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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake