(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Monday, Feb. 24, Colorado Springs City Council heard from El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal and other detention officials on the topic of incarcerated members of the community who are homeless, suffering from addiction, or mentally ill.
According to Roybal, those in the incarcerated population who require mental health and substance use services are offered the option of medication and support, and Roybal said he stands behind the work his agency does to ensure those who are incarcerated are treated fairly.
“I am confident and proud to say, upon release, those who are incarcerated leave the El Paso County Jail healthier and with more resources than they had upon entering our facility,” said Sheriff Roybal during the presentation before City Council on Monday.
City Councilmembers were allowed to ask question of Roybal, and EPSO said council was informed about the the collaborative relationships EPSO maintains with community partners, and the multiple ways EPSO works to ensure those who are incarcerated receive optimal care while in custody and upon their release.
“My staff has done an outstanding job at building programs allowing for rapid diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for those suffering from mental health issues, homelessness, and drug addictions within our community,” said Rpybal. “The average stay for an incarcerated individual in El Paso County is 32 days, which means we are charged with caring for our neighbors, family members, and local workforce as they will eventually return to our community. Our detention staff does a fantastic job caring for those in our custody. I am extremely grateful for their dedication and hard work.”
According to EPSO, on average in 2024:
60% of the incarcerated population reported having a mental health-related concern.
26% of the incarcerated population reported being homeless.
37% of the incarcerated population received psychotropic medication treatment.
In addition to the 37% receiving psychotropic medication treatment, 10% were recommended to receive psychotropic medication treatment but refused.
In 2024, EPSO said its Jail Based Behavior Providers also led 480 Substance Disorder Group Meetings with 3,037 participants:
3,047 incarcerated individuals had a comprehensive treatment plan prepared upon release.
808 incarcerated individuals received NARCAN upon release as a preventative measure.
EPSO said it currently partners with multiple mental health providers, including Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, El Paso County Public Health, Diversus Health, Common Spirit Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation, and more to provide inmates with support and care.
