Speaker's Bureau
The purpose of the speaker's bureau is to provide presentations of important operational areas of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Civic organizations and groups may request speakers to present topics of interest free of charge. Tours of Sheriff's Office facilities may also be arranged through the speaker's bureau. The following is a comprehensive list of presentations available to your organization.
TOPICS: click on a topic for a description or scroll down to view all
- Citizen's Academy and Citizen's Advisory Council: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy is an eleven week academy. Created for residents of our community to gain a better understanding of our office and law enforcement, it is an excellent overview of the entire Sheriff's Office. Examples of some of the areas covered during the academy are patrol, crime scene investigations, emergency services, tours of detention facilities, and an opportunity to ride along with a patrol deputy. The Citizen's Advisory Council members are graduates of the Citizen's Academy. Council members provide feedback on programs and issues in the Sheriff's Office such as policy and procedure reviews and budget proposals. Members may participate in the oral boards for hiring deputies and promoting sergeants and lieutenants. They volunteer in various activities associated with the office. Back to Topics ^
- Women in Law Enforcement: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office shares the history of women in law enforcement in the county and in the United States. Learn the struggles and triumphs women experience as they devote their lives to serving the community in which they live. Back to Topics ^
- Recruiting Team and Training Academy: In an effort to recruit qualified Deputy Sheriffs and civilian personnel, deputies from all divisions represent the office at area job fairs. The Training Unit operates the P.O.S.T. certified Sheriff's Office Training Academy, and coordinates office wide in-service and specialized training. Back to Topics ^
- Honor Guard: This highly prestigious group represents the Sheriff's Office at many ceremonies that require the National and State flags to embellish the event and preserve traditions. A Color Guard detail consists of four or five individuals whose purpose is to guard, carry, and post the National, State, and Office flags at formal functions. A firing detail consists of seven individuals whose purpose is to fire three volleys (21 gun salute) at internments or memorial ceremonies. Back to Topics ^
- Cadet Explorer Program: The Sheriff's Office needs young men and women ages 14-21 to be a part of the cadet/explorer program. Cadets learn about careers in law enforcement and detentions. They participate in office ceremonies, and special events such as Spring Spree, the El Paso County Fair, and other activities. Back to Topics ^
- DARE: Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE). The El Paso County DARE deputies are assigned to teach the DARE curriculum in a different elementary school five days a week through the entire school year. Lesson plans are designed for 5th and 6th grade students. After the 17 week curriculum has been taught, deputies hold a DARE graduation for each school. Back to Topics ^
- Gang Net: This unit targets and identifies crimes committed by individuals in gangs and hate groups in El Paso County's jurisdiction. Deputies gather and obtain information from various sources about gang activity in the County. Back to Topics ^
- Reserves: The Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit is comprised of a group of dedicated citizens from within the El Paso County area. Members who meet training and certification requirements function as Reserve Deputies, and supplement full time sworn officers. Reserve Deputies are responsible for volunteering many hours in the service of their community and saving the Office and taxpayers thousands of dollars. Back to Topics ^
- Neighborhood Watch Program: The Neighborhood Watch concept was started in the 1970's by concerned citizens who wanted to protect their community. Neighborhood Watch programs teach citizens how to protect themselves and their property, and how to deter and prevent crime within their community. Presentations assist member citizens by teaching them to recognize suspicious activities and how to obtain a good description of suspects. Neighborhood Watch information will guide residents through detection and prevention by reporting illegal activities correctly to law enforcement officials which will help neighborhoods to effectively eradicate crime. Back to Topics ^
- School Resource Officers: School Resource Officers facilitate the community oriented policing philosophy in Middle and High Schools in unincorporated El Paso County. Deputies assigned in this capacity teach students about the role of law enforcement in the community. They interact with students and provide one-on-one mentoring in a non-threatening environment. The deputies also investigate criminal activity that occurs in schools. Back to Topics ^
- Concealed Handgun Permits Program (CHP): The CHP program began in 1995. El Paso County residents, 21 years of age or older are eligible to apply for a concealed weapons permit. The application process includes completing a background investigation and a firearms safety course. Back to Topics ^
- Crime Analysis: The Crime Analyst is responsible for tracking pattern crimes, and maintaining crime statistics for public and office-wide dissemination. The analyst reads through calls for service and case reports to determine where problems such as burglaries, thefts, and gang activity are occurring. Back to Topics ^
- History of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office evolved with the creation of El Paso County in 1861. The first Sheriff was Rankin Scott Kelly who tracked down infamous outlaws. There have been many changes and 26 new Sheriffs since Kelly. Back to Topics ^
