To the families and loved ones of inmates in the El Paso County Jail,

The entire staff of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is committed to the safety, security, and well-being of your loved ones while they remain incarcerated at the El Paso County Jail. With the imminent threat of the COVID-19 pandemic our commitment has not wavered. Over the course of the last several weeks we have put in place some very aggressive measures to minimize the risk of exposure to your loved ones and our staff members.

That said, as the number of confirmed cases of COVID infection continues to rise in El Paso County, we know it is likely a number of inmates and staff will become infected. To combat the rampant spread of this disease we have implemented some very restrictive housing measures. These restrictions are not punitive. They are based on scientific data, medical guidance, and industry best practices as they apply to the layout of our jail.

These will be trying times for the inmates in the jail. The hours they have available to make telephone calls with you, enjoy visits with you, use showers, and socially mingle with friends and associates they are incarcerated with has been drastically reduced. We understand how frustrating this will be for them and for you. In order to provide the cleanest and safest environment for your loved ones and our staff, we have had to make these temporary changes. We fully intend to resume business as we have as soon as we can be sure the risk to your family members and friends in the jail is reduced enough to do so. We do not know when that will be.

You can help your loved ones in the jail through this difficult time. Encourage them to be patient. Reassure them that they have a lot of control about whether they get sick. We maintain a robust supply of cleaning materials proven to kill the COVID-19 virus. Those supplies are amply available to your loved ones to keep their living spaces and common areas clean. Encourage them to wash their hands and maintain a safe distance from other inmates and staff.

We will work together with you to make sure your loved ones have the best care and cleanest living area possible during this trying time.