18 April 2025, El Paso, Texas, Steven Zimmerman – Lt. Marshal DeMunbrun of the El Paso Police Department is working diligently to fill a non-coveted opening within the Department.
“No one wants it because no one believes it,” says an Officer with the El Paso Police Department.
In a police department, a “non-covered position” generally refers to a job not subject to the same specific legal protections and regulations as sworn law enforcement positions, such as police officers. These positions might include administrative support roles, dispatchers, or civilian staff who handle records or other non-enforcement duties.
“DeMunbrun, does he even have the qualifications he’s looking for in others,” asks a senior Officer with EPPD. “I don’t think he does. I don’t, and I’ve been in the Department for a very long time.”
However, there is another problem with the email DeMunbrun sent out.
Generally, it is illegal to advertise a job for females only in the US. This is because the law prohibits discrimination based on sex in hiring practices. There’s an exception for Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQs), where a specific gender may be necessary for the job.
Does the opening that Lt. DeMunbrun meets the BFOQ exception to seemingly only target female officers? No.
To use a BFOQ, an employer must prove that a specific gender is essential for the job to be performed effectively and that it’s a legitimate business need. A rare example of a BFOQ might be a position requiring intimate care of victims of domestic violence, where a female employee might be necessary. Another example could be modeling women’s clothing, where a female model might be considered essential.
From the email DeMunbrun sent out: The Recruiting and Backgrounds team (PDHR) is anticipating a non-coveted, recruiter vacancy, and is looking for interested female candidates. PDHR falls under the Administrative Services Bureau, and plays a crucial role in the overall function of our department. The unit is responsible for maintaining an efficient and effective workforce by recruiting capable, qualified applicants, and evaluating their suitability for work in a law enforcement agency through comprehensive background investigations. The importance of these roles in strengthening and protecting our department goes without saying.
“… and is looking for interested female candidates.” Has DeMunbrun thought this through? As a copy of the email was sent to EPPD Human Resources, did they even catch the problem with the email?
“I’ve had the unfortunate displeasure of working with DeMunbrun,” says an EPPD Officer who recently transferred out of the Department to another city. “To say this was just a slip-up on his part or a mistake is giving him too much credit. His email places the department in a bad light. The optics here are not good.”
There is no legitimate reason for DeMunbrun to send this email, which only targeted female officers. DeMunbrun missed the DEI training that Chief Peter Pacillas has embraced. (You may view the DEI training, minus the videos, at the bottom of this article).
Additionally, by limiting the opening to only females, the Department, though DeMunbrun, has ruled out any qualified male candidates from applying for the position.
DeMunbrun is set to learn the hard way that it is generally illegal for an employer to prioritize women over men for a promotion, as this constitutes gender discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from making employment decisions, including promotions, based on sex.
If any of our readers feel they can fill this position, don’t hesitate to contact the El Paso Police Department at www.joineppd.com. The Department needs qualified individuals to fill its ranks.
I did reach out to the Department for comment, however, the Department seems to have an unwritten rule not to respond to media outlets they have deemed adversarial.
Likewise, if anyone would like to register their thoughts and comments with the Department, you may contact the following via email:
Chief Peter Pacillas [email protected]
Minnie R. Holguin [email protected]
Lt. Marshal DeMunbrun [email protected]
The City Manager, Ms. Mack [email protected]
You can reach me at [email protected]
The email is below; after the email is the DEI training.