Youll have some backup cash just in case. Knowing the emergency phone numbers for your area can help save lives in the event of an emergency. Location. For example, while visiting Tijuana, I was in a bar that was robbed by two armed men. The drug trade has brought a massive amount of crime and money to the city. While youre driving, find a hidden place in your car to stash some cash. The Tijuana Police Department is responsible for maintaining public order, preventing crime, and apprehending criminals. If youre moving to Tijuana on a temporary resident visa, you may be better off buying a vehicle that is registered in Mexico. Emergency phone numbers are essential for any emergency situation. Because fake police officers dont have to worry about losing their job, they can be even more aggressive. These fake cops tend to target tourists. If youre lucky, you may be able to get the fine reduced. For example, if the officer asks for $100 but sees that you have $500 in your wallet, they may demand more. There are a number of ways that the officer could try to intimidate you. Most commonly, a drug dealer or con man may have an agreement with a corrupt police officer. Nobody wants to ride in the back of a police car. Sometimes the police set up roadblocks and stop everyone who passes. For this reason, youre less likely to encounter police when youre outside of the main tourist areas. If the officer is able to get money out of one tourist, theyll surely try it again and again. You can do this either in person or in writing. If the officer refuses to give you a written citation or take you to the police station and you refuse to pay a bribe, you may be able to call for help. I knew she was the criminal, after all. You could easily wander into a dangerous area. To eliminate your risk of getting pulled over by a corrupt officer while driving, simply dont drive in Tijuana. If you spend enough time in Tijuana, you will encounter a corrupt police officer who stops you and asks you to pay a bribe. If youre lucky, theyll just let you go. Sometimes you can pay the fine there and then with a credit card or debit card. A corrupt officer may refuse to use the credit card machine. I have heard stories of tourists losing $300-$500 to a corrupt police officer while visiting Tijuana. Sometimes they perform random inspections. One of these fundamental safety items is the bulletproof vest. This is common on roads with multiple police checkpoints. They could put you in handcuffs and make you sit in the back of their police car. Its best to obey the officer and remain calm. The budget for the Tijuana Police Department is only about 2% of the city's total budget for the year. If you get pulled over in Tijuana, it is important to remain calm and respectful. The Tijuana Police Department is also responsible for enforcing the laws of Mexico, and works with federal, state, and local authorities to ensure that all laws are enforced. They have the right to look at your passport. Office Manager at Missouri City Police Department . The touristy areas of Tijuana are all pretty walkable. To avoid encountering fake police at the border, consider walking across instead of driving. You can read my full review of this money belt here. For example, they can threaten to take you to jail or impound your car. If you ended up having to pay a bribe, chances are you wont get your money back when you call to report a corrupt officer. For example, maybe you were speeding or maybe you made an illegal u-turn. Additionally, you should never leave the scene of the stop, as this could result in a more serious charge. I have read about this method on two Baja travel forums but have never tried it. Police abuse of power is a problem in Tijuana. Tijuana Police Corruption: How to Avoid Paying Bribes, What to do if a Corrupt Officer Asks for a Bribe, Where are you Most Likely to Enounter Police Corruption, How to Avoid Getting Pulled Over While Driving, How to Avoid Getting Stopped While Walking, Intimidating or Violent Police in Tijuana. Tijuana, Baja California; a 28 de febrero de 2023.- El Secretario de Seguridad y Proteccin Ciudadana Municipal, Jos Fer *Se sugiere tambin, evitar usar el telfono celular mientras conduce. For example, they may claim that you were speeding, that you ran a red light, or that you made an illegal turn. Oftentimes, you can negotiate these small bribes down to 500-1000 pesos (around $25-$50). The officer usually wont take all of your money. Occasionally, an officer may stand by your parked car and wait until you return. Paying off policemen is one of the biggest ways the system in Tijuana gathers money from both locals and tourists, so it is best to read up on what you are able to do in public and how to avoid. The officer wont want to do this because its a hassle. If the officer refuses to give you a written citation and continues to demand that you pay a fine in cash, try telling the officer that you want to go to the police station to pay. Make Your Trip To Tijuana Airport (TIJ) A Breeze With This Guide, Everything You Need To Know About Obtaining A Medical Pass In Tijuana Mexico, Finding Pain Relief In Tijuana: Exploring The Availability Of Medications And Precautions To Take, Exploring The History Of Migration To Tijuana: From The 19th Century To The Present. If they receive enough reports about the same officer, they may be disciplined or let go. After stopping you, the officer may tell you that you committed a major violation and that you need to pay a big fine. The only thing a corrupt police officer really wants from you is money. They could also refuse to give you back your passport, drivers