Early law and order in El Paso was turbulent with city marshals being hired solely for their ability to shoot fast and straight.  The first city marshal was appointed in 1873.

Late in 1880, Marshal Dallas Stoudermire was involved in the killing of  five men in one shoot-out.  During this time, the town was open to outlaws.  By 1883, the city marshal's force was expanded to five officers.  The following year marked the establishment of what is now known as the El Paso Police Department. History of the El Paso Police Department

Today El Paso, with a population of over 600,000, is a large city without big city problems.  Resting at the far west corner of Texas, with Mexico to the south and New Mexico to the west, El Paso is the 17th largest city in the United States and holds the distinction of being one of the six safest cities in the country.  EL Paso is uniquely recognized as the largest U.S. city on the Mexican-American border.  The city offers a diversified culture and enterprise and is currently enjoying Texas' fastest growing economy.

The El Paso Police Department currently employs over 1,100 officers and nearly 300 civilian employees who serve with pride and dedication.  The Department is committed to providing quality community policing from its five Regional Command Centers located throughout the city.  Each Command Center offers full policing services to its residents including routine patrol, traffic enforcement, detective services, community relations and other specialized functions.  The Department's administration and centralized major crime units are housed in its centrally located Headquarters Building.

Law enforcement in El Paso presents a unique challenge due to its proximity to both an international and State border.  Each day, thousands of people enter El Paso from Mexico and New Mexico to visit, work and shop.  El Paso's population combined with those of Juarez, Mexico and neighboring U.S. communities form a metroplex of nearly 2 million people.  Despite the high demand for police services, the professional men and women of the Department join with its community to meet the challenge.

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