500 new police officers, Chevy Merivas & Honda motorcycles hit the streets of BA this morning.

The new International Living Quality of Life Index covered yesterday gave Argentina high marks for “Risk & Safety;” yet security—or the lack thereof in many lower and middle class neighborhoods—remains the most important and troubling issue for many porteños. That’s why today’s introduction of the Metropolitan Police Force is being applauded throughout many corners of Buenos Aires.  According to Clarín, 500 trained officers will hit the streets and initially serve a supporting role to the Federal Police who have long held jurisdiction. In addition to taking on additional duties in the coming months, Police Chief Eugenio Burazco says the MPF ranks will grow to 1,400 officers by May and over 10,000 officers by 2016. In addition to being armed, the new officers will be patrolling the streets of Buenos Aires in style with a fleet of 50 new Chevrolet Meriva patrol cars painted with a distinctive black-and-white checkerboard pattern. Years in the making and highly politicized by opposition parties, the acceptance and perceived effectiveness of a Metropolitan Police Force will have serious implications for 2011 candidates like BA Mayor Mauricio Macri. On his facebook page, Macri describes today as an historic day designed to restore the “tranquilidad de la gente.” (the calm of the people.)