- Volunteer Program: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Volunteer Corps is a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the organization. As the population of El Paso County grows, so does the demand for service. The use of citizen volunteers has helped the Sheriff's Office meet these demands. As this demand continues to grow, so too will the need for active citizen participation. Back to Topics ^
- Law Enforcement Ethics: The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, the Canons of Police Ethics and an officer's sworn oath govern an officer's professional behavior. Character and the identification of ethical behavior are discussed in this presentation. Back to Topics ^
- Internal Affairs: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the nation. We are proud of the high quality of service we provide to the citizens of El Paso County. In order to maintain this reputation, we must constantly strive for excellence. It is essential that all allegations of misconduct are thoroughly and objectively investigated. This will assure the public that official police misconduct will not be tolerated, and at the same time, provide a system whereby unjustly accused officers can be cleared of falsely reported misconduct. Back to Topics ^
- 911 Dispatch and 800 Megahertz Communications: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office provides police, fire, and emergency medical services for the unincorporated areas of the County. The response area encompasses 2,158 square miles with a population that exceeds 500,000. Over 125,000 people reside in unincorporated areas. The communication section provides call and dispatching service to the Sheriff's Office, Calhan, Green Mountain Falls, Monument, Palmer Lake, and 25 fire departments. Back to Topics ^
- Explosive Ordinance Disposal: The Explosives and Ordinance Disposal Team (EOD) is responsible for the searching, identifying, handling and neutralization of found explosives and other ordinances. This Unit has the responsibility for conducting background investigations on individuals requesting explosive permits. Back to Topics ^
- Hazardous Materials: The Hazardous Materials Unit is the Designated Emergency Response Authority (DERA) for hazardous material spills or release within the County which are not covered by another DERA. The Unit also supports and assists other governmental agencies when requested. Back to Topics ^
- Search and Rescue: El Paso County Search and Rescue is a unit dedicated to saving lives through search, rescue, and mountain safety education. The team is composed of volunteers, and is available upon request to help in mountain search and rescue operations anywhere in Colorado under the authority of the local County Sheriff, or in other states and countries under local authority. Back to Topics ^
- Wildland Fire Suppression and Fire Investigations: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Wildland Fire Suppression Crew proudly protects the citizens of El Paso County from wild fires. The Fire Investigator determines the origins and causes of fires. Back to Topics ^
- Columbine High School Shooting Reinvestigation: On April 20, 1999, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris killed 12 students and 1 teacher at Columbine High School in Littleton Colorado. This was the deadliest school shooting in the United States. At the request of Jefferson County Sheriff John Stone, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office was asked to conduct an independent re-investigation into the death of student Daniel Rohrbough. This presentation discusses many of the details of the re-investigation into this tragedy. Back to Topics ^
- The Escape and Capture of the Texas Seven: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office was instrumental in the capture of the infamous Texas Seven. The Texas Seven were escapees from a prison in Texas. They were captured with assistance from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office S.W.A.T. team in Woodland Park and Colorado Springs. Back to Topics ^
- S.W.A.T. Team: The Special Weapons and Tactics team is a highly trained and motivated unit of deputies who conduct very specialized missions. S.W.A.T. missions include barricaded subjects, hostage situations, and high risk warrant service. Back to Topics ^
- Canine Unit: The Canine Unit supports the Detentions and Law Enforcement Bureaus. Canines are trained to apprehend criminal suspects, detect certain narcotics, conduct building searches, track individuals, and protect citizens and deputies. Back to Topics ^
- Traffic Unit: The Traffic Unit is a community oriented, problem solving unit that provides enforcement and prevention activities to the citizens of El Paso County. The philosophy of the Traffic Unit is to prevent traffic crashes through education and enforcement. Back to Topics ^
- Aggressive Driving Campaign: This campaign was made possible by a grant from the Federal government. The purpose of the campaign is to reduce incidents of aggressive driving and therefore reduce life-threatening automobile accidents. Back to Topics ^
- Civil Unit: The Civil Unit is responsible for serving court papers in the community. These papers include divorce proceedings, restraining orders, evictions, and child custody court orders. Back to Topics ^
- Mounted Unit: The Mounted Unit is a community oriented, problem solving unit. They provide high-visibility enforcement, and facilitate the Farm and Ranch Watch Program. Back to Topics ^
- Crisis Negotiator: The safety of hostages, the general public, and of office personnel is of paramount concern in any hostage situation. The crisis negotiator typically works in consort with the S.W.A.T. team. Crisis Negotiators attempt to calm suicidal or barricaded subjects. They seek a peaceful outcome or resolution for all involved in these very volatile situations. Back to Topics ^
- Patrol: The Patrol Division is the heart of the Law Enforcement Bureau. The division is guided by the community oriented policing philosophy. They believe in a proactive problem solving approach to law enforcement, which is intended to increase the quality of life for citizens in the community by reducing crime. It promotes partnerships and positive relationships among community individuals, organizations, and agencies to solve the problems that cause crime. Back to Topics ^
