On Tuesday, we noted here how the crime fight is a lot more effective when law enforcement agencies are able to collaborate — pooling resources and coordinating action to take down the criminal element. Thus our editorial board’s support for Proposition 81 on the Nov. 3 statewide ballot. It would let state and local law enforcement agencies resume cooperation with federal authorities when apprehending illegal immigrants who commit other crimes.
The same day, The Gazette reported an encouraging example of a joint effort by law enforcement, this time in nabbing suspects in an apparent crime ring that allegedly had been operating up and down the Front Range. There’s no indication those arrested in this case are in the country illegally, but the principle is the same: collaborative law enforcement reinforces public safety.
The suspects were taken down by the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network, or RAVEN — a law enforcement team combining the formidable resources of 18 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. They consist of Denver and Aurora police departments, several sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and even the Colorado Air National Guard…