license, or car registration. For more info, check out my guide to staying safe while visiting Tijuana. If you still have some cash in your wallet, you cant easily prove that a police officer robbed you. For many years, the NANP has been used around the world to facilitate international and cross-border communication. Traveling in a group can also help. Theyll also tell you why you were stopped. Never raise your voice or show any signs of aggression, frustration, or anger while talking to a police officer in Tijuana. Never walk around when youre feeling a bit tipsy. They could push you up against a wall or their police car and pat you down and search you or your vehicle. If you wander around enough in Tijuana, a corrupt officer will find you. 9. They may also insist on patting you down or searching your pockets, backpack, purse, or wallet. Select from premium Tijuana Police Station of the highest quality. They also dont want to arrest you and have to do a bunch of paperwork. Luckily, he had hidden some cash in his phone case. TIJUANA ( Border Report) The Baja California Human Rights Commission has received more than a dozen complaints so far this year from families who say state investigators have done very little to look for their missing loved ones. According to Tijuana police, there are 220 private security firms who are authorized to operate in Baja California. You can even walk from the border to downtown. The risk of being forced to pay a bribe can be greatly reduced by knowing what to expect, how to behave, and by taking some simple precautions. There are only around 2500 police officers working in Tijuana, which is about half as many as there should be for a city the size of Tijuana. But in Tijuana, police proactively fly their drones on occasion to monitor the public space in select neighborhoods. The PV area has had fire, police, and ambulance services provided by dialing 911 since 2017. In the first 4 years, he said he was pulled over 8 times. Additionally, having access to a list of national emergency phone numbers, such as the police, fire, and ambulance services, as well as poison control and mental health services, can be very helpful in any emergency situation. assistance@baja.gob.mx. You dont know the laws and you dont know your rights. Simply not driving in Tijuana greatly reduces your chances of getting stopped by a corrupt police officer. Finally, it will provide some advice on how to stay safe while in Tijuana. Here, youll find the beach, a boardwalk, the Monumental Bullring, Plaza Coronado, and many residential buildings and hotels. Copyright 2023 - Where The Road Forks. At this point, they may let you go if youre lucky. Leave your jewelry at home. The Tijuana police first started taking strides toward "the norms of professional policing" with a series of reforms starting in the early 1990s, Shirk said. (664) 688-5541, Unidad de Calidad en el Servicio Policial, Direccin de Prevencin del Delito y Participacin Ciudadana, Direccin de Planeacin y Proyectos Estratgicos, Instituto de Capacitacin y Adiestramiento Profesional, Direccin de Investigacin Preventiva e Inteligencia Policial, Comisin del Servicio Profesional de Carrera. Tijuana is easy and affordable to get around without a car. Tijuana is a vibrant city in the northern part of Mexico, known for its diverse culture, lively nightlife, and warm hospitality. If the officer pulled you over while driving, they will accuse you of committing a traffic violation. If you were stopped on foot and the officer wont give you a written citation, you can insist on going to the police station. Instead, dress down. Nobody wants to be forced to pay a bribe. They call themselves auxiliary police. These illegal security firms stop tourists for bribes and sometimes charge local businesses for protection. Make sure youre carrying all of your documents including your drivers license, proof of insurance, and registration. It operated under the authority of the Department of Security and Civil Protection. Youll also want to take note of the time, date, and location of the incident. You can park your car on the U.S. side of the border in San Ysidro or Otay Mesa. Instead, they may give you a written citation. The best way to avoid getting hassled by fake police in Tijuana is by traveling in a group or with a local. Fake officers have been found operating in many touristy areas around the city as well as several of the main plazas around the city including Plaza Rio, Plaza Fiesta, and Plaza del Zapato. Never act like youre in a hurry or tell the officer you have somewhere you need to be. *En las . If you decide to pay the bribe and the officer sees that youre carrying a lot of cash, the price can go up. Rosarito Beach, Baja California, Mexico, C.P. Great community! At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. Overview. Thats around $3.44 per hour or around 66 pesos. Corrupt officers target vehicles with U.S. or Canadian plates because they know a tourist is driving. Another good tip is to divide your cash up and store it in two places. Comandancia Centro - Policia Municipal 5 Police Departments Zona Centro "I got robbed by the Mexican police for the second time. You may have to delay and ask several times before the officer agrees to issue you a paper ticket. Some travelers report success with this method but others warn against it. During the late 2000s through the 2010s, tourism greatly declined. Share your tips and experience in the comments below! Never give the officer a reason to arrest you or use force against you. Police corruption exists in Tijuana. You are likely to encounter police corruption here. Dont go