The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office new Rural Enforcement and Outreach (REO) Unit will host an “Open House” this Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 1010 Golden Street in Calhan, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

In early 2015, Sheriff Bill Elder created the REO to support the Patrol Division in offering law enforcement services to the large expanses of eastern El Paso County.

The REO is community oriented and high impact policing with a rural twist.  As a direct link to the citizens of the rural regions of eastern El Paso County, the Unit’s focus is to develop and cultivate relationships with these residents and create a mechanism to address issues specific to the culture and the area.   This includes mediating fence line disputes, assisting with livestock issues, investigating equine abuse/neglect and encouraging education relating to equine health.  The REO is already working with School Resource Deputies and conducting investigations that Patrol would not typically have the time to commit to, in addition to collaborating with neighboring counties on joint operations and traffic enforcement.  Acting as a conduit for information flow from the rural citizens to the Sheriff, the Unit will host or participate in several outreach functions this summer to include the County Fair.

Based out of Calhan, the REO Unit will offer better coverage in the rural areas and make it easier for the Sheriff’s Office to stay connected with the citizens who call the Eastern plains “home.”  Currently, three full-time deputies and one sergeant comprise the Unit and have already handled nearly 400 calls for service in eight weeks.  These deputies were specifically chosen for REO due to their knowledge, initiative and understanding of local practices. They are working with the residents of Eastern El Paso County to develop crime prevention programs specific to the rural community.

Please drop by any time to see our office and visit with us about how we can best serve the residents of Eastern El Paso County.