Interesting article. Apparently the idea is spreading. I hope so. It's a shame that the honest, hard working, folks in Mexico have been through what they have. I think they can stand up against the cartels, as long as they stick together and remain vigilant. I'm more worried about the cartel/government hybrid they have to deal with. But still, 30 guys with single shot shotties, can lay down quite a barrage on them as well.
Perhaps more interesting is the photo caption. CNN labels them "community police". I'm guessing they wouldn't be so kind to armed groups of citizens standing up to crime and gangs in the US.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/06/world/americas/mexico-violence/index.html?hpt=wo_c1