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.