MEXICO CITY - Mexico City police are trading in their bulletproof vests and drab brown uniforms for a slightly more colorful crime-fighting outfit:
  broad-brimmed sombreros and mariachi suits.

  Starting Nov. 1, 70 police officers will fight crime in Mexico City's historic center dressed in authentic charro outfits, said Marcelo Ebrard, the capital's public
  safety director.

  The proposal was put forth by officials in the hotel and tourism industry.

  The officials believe the costumes are an effective way to draw visitors while still fighting rising crime rates in downtown Mexico City.

  If the program is successful, officials plan to increase the number of charro police to 80 officers two months after the program begins, then 120 officers at
  the beginning of next year.

  Charros are Mexico's original cowboys, and their outfits usually include spurs, guns and sombreros.