Crimes Crossing Borders

As a cold front blows in to Houston, hot topics are being discussed at the Transborder International Police conference. This year’s conference is being held all this week. TIP and their counterparts in Mexico (PIT) are coming together to train, share and establish relationships. Participating members include about 45 different law enforcement agencies. Their one mission is to fight crimes that cross borders.

A simple car theft is now not so simple. Cars that are stolen may be used in major crimes that cross borders. Drug smuggling, transporting of illegal immigrants or money laundering schemes are a few crimes that a stolen car may be utilized for. TIP members work with their counterparts in Mexico and vice versa to bring justice and break down barriers that may exist. A crime committed will be a crime solved with working relationships such as these.

Sharing of intelligence is one way to win against criminal activity. TIP(PIT) serves as an avenue to create the foundation of open communication. Today’s conference is a place where representatives train with each other. Together they learn the latest trends in crime and about the criminals who commit them.

This week will include educational and training sessions. A demonstration of an auto theft bait car and the OnStar GPS tracking system is scheduled for tomorrow. Organized retail thefts, terrorism and false documents are a few topics that will be discussed in other sessions.

With the opening ceremony being attended by Houston’s Mayor Parker, Harris County’s Sheriff Garcia and acting HPD Chief McClelland the TIP conference is off to a strong start. A start that seeks Justice as the ultimate end!