Property crimes like auto theft, burglary and shoplifting are down by double digits this year compared with 2024, and homicides were about 40 percent below last year’s numbers, the police said.

“It’s definitely not an invasion,” said Staff Sgt. Richard Aragon. “The military’s just there to help the police officers and the community.”

They will not have the power to arrest people or do any direct police work, officials say, and will not carry guns, be in uniform or roll down Route 66 in Humvees. Instead, they will wear polo shirts and khakis, and carry radios and — maybe — pepper spray, officials said. The effort is expected to cost the state about $750,000 a month.

The ~~brown~~polo shirts are already here.

[–] stopdropandprole@lemmy.world 8 points 3 weeks ago

they'll do anything except actually address the root causes of homelessness and drug abuse. the story reports 7 murders since 2020. seven. and we need the military to come in? FUCK THE NY TIMES for writing this both sides apologia bullshit.