Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico — The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s (ADPS) Director, Col. Frank Milstead, had a rare visit with Adolfo Garcia Morales, Secretary of Public Safety for the State of Sonora on January 4, 2016. Milstead discussed on-going efforts to combat violent transnational criminal organizations on both sides of the border.
Milstead and and Garcia agree that drug production, weapons trafficking, human trafficking and narco-trafficking are the crimes that most affect multiple borders. That is why the two state law enforcement leaders are combining efforts through communication, training and intelligence sharing in order to deter, disrupt and dismantle these criminal syndicates.
They agreed that communities on both sides of the border can be made safer once violent drug cartels can be curtailed. “Security and economy are two things that go together, and the government must protect the public safety of its citizens, it is the best thing to do, and something that each state should do and should do well. It is also public safety which provides the framework for regions to have economic growth,” said Kirk Adams, Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Ducey.
The mission of the Arizona Department of Public Safety is to protect human life and property by enforcing state laws, deterring criminal activity and providing vital law enforcement support to the State of Arizona and its citizens.