Chihuahua governor Cesar Duarte promised in his inauguration today new laws to deal with crime in the state including life sentences for criminal convicted of crimes such as kidnapping extortion and serial killers.
Duarte was sworn in as governor of Mexico's most violence riddled state this morning as tens of thousands witnessed and others protested.
Mexican news reports say Duarte wants to be remembered as the governor who finally put order to the state.
"I call to rescue with firmness that which we inherited from our grandfathers and grandparents," Duarte is reported saying.
"With work, effort and commitment, we will save the pride of the greatness of Chihuahua."
"Power is to be used with great responsibility," he said.
One of the first acts Duarte has done is to begin with Unified Police, a security concept that is currently being debated nationwide in Mexico which will further centralize security functions from the state police down to the municipal police.
This newest reorganization of the police is intended to improve and training and pay for officers.
Calling the criminal justice system a failure, Duarte promised in his speech unification of the police will be complete within a year.
Duarte said that starting this week he will submit proposals to increase penalties for crimes such as crimes such as kidnapping extortion to reduce recidivism. He also said he will work to stop weapons trafficking and auto theft.
Cars and trucks operating without tags is widespread in Juarez,so much so, even government agents do it.
Duarte also announced the formation of 100 million peso fund( USD $7,926,760.00 ) to be allocated to children who have lost parents to drug and gang violence.