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Sheriff Oscar Ugarte
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte proudly serves the residents of El Paso County with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to public safety, accountability, and community service.
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As Sheriff, he remains focused on strengthening trust between law enforcement and the community, ensuring that taxpayer resources are used efficiently, and expanding mental health initiatives within policing.
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Sheriff Ugarte believes that effective public safety requires collaboration, transparency, and compassion. Under his leadership, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and protecting the well-being of all residents.
Transparency • 20+ Years Experience • Community Approach to Policing
El Paso County now has a progressive, visionary leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte represents a new generation of leadership — one that values innovation, accountability, and community collaboration.
Issues
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Transparency and Accountability
Sheriff Ugarte is committed to providing transparent and fair policing throughout El Paso County. He ensures that the Sheriff’s Office operates with honesty, openness, and accountability by making policies and procedures accessible to the public and fostering open dialogue with residents. His goal is for every community member to understand how their Sheriff’s Office serves and protects them.
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Training and Resources
Sheriff Ugarte believes that the foundation of effective public safety begins with a well-trained, well-equipped, and well-supported team. He is committed to providing deputies and detention officers with the tools, training, and resources they need to perform at their best. By investing in professional development and modern equipment, the Sheriff’s Office can better serve and protect the residents of El Paso County.
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Community Policing
Sheriff Ugarte is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all residents of El Paso County. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office continues to strengthen relationships with the community and build trust through collaboration and transparency. Sheriff Ugarte believes that by working together, the people of El Paso can make a lasting, positive difference in the community.
Combating Driving While Intoxicated:
Sheriff Ugarte made combating impaired driving a top priority by launching the Sheriff’s Office’s first-ever multi-agency DWI Task Force in April 2025. The task force conducts monthly operations resulting in hundreds of arrests and increased roadway safety across El Paso County. Through enforcement and education, the Sheriff’s Office remains committed to reducing intoxicated driving and saving lives.
Keeping El Paso County Clean:
Sheriff Ugarte is listening to constituents, and one of the most common concerns raised—especially in the rural areas of our county—is illegal dumping. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has taken a firm stance: there is zero tolerance for illegal dumping in El Paso County.
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Those caught illegally disposing of trash, debris, or waste will face arrest and prosecution. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting our desert, neighborhoods, and public spaces from those who pollute and disrespect our community. By working together and holding offenders accountable, we can keep El Paso County clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone.
Protecting Animals, Enforcing Accountability:
Sheriff Ugarte believes that how we treat animals reflects who we are as a community. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting all cases of animal cruelty and neglect. By working closely with Animal Welfare and local partners, deputies ensure that every report is taken seriously and that offenders are held accountable.
Civilian Social Services Unit:
A new approach to solving social challenges.
The establishment of a Civilian Social Services Unit within the Sheriff’s Office remains one of Sheriff Ugarte’s long-term goals. While the County’s current budget did not allocate funding for the initiative, the Sheriff is committed to ensuring deputies are prepared to respond effectively to individuals in crisis.
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All deputies graduating from the Peace Officer Academy now receive Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), equipping them with the skills to de-escalate situations and assist individuals experiencing mental health challenges without having to wait for the Crisis Intervention Team to arrive. Efforts are also underway to provide this same training to all deputies already serving in the field.
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The future Civilian Social Services Unit will focus on addressing pressing social issues such as mental health, homelessness, food insecurity, and youth support. By connecting individuals to assistance programs, conducting follow-ups after law enforcement encounters, and working closely with community partners, the Sheriff’s Office aims to build a compassionate, collaborative network that strengthens public safety and supports those in need.
Gun Safety Initiatives:
While gun buyback programs are no longer permitted under state law, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office successfully hosted two such events under Sheriff Ugarte’s leadership, providing residents with a safe way to voluntarily surrender unwanted firearms.
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Despite current legal restrictions, Sheriff Ugarte remains committed to exploring new and effective ways to promote gun safety in our community. He continues to work with local leaders, businesses, and non-profit organizations to identify alternative initiatives that encourage responsible firearm ownership and reduce the risk of accidental or criminal misuse.
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Sheriff Ugarte believes that through education, collaboration, and proactive community engagement, El Paso County can continue building a culture of safety and responsibility surrounding firearms.
Contact
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