More federal police arrived in Tijuana today to help control the latest crime wave to sweep the city. The new group brings the total number of state and federal forces in Tijuana to more than 760. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
300 federal agents have arrived in Tijuana during the last few days. They join 300 state police officers who spread out across the city last week.
Both groups are teaming up with local law enforcement to set up police checkpoints and increase patrols.
Victor Clark who studies crime in Tijuana says federal forces often come in when crime hits record levels. But typically with little effect.
He says they swoop into the city for a few months. But he says they really need to stay for a few years if they want to make inroads against organized crime.
Tijuana business groups, the Catholic Church and angry citizens have all decried the record level of homicides and kidnappings in the city during recent weeks.
The beefed up police presence comes largely at their behest.
Amy Isackson, KPBS news.
