El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said the county’s two detention facilities have demonstrated the high standards expected by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) after a surprise, unannounced inspection this week. The downtown jail and the far‑east annex both received “top‑tier” evaluations, reflecting the professionalism and accountability of the detention staff.

Inspection details and findings

The TCJS inspectors conducted a comprehensive review of each facility, examining everything from inmate housing conditions to staff training, record‑keeping, and safety protocols. Both sites met or exceeded the state’s stringent criteria for jail operations, earning the highest rating in the commission’s assessment system.

“Our detention facilities operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and passing an unannounced inspection at both facilities reflects the professionalism, accountability, and hard work of our detention staff every single day,” Sheriff Ugarte said in a statement. “We are proud of these results, but we also know maintaining these standards requires the proper staffing and resources. We will continue advocating for our employees and ensuring they have what they need to safely and effectively operate our facilities so we can continue meeting the standards expected of us.”

Impact on the community

Local leaders and community members have welcomed the positive outcome, noting that a well‑run jail system contributes to public safety and confidence in law‑enforcement institutions. The inspection’s favorable feedback underscores the county’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

County officials indicated that the positive review will help guide future budgeting and staffing decisions, ensuring that the facilities remain adequately resourced. Sheriff Ugarte emphasized that the department will use the inspectors’ recommendations to further enhance training programs and facility upgrades.

Looking ahead

The sheriff’s office plans to hold regular briefings with staff to review the inspection report and implement any suggested improvements. By maintaining open communication and a focus on best practices, the department aims to sustain its “top‑tier” status in future evaluations.

Residents who have questions about the inspection or the county’s detention operations are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office directly or attend upcoming public meetings where the findings will be discussed.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.