MEXICO CITY, MEXICO-The following statement on the recent release of "The New Model of Security for Mexico" by Mexico's Secretary of Public Security Genaro Garcia Luna may be attributed to former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza:

"When it comes to President Felipe Calderón's efforts to address security and violence in his country, there's no shortage of critics and armchair quarterbacks in both the U.S. and Mexico. And, while it's quite clear the criticism and rhetoric will ratchet up as both countries head toward pivotal elections in 2012, it's also time to acknowledge where real progress has been made.

"During my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and now more recently living and working in Mexico City, I've had a unique opportunity to represent the U.S., work with our counterparts in Mexico and now bear witness to the ongoing efforts that President Calderón and his Secretary of Public Security Genaro García Luna have undertaken.

"In 'The New Model of Security for Mexico,' Secretary Luna highlights the following:

New Security Model for Mexico

• Reengineering of federal police to improve strategy and effectiveness;
• Newly expanded and modernized penitentiary system;
• Partnerships with local communities;
• New legal framework; and
• Technological infrastructure

By the Numbers: Mexico's New Security Model

• Tripled the police force in 6 years (10,700 in 2005 to 35,041 in 2011);
• Federal prison capacity doubled;
• Adding 15 new police stations in 2011 and opened command centers in Mexico City and Ciudad Juarez; and
• Acquired seven state of the art Blackhawk helicopters for special ops.

"To be certain, considerable challenges lie ahead as the country works to fortify the institutions and strengthen its rule of law to achieve long-term security, but neither the U.S. nor Mexico should ignore the strides that have been made."

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Antonio O. Garza is the former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and is counsel in the Mexico City office of White & Case and a partner in Vianovo, a U.S.-based public affairs consultancy.  He is online at www.tonygarza.com, on Facebook.com/AntonioOGarza and on Twitter @aogarza.