In an effort to strengthen public safety and reduce the use of deadly force, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is considering the adoption of non-lethal PepperBall technology as a new de-escalation tool for deputies and detention officers.
During a recent demonstration at the department’s Firearms Range, officers were introduced to PepperBall’s line of non-lethal products, which are designed to help manage confrontations while minimizing harm.
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte emphasized the importance of equipping law enforcement with safer, more effective tools. In a statement shared on social media, Ugarte said non-lethal options like PepperBall could “help de-escalate situations and reduce the need for force,” reinforcing his commitment to officer and community safety.
The Sheriff’s Office invited PepperBall to showcase its product offerings as part of a broader initiative to modernize defense strategies and improve interactions between law enforcement and the public.
This move comes amid ongoing national discussions about policing practices and the need for reform. Law enforcement agencies across the country are under increasing scrutiny to adopt safer protocols and tools in response to concerns about excessive force. The use of non-lethal alternatives is seen as a step toward building trust and accountability within the communities officers are sworn to protect.
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