CHAPALA - Public security issues are clearly on the minds of foreign residents in the Chapala area, as evidenced by the tough questions posed by an audience of about 150 at a March 31 forum hosted by the municipal government.
On the downside, she found it difficult to grasp all the information, noting that the officials spoke too fast in Spanish and the interpretation in English was often muddled.
“I’m sorry I don’t have all the answers and solutions,” said Chapala city hall legal chief Oscar España as he wrapped up the 90-minute session, obviously sensing the crowd’s frustration over vague answers to many of the questions that arose.
One member of the audience asked if foreigners holding FM-3 immigration status can legally own firearms. España summed up the matter by stating that anyone may obtain a permit to keep certain types of small caliber weapons in their homes, but that only military and police officers are authorized to carry firearms in public. He suggested that interested parties consult city hall’s Departamento Juridico for legal guidance. Relevant regulations are outlined in the Ley Federal de Armas y Explosivos.
Officials insisted on the importance of reporting all crimes, but stumbled over complaints that local police don’t always respond promptly to calls for assistance and lack English-speaking personnel to field telephone calls. Police Chief Miguel Santana stated that the normal response time to emergency calls is five minutes, noting that he encourages citizens to report to him directly in cases of undue delay.
In regard to the community’s traffic problems, regional Transit Commander Hector Magaña offered no concrete solutions. “I’ve only been here a short time. We’re working with the local government to study the situation.” He made it apparent that fast remedies are unlikely, commenting that any proposals drawn from the analysis will be passed on to state authorities for review.
España received warm applause after outlining the local government’s efforts to curb criminal behavior through neighborhood-based art workshops, English classes and vocational training for youth from low-income families. Programs launched late last year now under development involve volunteers drawn from the city hall staff and private citizens, including expat residents Ann Lewis and Jack Shanks.
At the end of the meeting many regretted that explanations regarding the duties carried out by different government agencies got mangled in translation.
To foster better understanding, the Reporter has put together an abbreviated overview and contact list on pages 17 and 18.
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