The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Region 8 Training Academy has recently inaugurated an advanced course specifically designed for Detention Officers dealing with High-Risk Inmate Transport, from August 26 to 28, 2023. Spearheaded by Range Master Justin Martinez, this three-day program, as reported by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, aims to arm officers with the necessary tactics and readiness for real-world situations.

Martinez, along with the academy instructors, developed a curriculum that covers an array of critical skills including firearms tactics and taser deployment, according to the official news source. Taking the course, attendees participated in scenario-based training, which was intended to simulate the spectrum of possible encounters faced during the transport of inmates. The sessions included instruction on the application of restraints and defensive tactics, as well as emergency radio procedures.

The design of this course appears to be a direct response to the volatile nature of inmate transport, demanding a more comprehensive skill set for the officers involved. The official statement detailed that this training directly equips Detention Officers with the ability to effectively respond, engage, or counter potential escape, attack, or ambush scenarios. An emphasis was placed on the dynamic nature of the training, ensuring that officers are not only theoretically proficient but also able to apply what they’ve learned under intense circumstances.

Additionally, the training drills deep into the reliance on tactical training, aiming to instill confidence in operatives. It underscores the situationally-dependent usage of force options, which, in a statement from the news blog, are a critical aspect of the officers' preparedness. This course will be offered quarterly, a strategy purportedly designed to keep the officers’ skills sharp and relevant in the event of unforeseen emergencies.