Juarez takes steps to protect police

JUAREZ, Mexico, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- After the eighth slaying of a police officer this year in Juarez, Mexico, the Mayor Hector Murguia said officers would be allowed to take their firearms home.

"I am going to allow them to carry their weapons to their homes. We cannot afford to have them be ambushed," Murguia said in a statement.

The El Paso (Texas) Times reported Murguia also said officers should wear plain clothes when their shifts end. And he said he's talking to hotel owners about letting officers stay in the hotels for their safety.

Officer Julian Armado Juarez Baena, 35, was fatally shot Saturday in the Granjero neighborhood, authorities said. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and several casings from AK-47 and AR-15 rifles were found.

On Friday, two other officers, a man and a woman, were fatally shot.

Murguia urged Juarez citizens to report crime.

"Without the people's help, this city is not going to change," Murguia said in a speech at an elementary school. "All people in Juarez should close ranks against organized crime."

On Wednesday, the Times said, about 10 banners reportedly signed by members of the New Juarez Cartel were found in the city. In a message on the banners to Juarez Police Chief Julian Leyzaola, the cartel members threatened to kill a municipal police officer each day until he resigns.

Murguia said the chief would not resign and officers were not afraid.