(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Thursday, June 5, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal administered the oath to 27 members of his first Posse, Class of 2025.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) said that traditionally, a Sheriff’s Posse refers to a group of civilians authorized to help maintain public order, particularly in large or remote regions where regular law enforcement resources may be limited.
For six weeks, Posse candidates attended the Office’s Academy, where they were taught about policies and participated in training aligned with their future assignments.
EPSO said volunteer Posse members will serve in some areas, including:
Regional 911 Communication Center
El Paso County Courthouse
Crime Scene Security
Crowd, Accident, and Traffic Control
Directed Patrol, Crime Prevention, and Alarm Responses
Fire Evacuation
Roadblocks and Perimeter Security
Mounted and K9 Unit
Jail and Patrol Chaplains
Intake and Release
Mobile Command
The members of the Posse come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including prior military service, defense contracting, retired military, education, ranching, small business ownership, technical industry expertise, and healthcare and medical professionals, according to EPSO.
“As the first graduates of the Posse Academy Class 25-1, you are trailblazers. You have set a precedent, and your actions from this day forward will influence and inspire the volunteers who will one day follow the path you have now begun to carve,” said Sheriff Roybal in a speech during the ceremony.
