A Troubling Pattern

A Troubling Pattern: Lieutenant Jones and the El Paso Police Department’s Failure to Act

In El Paso, a city celebrated for its vibrant diversity, the actions of Lieutenant Christopher Jones of the El Paso Police Department (EPPD) cast a shadow over the department’s commitment to fairness and inclusion. Jones, a veteran officer with two decades of service, has repeatedly made derogatory and discriminatory remarks that undermine the trust of the community he is sworn to serve. Despite documented incidents, the EPPD’s response has been inadequate, raising serious questions about accountability and leadership within the department.

In 2020, Jones responded to a call at a residence on Zion Street. While there, he made a disparaging remark about a woman of Middle Eastern descent, referencing her ethnicity in a degrading manner tied to animals. The comment, recorded by the homeowner, was reported to the EPPD’s Internal Affairs Department. Jones’s consequence? Counseling. No suspension, no demotion, no termination—just a conversation.

“The El Paso Police Department claims to have a policy where such comments, such language is not tolerated,” said Tariq Siraj Uirajudeen, a local resident. “When the actions of Jones were reported to the Internal Affairs Department, there was only a talk given to Jones, nothing more. This action goes against what Chief Allen said the El Paso Police Department stands for.”

The only additional measure taken was a requirement that a sergeant accompany officers responding to calls from that Zion Street address. For Muhammad Adeen, a Muslim civil rights activist, this response is woefully insufficient. “Were this comment made by an individual in a different profession, say customer service or at a hospital, the individual making those comments would have ended in the termination of that employee,” Adeen said. “In the instance of the El Paso Police Department, by virtue of rank, the officer is protected, retained, and allowed to continue making such comments.”

Adeen’s concerns are not hypothetical. Jones’s behavior extends beyond this incident. When a woman experiencing a mental health crisis entered the Northeast Regional Command Center, Jones did not attempt to de-escalate or assist. Instead, he labeled her, saying, “She’s a satanist.” This remark, far from professional or compassionate, reflects a troubling pattern of judgment and bias.

Jones’s conduct doesn’t stop at racial or religious insensitivity. His refusal to engage with the department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training reveals further prejudice. According to an officer stationed at the Northeast Regional Command Center, Jones openly declared he would not participate in the mandatory training because of Officer Marquez, who identifies as a woman while at work. “He [Jones] has said that he won’t take that DEI training as long as Marquez identifies as a woman at work,” the officer shared. “The man [Jones] has made other remarks that I won’t repeat, but let’s just say he is either very homophobic or an idiot.”

These statements are not just offensive—they may violate federal protections. The 2020 Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County established that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity constitutes sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Homophobic remarks that create a hostile work environment could be grounds for legal action through the Texas Workforce Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Yet, Officer Marquez has not filed a formal complaint, possibly due to a lack of faith in the system. “Even if Marquez filed a complaint against Jones,” another EPPD officer said, “it won’t go anywhere because Jones is a lieutenant, and everyone knows the department protects lieutenants. Just look at Elomari.”

The case of Lieutenant Nazik Elomari, arrested for driving under the influence, crashing into a vehicle, attempting to bribe witnesses, and fleeing the scene, underscores this perception of impunity. Despite these serious charges, Elomari remains employed while out on bond, expressing confidence that his charges will be dropped. Court records show no progress in his case, further eroding public trust.

Jones’s behavior continues to alienate colleagues. “When anyone brings up Marquez or anyone who is gay, Jones loses his s*^t,” said another officer at the Northeast Regional Command Center. “I’m ashamed to have to work the same shift, much less the same department as him.” This sentiment is echoed by community advocates like Donna Greenberg, an LGBTQ+ rights activist. “We cannot have those who are supposed to protect and serve us castigating us simply because of who we are,” Greenberg said. “If this man is called to a crime involving a member of the LGBTQ+ community, how will his preconceived biases towards us come into play? Can he see past his hate? I doubt it. He should be relieved of duty.”

The EPPD’s own Procedures Manual condemns such behavior, yet Chief of Police Peter Pacillas and City Manager Dionne Mack have taken no decisive action. “He’s been with EPPD about twenty years,” an officer who works with Jones noted. “He should call it a day and retire.” But length of service should not shield misconduct. Jones’s actions reflect poorly on the department and undermine its mission to serve El Paso’s diverse community.

The pattern is clear: racist remarks, homophobic behavior, and a refusal to engage in DEI training. Jones’s continued employment raises a critical question: If a lieutenant can act with such impunity, what does this say about the EPPD’s commitment to justice and equality? For a city as inclusive as El Paso, it’s time for accountability. Lieutenant Jones’s retirement—or termination—is long overdue.

To voice concerns, contact:

Chief Peter Pacillas: [email protected]

City Manager Dionne Mack: [email protected]

Lieutenant Christopher Jones: [email protected] or 915-212-8161

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You may reach me at 575.317.0077