POLICE ON STRIKE OVER SAFETY ISSUES

Hundreds of police in Torreon, Mexico, refused to work for a second
day, demanding more pay and protection from increased attacks by drug
cartel hit men.

"Police have been murdered, with limbs cut off and bodies burned. What
we want is more forces with the right equipment, working bulletproof
vests and a decent salary and pension," said patrolman Oscar Ramirez
at the deserted police headquarters in the city of about 500,000.

State police in Nuevo Leon also went on strike Monday but quickly
returned to work after bosses promised better hours and a possible
raise. In the capital, Monterrey, soldiers started patrolling the streets.