EL PASO COUNTY — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced how they plan to use the more than $13 million in CARES Act funding it received due to COVID-19.
EPCSO says a large sum of that money will go to the El Paso County Jail for some major updates, such as security cameras and door control, door lock replacement, and lobby and locker room updates.
EPCSO will also use the funding for deputy hazard pay.
"We have identified that funding stream to reduce the risk and potential exposure to COVID-19," said Bureau Chief Joe Roybel. "We've done a really good job of keeping (it) out of facility. We have measures in place, and this goes a long way to ensuring that future safety."
Due to the guidelines in the CARES Act, all of the jail projects must be complete by the end of 2020.
EPCSO has reported no cases of COVID-19 in its inmate population. The sheriff's office has seen nine cases of the coronavirus among its sworn officers with one case claiming the life of 41-year-old Deputy Jeff Hopkins.
They have also seen one COVID-19 case among its civilian staff.
