El Paso County Jail reaches record high in jail population

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the El Paso County Jail is at a critical point in managing the inmate population.

The jail, located at 2739 E Las Vegas St., reached record highs on Tuesday with a jail population of 1,717 and a total inmate population of 1,880.

The last record for inmate population was in August of 2018, with a jail population of 1,677 and a total inmate population of 1,839.

Authorities say the jail is currently at a critical place in which additional bunks have been brought in to accommodate the growing numbers.

This is the only jail in El Paso County and it houses inmates brought in from eight surrounding law enforcement agencies.

With the growing number of inmates, staff members say there is not enough space or personnel. Sheriff Elder has previously stated, “These high numbers impact the safety of both staff and inmates as it increases the likelihood of fights and assaults within the jail.”

One way staff members are working to lower the jail’s population is by preparing inmates for post-detention life through inmate programs. In return, the programs reduce recidivism in El Paso County.

Sheriff Elder says he is committed to working with members of the courts, other law enforcement agencies and community leaders to find alternative solutions to the growing inmate population.