The Mesa Police Association (MPA) has a genuine concern for Mesa police officers & the public's safety as the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office threatens to enter in the City of Mesa this week. MPA's distress stems from the dangerous atmosphere created by the Sheriff's publicity of his police operations.
"Mesa officers & our citizen's safety are at danger," stated Sgt. Fabian Cota, President of the Mesa Police Association. "The publicity surrounding these operations creates a potential for violence by the gathering of passionate militia groups & endangers the very communities the Sheriff seeks to protect." The Sheriff's operations when entering a city consists of holding a press conference in advance of a local police operation & thereby invites polarized factions to gather in these neighborhoods.
"This method of operation places MPA's member law enforcement officers at risk, because they will place themselves on the frontlines of any confrontation," added Sgt. Cota. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, approx. 55% of officer fatalities between 1998 & 2007 have been from accidental causes. In 2007 approx. 60% of officer deaths involved accidental causes.
"If the Sheriff is insistent on entering Mesa, then the MPA demands him to work with the Mesa Police Dept. in efforts of protecting the safety of Mesa police officers & the general public," said Sgt. Cota. "There is spirit of cooperation that exists by abiding by protocol & notifying another agency when you enter their jurisdiction. It is a common courtesy. The Sheriff's office has not attempted to contact our officers to insure everyone's security & adequate resources."
Generally, the MPA supports a role for local law enforcement in the implementation of immigration laws. Local law enforcement has no ability to affect the problems with a porous border, but it can use its resources to remove criminal aliens from our communities.
The MPA looks to the support of Chief George Gascón, Mayor Keno Hawker, City Manager Chris Brady & future & current council members to advocate for effective safe law enforcement. To this end, MPA hopes to convince the Sheriff to use good law enforcement practices, make timely notification to local police & pursue his operations in a manner that do not create unnecessary hazards to the community & to the good men &d women of law enforcement.
"Lives are in jeopardy, & MPA wants to prevent acts of violence & accidents from occurring. The Sheriff is creating a dangerous situation when emotions run high & weapons are involved," added Sgt. Cota.