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El Paso County emphasizes alternatives in justice services and expands hazardous-waste drop-offs
Summary
Vernon Stewart said justice services focuses on alternatives to incarceration to lower recidivism, and environmental services runs regular clean-sweep hazardous-waste events and daily drop-off hours to reduce illegal dumping.
Vernon Stewart described two operational arms of El Paso County's Department of Community Resources: justice services, which focuses on alternatives for offenders and reducing recidivism, and environmental services, which organizes household hazardous-waste collection and community clean sweeps.
On justice services, Stewart said the division provides pretrial services, community corrections and other options for first-time or low-level offenders so cases are handled on a case-by-case basis rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. He described community corrections board meetings where victims and volunteers review cases and weigh in on release or program options, saying the goal is to "decrease recidivism."
Regarding environmental services, Stewart outlined clean sweep events held several times a year and daily household hazardous-waste drop-off hours. He described organized stations for mattresses, tires, TVs and paint, noted the program often reaches capacity, and said the county is exploring ways to expand offerings. Stewart also named Nick Daniel as the county's noxious weed specialist responsible for weed-management work.
Stewart framed both divisions as directly resident-facing and said they require deliberate outreach to make residents aware of available services. He did not announce new rules or funding for either division during the interview.
