SAN DIEGO (Border Report) -- This year, through the end of October, there have been more than 4,000 cases of domestic violence reported to police in Tijuana, according figures released by the Secretary of Public Safety in Baja California.
During the same time period, the entire state of Baja California has 12,601 active domestic violence investigations.
As a way to diminish this type of crime in the city of Tijuana, officials have formed the "Operation Violet Squadron." Its members include police officers and state investigators.
The city is providing eight police squad cars to be used by this unit, according to Leopoldo Aguilar Durán, head of Baja's Public Safety.
Members in this group are trained on handling domestic violence scenarios, as well as dealing with and protecting children who might be victims or have witnessed violent behavior. Unit members are also trained in crisis management involving women or teenagers.
"Some cities like Tecate and San Felipe don't have an 'Operation Violent Squad,' but we're in the process of finalizing agreements to make sure they get one," said Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, Baja California Governor.
The governor said she believes the "squads" will have a big impact on curtailing processing domestic abuse cases, especially in Tijuana which ranks second nationwide in terms of crimes against women.
"Now we're in Tijuana where unfortunately too many women are victims of violence," said Ávila Olmeda.