- Computer Crime Scene Technology: The Investigations Division utilizes computerized crime scene technology to present criminal cases in court. This technology provides an accurate picture of the crime scene by incorporating interactive audio and visual components. Back to Topics ^
- Domestic Violence: In 1996 DVERT (Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team) was created in an effort to respond to the high number of domestic violence incidents reported. DVERT members include law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and victim advocates. Today, DVERT encompasses 27 agency partners. The Sheriff's Office has devoted one full-time detective to DVERT. Back to Topics ^
- Victim Assistance Program: This is a unit that responds to victims or families of victims of violent crime, other crisis, and violent and sudden death. The Victim Assistance Program includes several dedicated volunteers along with a full time staff. A Victim Advocate is available at any time to assist victims of crime and their families. Back to Topics ^
- Forensics and Evidence: The Metro Crime Laboratory is a regional department associated with the Investigations Division. The crime lab provides a forensic chemist and photo lab. This unit also provides crime scene technicians to provide expert fingerprinting, photography and other technical support. The evidence section stores and maintains evidence, found items, and impounded vehicles. Back to Topics ^
- General Investigations: These Detectives are responsible for follow up on felony cases referred by deputies from the Patrol Division. These detectives investigate a wide variety of cases from fraud to auto theft. Back to Topics ^
- Major Crimes: These detectives are responsible for conducting follow up on all homicides, serious assaults, kidnappings, and robberies. They receive specialized training in blood spatter analysis, crime scene processing, interview techniques, and advanced homicide investigation. Back to Topics ^
- Metro Vice Narcotics and Intelligence: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office assigns detectives to this unit which includes officers from several agencies in the Pike's Peak region. Large amounts of cash and property from offenders have been seized due to illicit drug activities. The unit is intensely involved with discovering area methamphetamine labs which are becoming an increasing danger to the community. Back to Topics ^
- Sex Crimes: These detectives conduct extensive investigations into criminal complaints that are very sensitive in nature. Cases such as incest, child abuse, and sexual assault are investigated by this unit. The detectives are highly trained in how to conduct interviews with both child and adult victims. The Sex Crimes Unit makes an important contribution to the community by providing access to services specifically designed to support victims. Back to Topics ^
- Criminal Justice Center Direct Supervision: The Criminal Justice Center opened in August of 1988 as a medium/minimum security detention center. The manageable number of inmates it can house is 588; however, its daily population often exceeds 900. An expansion project entitled Criminal Housing Improvement for Public Safety (CHIPS) is currently underway. The result will be an additional 864 jail beds. Back to Topics ^
- Court and Transport: The Court and Transport Section is responsible for providing security in 28 courtrooms at the El Paso County Courthouse. They transport inmates between the courts and the Criminal Justice Center, the Metro Detention Facility, and other jurisdictions. Back to Topics ^
- Intake and Release: The Intake and Release Unit is responsible for admitting and discharging inmates from the detention facilities. The unit maintains required records, ensures accountability and security of inmate funds and personal property, and enters initial victim information into the Victim/Offender Information Computer Enhancement (VOICE) system. Back to Topics ^
- Metro Indirect Supervision: The Metro Detention Facility is a maximum security indirect supervision facility that opened in 1973. Built as a linear bar facility with a total bed space of 312, the daily number of inmates reached a total of 425 before the new Criminal Justice Center opened in 1988. Back to Topics ^
- Special Response Team (SRT): The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team was created in April of 1993. The establishment of the team was due to a previous riot at the Metro Detention Facility. Members of the team receive advanced training in: riot control, cell extractions, civil disturbances, chemical agents, rappelling, mental health and high risk transports, and high risk trials. Back to Topics ^
- Impact of Jail Overcrowding: Current inmate population at both the Criminal Justice Center and the Metro Detention Facility exceeds their totalcapacity of 1041. Overcrowding directly impacts the ability to manage inmates, and provide a safe environment. Alternatives and programs to alleviate jail overcrowding are wide-ranging and community based. A tour of the detention facilities is encouraged. Back to Topics ^
- Gateway: Gateways Through the Rockies is committed to providing carefully selected, non-violent inmates with a rigorous and comprehensive program of education, training, work experience, social skills, counseling, and post-release support at no cost to taxpayers. Our aim is to return inmates to society as productive members of the community without draining tax resources. Back to Topics ^
- Jail Jolt: The Jail Jolt program was started in 1995 as a detentions community oriented policing project in conjunction with the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office. The mission of the Jail Jolt program is to expose at-risk young people and their families to the realities of jail life. Back to Topics ^
To Schedule a Speaker from the El Paso County Speaker's Bureau, please contact:
Deputy Jake Abendschan
Phone: (719) 520-7107
Fax: (719) 520-7255
Email: JacobAbenschan@elpasoco.com