exploring in unfamiliar areas. Posted on Last updated: February 25, 2023, Home Mexico Tijuana Tijuana Police Corruption: How to Avoid Paying Bribes. Now officers will. Tijuana's police force of 2,000 officers has been without guns since Jan. 5, but some patrol alongside armed state police. In Zona Centro, the main street is Avenida Revolucion. I like this Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Anti-Theft 15l Travel Backpack. Youre more likely to get stopped by a corrupt officer in these places because there are so many police around. Call the officer seor. The officer could escort you to an ATM and demand that you withdraw money for them. The emergency number 911 is Mexicos national number and can be reached as quickly as possible. They will even go as far as to stand outside of bars and watch people as they exit. ATM and cash machine purchases: Use ATMs or cash machines only when youre in tourist areas. Worst case, you waste some time and annoy the officer a bit. Locals are not happy with the traffic fine increase because the new fines are simply unaffordable. If the officer is not corrupt and you were stopped for a legitimate reason, they will give you a written citation or ask you to pay your fine by credit card. By paying a bribe, you lower your risk by avoiding confrontation with the officer. Youll also want to remember the time, date, and location of the stop. 12/1/2022 2:09 AM. We hope this guide will help you avoid unnecessary problems, so print and display it to begin a prevention program you will never need. If everyone pays, the corruption will continue. After all, these guys put their lives on the line trying to keep the peace in one of the worlds most violent cities. Tijuana and its U.S. neighbor San Diego form the largest metropolitan area on the U.S.-Mexico border, with a population of 4.5 million.. With basic Spanish, youll be able to communicate with the officer that you want a written citation. Tijuana is Mexico's sixth biggest city and, according to the country's 2020 census, its fastest growing. Tijuana is absolutely worth visiting. Chula Vista Police Department Headquarters. They issue themselves fake documents, badges, and uniforms. Sometimes they dont have time to drive you to the police station. I appreciate you. An officer could also pull you over for a legitimate reason and issue you a ticket that you simply dont agree with. The main tourist street in Zona Norte is Calle Coahuila. In most cases, the officer will only take what you have on you. There are two reasons that police corruption is more common in Tijuanas tourist areas. Unfortunately, they sometimes hassle tourists for bribes. The officer will simply make up a reason for stopping you. 3,523. #3. You dont have to disrupt your day by going to the police station and waiting around. Now, citizens have created a website to help. Once youre detained, they could throw you in jail. This is done to scare you into believing that youre really in trouble with the law. Youll have to go out of your way and waste time waiting around to pay the fine. You can request a paper ticket and pay in person or by mail as outlined above if you dont have a card or if you dont feel comfortable giving your card to the officer. You might fall victim again during a future trip. Most fares cost $10-$20 pesos. preve *El Programa "Mochila Segura" se lleva a cabo en varios planteles educativos en la ciudad. This is the area that you are most likely to encounter a corrupt officer. COMANDANCIA CENTRO - POLICIA MUNICIPAL - Av. With more advanced Spanish, you may be able to talk your way out of paying a bribe or negotiate a lower rate. If you intend to travel to mainland Mexico, you wont have to deal with getting a temporary import permit if you dont drive. An officer could also stop you while walking around intoxicated. The idea is that the officer will see that you know who to call if they try anything illegal, like asking for a bribe. You cant control every situation. In this scam, the dealer sells drugs to a tourist. Police recommend people to check the website of www.seguridadbc.gob.mx for the list of companies that are authorized to offer private security services. In later years, Tijuana became one of the most strategically important border cities in Mexico for the cartels transporting drugs across the border. CREATIVE. You can read more about this crime here. This indicates to the officer that youre a tourist. Visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture And History In Just One Day From Shelbyville KY! 5. Even though crime rates are still high and the city is still a bit dangerous, its well worth a visit if youre in the region. The officer approaches the buyer, searches them, and forces them to pay a bribe or fine or threatens them with jail time. Tourists often dont speak Spanish or dont speak it as well so they cant easily talk their way out of these situations. This limits your exposure. Feb 12, 2008 PHOTOG . Of course, corruption isnt the only crime that exists in Tijuana. It can also help to avoid talking loudly while youre out walking around. You cant walk a block without seeing police in these parts of the city. Some officers may keep an eye out for rental cars because they know a tourist is driving. Captura Polica Municipal a otro presunto asaltante, en la colonia Mariano Matamoros. Instead, leave them at home or lock them up in your hotel room safe. The officer took a credit card out of the mans wallet, asked for his pin, and withdrew $400 from an ATM. When you need immediate assistance, you should contact an ambulance directly these are not for-profit entities. Fines are divided into four