Marcelo Ebrard was sworn in as Mexico City's new mayor on Tuesday, who pledged to ensure public security.

To achieve the objective, the city would create a new 20,000-strong community-based police force and set up 4,000 closed-circuit television cameras to protect schools and public spaces, he said.

"I solemnly swear to comply with the city's laws and make others to comply," he said, adding that if he failed to do so, the citizens could sue him.

Ebrard promised that the new force, as part of the broader Citizen Protection Unit's plan, would be focused on the needs of their neighborhoods and would be instructed to respect human rights.

"All will be evaluated and controlled by citizens," he said, adding that all public security officials would be under constant public surveillance.

The new mayor also plans to set up a police force targeting money laundering to stop illegal funds from entering Mexico City's legal economy.

Ebrard takes over the charge of running the city from outgoing Mayor Alejandro Encinas, who replaced Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador as he quit the job to enter the race for Mexico's presidency.

Source: Xinhua