County Deputies, who are also veterans, and additional resources aimed at reducing recidivism and homelessness are provided to incarcerated veterans during their time in custody.
“I am extremely excited for the return of the Veteran’s Ward at the El Paso County Jail,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “This unique, specialized Ward allows us to care for those who have served our country in times of difficulty and crisis. Our deputies can guide those eligible to be housed in the Veterans Ward towards growth and success, using their skills, telling their stories, and capitalizing on the patriotism every veteran who has served their nation possesses. Having a Ward unique to this demographic is important and helps us to better address mental health issues and reduce recidivism. I sincerely thank my veteran deputies and Detention Bureau leadership for their work getting this project off the ground, the various community partners who are coming into the Ward and providing services, and the roughly 20 veteran incarcerated citizens who are participating in these specialized programs.”
The Pikes Peak region is home to five military installations, and one in every ten citizens have served or are currently serving in a branch of the United States Military.
-El Paso County population as of July 2022 is 740,567
-Veteran population is 85,941- 11.6% as of July 2022
The El Paso County Jail currently has community partnerships with:
-The VA
-Veterans Trauma Court
-Mt. Carmel Veterans Center
-The El Paso County Veterans Service Office
-Homefront Military Network