Tucson POA launches media campaign to warn community

of looming public safety crisis 

To avert alarming increases in violent crime in Tucson, the Tucson Police Officers Association says the police department needs more officers.

Because elected officials won't listen to the police, the Association is buying advertising to warn the community of the public safety crisis. TPOA President Larry Lopez says its time for the Mayor and City Council to make public safety a top priority and give officers the resources they need to fight crime.

"TPOA has lost its confidence in te politicians at City Hall because they won't deal with this crisis," he said. "That's why we're bringing our concerns to the public." Lopez, who also serves as President of AZCOPS, said a lack of leadership at City all is contributing to te problem.

The Association launched a media campaign in May paying for commercials on radio, television and in print publications. Several months later, the campaign continues, and the police department is still short on officers. With a population of more than 600,000, fewer than 600 patrol officers take calls for service. 

"We will continue this fight as long as it takes," Lopez said. "We want the community to get involved and help us make our city safe again."

In the first eight months of the year, the murder rate in Tucson had spiked at 54 compared to only 36 at the same time last year. Lopez said 2008 will go on record as one of the most violent years in the city's history. This summer, one Tucson police officer was killed, two were shot, one was severely stabbed and many more have been victims of assault.