Operations at the Chapala police department are on a new course under acting Commander Ramon del Arco and his boss, Mayor Joaquin Huerta.
Information management policy has reversed tack as the local media now has full access to daily police blotters through the city press office. On the other hand, while press chief Roberto Arroyo has willingly facilitated interviews with del Arco, he is requesting that local media refrain from publishing the commander’s photograph as a security measure.
In a one-on-one interview with the Reporter this week, del Arco outlined his basic approach to crime prevention, stating that his patrol scheme has resulted in greater visibility of police officers and positive feedback from citizens.
“Based on specific circumstances detected in each area, patrol circuits have been beefed up as much as possible with available resources,” he explained.
Referring to street gang brawls in particular, he noted, “We’ve been able to curb the kind of incidents that were frequent in working-class neighborhood two months ago. That has helped put a lot of people more at ease.”He observed that lack of adequate vigilance by parents is a root cause of youth unrest. “There are many single mothers who are forced to leave their kids unsupervised while they are out working to make ends meet. Elderly grandmothers often left in charge in their absence have a tough time keeping watch on three or more youngsters at the same time.”
Del Arco said keeping youth in check is an important part of local police work, so as to deter them from falling into drug abuse and criminal behavior. That includes keeping a close eye on Ajijic’s new skateboard park, which a number of concerned expats have labeled as a potential hot spot for graffiti vandalism and delinquency.
In terms of more serious crime, police department records show eight cases of auto theft and 14 burglaries topping the list since the October 1 change of government. Del Arco said several of these incidents were actually foiled thanks to citizen vigilance and prompt alerts to police headquarters.
He said an auto theft ring operating in the community appears to be targeting older model cars and pickup trucks that tend to lack secure locks and sophisticated alarm systems. Nissan and Volkswagen brands are especially vulnerable for their ease of dismantlement and fencing of used parts.
Chapala police have strong leads on running down the gang. In fact, just minutes before the interview, cops caught a man attempting to jimmy the lock of a parked car in Ajijic.
With west side and upper Ajijic and Chapala’s Lourdes neighborhood clearly identified as focal points for recent break-and-entry cases, residents of those areas are advised to raise their guard.
Two foreign women have also been victims of recent purse snatching incidents in Central Ajijic. Del Arco said officers quickly nabbed one suspect, but the victim refused to look at his photograph to verify identification.
The new chief stressed the value of citizen cooperation, acknowledging that tips from the public have led to a significant number of arrests. “Reports to police may help us link the suspects we detain to different crimes. I can apply the information to our crime map, helping us pinpoint the places and time frames where trouble is happening and define appropriate prevention measures. While we may not manage to recuperate stolen goods for the victims, it gives us a much better chance of keeping their neighbors from getting robbed.”
Although the commander said he is not overly worried about the possibility of violent encounters with organized crime groups – such as the recent attack on Jocotepec’s police chief – it is worth noting that both he and the mayor are following the procedures of their predecessors, doing their business under the close protection of bodyguards.
Huerta has set his sights on building up Chapala’s public security team to 160 officers, but so far few changes in manpower changes have taken place.
Former chief Reynol Contreras took six of his closest collaborators for his new assignment in Lagos de Moreno. Del Arco brought in four new officers to serve as command leaders.
New hiring is now guided by strict state and federal standards that are aimed at weeding out corruption and keeping local bosses from doling out police jobs as political or family favors. According to del Arco, 40 percent of Chapala’s officers have already completed the Jalisco confidence control process. However, test results that will determine their employment future are still pending. Others, including the commander himself, are still awaiting appointments to go through the screening process.
In the meantime, del Arco has clearly gained the trust of new police chiefs in neighboring communities. He has already been named to serve as general coordinator of police operations for the 12 municipalities comprising the lakeshore region public security council. And he is pleased that the new commanders have quickly built strong bonds to work closely to secure their respective territories.