categories in Baja California. You should always at least try to get out of paying a bribe to a corrupt police officer, even if youre uncomfortable with the situation. They can change at any time. Tijuana police corruption exists in a number of forms. You dont want the police or other criminals to notice you. This is the internal affairs department of the Tijuana police. I tend to disagree with this. Dont even talk to dealers or you risk making yourself a target for corrupt police. If you do try to seek help from the police to retrieve your stolen items, they may ask for a bribe for their help. Avoid pulling your phone out to look for directions while youre walking around on the street. Officers are also known to accept bribes from the cartels. Each of these tourist zones has a main street with a large police presence. This limits your loss if you end up being forced to pay a bribe. Sometimes its out of your hands. Oftentimes, they will demand that you hand over your wallet and take what they want. If you end up having to pay a bribe, youll get away for $50-$100 (500-1000 pesos) in most cases. When you pay, try not to let the officer see how much cash you have on you. The price is fixed. To submit requests for video and audio recordings from CPD in-car cameras, Body Worn Cameras, and initial police reports, please use this link and click on the Video/Materials icon for your official request. . If youre just walking down the street to the next bar, try to blend in as best you can. In rare cases, an officer could demand you to get more money from an ATM. You want to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. The main street in Playas de Tijuana is called Paseo Ensenada. This type of encounter isnt common but it has happened. For most tourists, the only way to drive a car with Mexican plates is to rent a car in Tijuana. Some travelers recommend that you tell the officer that youre going to call the Sindicatura and file a complaint if they wont let you go. You can get stopped by a corrupt officer even if you did absolutely nothing wrong. A $400 speeding ticket could cost a months salary for an average person living in Tijuana. Its just an attempt to collect cash off the books. After paying a bribe, its not uncommon to get stopped again 10 minutes later by another corrupt officer. thank you for this great blog, I found a lot of informations. This area is more laid back. This article will explain the various ways to contact the police in Tijuana, both in an emergency and for non-emergency situations. Its important to note that Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada each have their own mailing address in the U.S. Youll want to make sure you mail your check to the correct address. They dont want tourists getting physically harmed in Tijuana. Everyone also has a different philosophy about best how to handle police corruption and bribery. Whether or not calling to report the officer or threatening to is an appropriate response really depends on the circumstances and how the officer is behaving. After stopping you, the officer will tell you why you were stopped. This is another form of corruption that you could encounter. There are other benefits to not driving. Many tourists come to Tijuana and drink too much. This is a lie. If you see a group of bored-looking cops standing around on the street, consider crossing the street or walking around the block or taking another route to avoid having to walk by them. Never wear fancy jewelry or flashy clothes. Some corrupt officers demand that you hand over your wallet and take what they want. The Mexican Supreme Court is the highest court in the country and is responsible for interpreting the laws of Mexico. If you end up committing a traffic violation, you should expect to pay a traffic fine or multa in Spanish. During the stop, try to avoid handing the officer your passport. Ideally, youll want to speak to someone in the office of the Sindicatura Del Gobierno Municipal. The ability to identify the correct emergency number can be the difference between life and death. Keep in mind that the prices listed above arent exact. Read More . A corrupt officer may be less likely to hassle you if youre with someone who knows the city and speaks Spanish fluently. Police recommend people to check the website of www.seguridadbc.gob.mx. If you want to move to another bar or club after youve been drinking, call a taxi or Uber. These tips wont work every time but there is no harm in trying them. Paying with your credit card or debit card is optional. You can contact them if you have any inquiries or need assistance with a police-related matter. The main tourist zones in Tijuana include Zona Centro (downtown), Zona Norte (the red light district), Zona Rio (the business district), and Playas de Tijuana (the neighborhood by the beach). If you get stopped for a minor infraction such as parking illegally or not wearing your seat belt, the officer may tell you that they will let you go for $100. You could also be stopped simply because youre a tourist. Do not attempt to bribe the officer, as this could result in legal action. Tijuana police can pull you over for a wide range of reasons. Fake police scams are known to happen here as well. Tijuana Nickerson's Phone Number and Email Last Update. Mexicos legal system is a bit different from the United States common law system because it is based on the Civil Law Tradition. Some officers are more aggressive than others. If you get lucky and the officer is a somewhat decent person, they may even become friendly. Dont make illegal U-turns. 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