Leaders in law enforcement from across El Paso County convened at a criminal justice symposium hosted at EPCC’s Mission del Paso campus earlier today. Among the notable attendees were Sheriff Oscar Ugarte, Chief Soria, DA James Montoya, Chief Vargas of Horizon PD, and Chief Rojas of Socorro PD. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue on issues surrounding law enforcement and public safety, a concern shared by communities and police departments alike.
El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte expressed his gratitude for the event, sharing on Facebook, "Sheriff Oscar Ugarte and Chief Soria participated in a criminal justice symposium this morning, at EPCC’s Mission del Paso campus, joining DA James Montoya, Chief Vargas from Horizon PD, and Chief Rojas from Socorro PD for an important discussion on law enforcement and public safety." He went on to thank the organizers, recognizing the event as a "valuable conversation."
The purpose of this symposium was not only to engage in discourse but also to bridge gaps between various entities of the criminal justice system and the communities they serve. These kinds of collaborative efforts are seen as crucial steps in addressing the complex challenges faced by law enforcement officials in the modern era. Strengthening relations with the public and strategizing on issues like crime prevention, community policing, and justice reforms were likely topics on the agenda.
