Pubdate: Fri, 12 Nov 2010
Source: El Paso Times (TX)
Copyright: 2010 El Paso Times
Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/townhall/ci_14227323
Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/El+Paso
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/Juarez

POLICE-PUBLIC COOPERATION WORKING

Four homicides have occurred so far this year in El Paso, and that's 
an amazing statistic. It's all the more amazing because mere feet 
away across the border, Juarez has experienced more than 2,500 deaths 
so far this year because of the endemic violence there.

El Paso's homicide number is a tribute to an effective police force 
and a five-letter word that describes the relationship between police 
and the community -- trust.

Mayor John Cook said, "The big difference between El Paso and Juarez 
- -- and I have to present this argument all the time -- in El Paso, we 
trust the police."

"If we call to report a drug dealer down the street, we don't worry 
that the police officer will turn around and tell the drug dealer, 
'Hey, the guy down the street is saying you're a drug dealer.' That 
is the reality in Mexico. You can't trust if law enforcement is on your side."

Community involvement is noteworthy, with a number of El Paso blocks 
participating. According to a police website, there are more than 600 
such programs in El Paso, and the concept has expanded to include 
schools, parks, apartments and businesses.

This kind of police-community relationship is vital, because it 
effectively gives police extra eyes to watch for potential problems.

Overall, crime in general is down about 1 percent for the year so 
far. Two areas need some work, with robberies up 7 percent and 
assaults up 5 percent.

Also, with the Christmas shopping season nearly upon us, people can 
help police immensely by taking steps such as putting packages out of 
sight in vehicles, staying in well-lighted areas, being aware of your 
surroundings at all times, and not hesitating to ask -- or yell -- 
for help if you feel threatened.

And lock your vehicle. Assistant Police Chief Eric Shelton said, 
"People go from store to store shopping. Unfortunately, they leave 
packages in plain view. It is a perfect target for a criminal. You 
would be surprised how many (drivers) forget to lock their vehicles."

But above all, police-community cooperation must remain at a high 
level, because that's one of the best crime-fighting tools available.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake