Leslie, 13, was stopped by Mexican police at the border a few weeks after fleeing El Salvador, where she said gang members had threatened to sexually abuse her. Some of these fines cost around the same in Tijuana as they would for committing the same crime in San Diego. Once at the station you can pay the fine or fight your case, should you feel the stop was unjustified. This is literally the worst thing that you can do. Corrupt officers target vehicles with U.S. or Canadian plates because they know a tourist is driving. You have 24 hours to edit a comment. To be sure, locals on the community social media boards HATE it when anyone pays a mordita as they say it just continues the practice. Basically, a corrupt officer will pull you over while driving or stop you on the street, accuse you of committing a crime, then tell you that you need to pay a fine (bribe) in cash. Police officers are routinely killed in Tijuana. If you were stopped on foot and the officer wont give you a written citation, you can insist on going to the police station. If they have your passport, they can try to extort money from you by refusing to give it back to you. Next, he claimed he stopped me because my dogs were loose and not in cages in the car. In this case, theyll take most of your cash. I dont think anyone had ever called him on it before. Theyll also tell you why you were stopped. Take a taxi or Uber instead of walking. The fragmenting of Mexico's criminal gangs and armed groups has helped fuel rising violence in recent years, with this year on track to break last year's record for homicides. We hope you heed our advice and have good luck if you ever have to deal with the cops, but more so we hope you never have to worry about dealing with them at all! Outside of the tourist areas, police seem to be few and far between. This is done to scare you into believing that youre really in trouble with the law. Youll want to avoid this if possible. Tijuana police are not known for being too helpful to tourists. Mexicali (686) 558-1600. An officer could also pull you over for a legitimate reason and issue you a ticket that you simply dont agree with. 1. Police have been known to steal cash, cameras, jewelry, and other valuables. I didnt want to deal with a corrupt police officer. If you want to edit a comment click the gear icon to the right of your comment and choose edit, or delete. He does not want to explain to his commanding officer that he was trying to shake down a tourist. Youre more likely to be pulled over while driving here than getting stopped on foot. When we mentioned we had a flight to catch, we became hostages. He is looking for frightened people willing to pay to go about their day. If you question their legitimacy, they may threaten to arrest you and take you to jail. We took off driving slowly. If it's a scam the officer is forwarned I'm going to call the Sindicatura office, and don't have to say a word. One will make threats and the other will try to convince you to pay to make things easier on yourself. If youre walking down the street, the officer may approach you on foot and tell you to stop. If you continue to refuse to pay a bribe, the officer will usually give you a written citation or simply let you go. Me: "I used to work at [SCHOOL NAMES OMITTED FOR PRIVACY], but now I do other work." Police: But your visa says "education." Me: "Yah. If you have a run-in with a Mexican federal police officer, you are either in real trouble or committed a serious crime. Maybe you were caught texting while driving. Say, "I do not consent to this search." If the officer reaches into your bag or pockets, this is a search. If you still want to drive, check out my guide to driving in Tijuana. What I just described is how traffic stops in Mexico should work according to the book. One of the reasons Ill never go to Mexico. Police patrol these areas looking for traffic violations and tourists they can target. I will outline how to pay a ticket in Tijuana later on in this guide. Great stuff. The officer will either take the bribe or not. 2. You have recourses, including filing a complaint if your rights were not respected. Every time we tell this story to our Mexican friends, they are torn between cracking up at our stupidity or pitying our navet. You must remain in your car and wait for the officer to approach you and ask for your licence and registration. Also, try to note the number on their police car or the license plate number. The money is just too tempting. Tijuana is becoming a foodie and nightlife destination. Tijuana is absolutely worth visiting. 9. This is just one guys story but I do believe that Tijuana police target foreign plated vehicles. Some travelers have a different philosophy and prefer to nod or say hello to police as they walk by. They could even demand that you hand over your phone. giffard pineapple cocktail. Its on the books. what to do if stopped by mexican police. I said I didnt know where the station was, so I would follow him. When a fake police officer stops a tourist, they usually aggressively demand money. The city needs 5,000 police. The drive from Puebla to Mexico City takes about two hours, and we planned on getting to the airport a full four hours in advance of our flight, just in case we hit any hiccups along the way. . For more info, check out this news article. After all, they are committing a crime and risking their job by soliciting a bribe. Violence, tension, police corruption and brutality do not stop in Mexico. I caught the pickpocket and she insisted on going to the police. Leave your jewelry at home. With stories ranging from extortion to money laundering, to kidnapping, the Mexican authorities and the rest of Latin American law enforcement officials do not have the best reputation when it comes to police corruption. assistance@baja.gob.mx. If a corrupt police officer searches you or your vehicle, they wont search too thoroughly, unless they actually suspect you of carrying something illegal. But its Mexico! Never use your phone while driving. There are also a couple of scams that Tijuana police officers can be involved in. One friend got shook down on the highway. After all, it is the 5th largest city in all of Mexico. If you spend enough time in Tijuana, you will encounter a corrupt police officer who stops you and asks you to pay a bribe. Its just an attempt to collect cash off the books. Reports of Misconduct Kept Rising," the two authors reported one of the many police brutality stories in Mexico. We want to be clear: The burden of de-escalation does not fall on private citizens it falls on police officers. In some cases, they could also accuse you of a more serious crime like driving under the influence. I ran the sign and nearly t-boned a cop coming the other way. what to do if stopped by mexican police. They approach your vehicle, tell you that you committed a crime, and demand a bribe. If the officer is looking to exploit you for cash, the last place he can do that is in the station. For example, you could pull out a map and ask the officer for directions. Corrupt police officers regularly stop drunk tourists and shake them down for bribes. I didnt know that they accepted dollars in Mexico City as official currency! There are other benefits to not driving. The first and most important thing you can do to avoid trouble with the police when you're driving in Mexico is to get all your forms in order and keep them that way. If you encounter one of these bad eggs, you may end up having to pay a bribe. Most importantly, paying a bribe supports a corrupt system. This leaves plenty of opportunity for police corruption. In some cases, assailants have been wearing full or partial police uniforms and have . The goal of this new system is to make tickets easier to pay. Somehow we can recover. A cruise stop, or a flight destination town (Acapulco, Cancun, etc) is one thing. To avoid encountering fake police at the border, consider walking across instead of driving. He did not know what to do. Our best tip is to empty your wallet before you drive anywhere (including credit and debit cards) except for 100 or 200 pesos and your drivers license and hide the rest of your cash somewhere he will never find it like down your pants, in your socks, or in your bra or other underwear. I created this blog to help you to gain incredible experiences of your own! This is a very big no-no. If youre traveling from further away, you can also take the greyhound bus to the border. The abusive behavior of Mexico's police forces is the result of multiple factors, . If your country didnt let them in they wont come. In some cases, paying the bribe is the safest option as well. Weve all heard the stories about the corrupt cops south of the border. Desa Teguhan. Thank you for reading! They could pretend to make a phone call to a superior or write your address down and tell you that youll receive a receipt in the mail. $50. Trendy restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, food trucks, and craft breweries are opening up all over the city. It can also help to avoid talking loudly while youre out walking around. Driven Mex 200 from Bahia Kino to Puerto Angel with many side trips away from the coast (Tequila, Patzcuaro, Guadalajara, etc.) Lost a flashlight to a military stop. RVed in South Africa in 2015. In most cases, you can either talk your way out of the situation or settle for a written citation. Reports suggest that Prince Andrew will be leaving Royal Lodge along with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, terminating his lease agreement with the Crown Estate at the request of his brother. This was a law passed in the late 19th century after an accident between a coach and a cyclist and . It was replaced by the Mexican Federal Police due to corruption problems and bribing issues. NPS calls out YouTube and TikTok users. All Rights Reserved. Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, Central America; Sainte Mere Eglise, France, Europe; Sekigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Asia. On a Sunday the day . Read Please give me my ticket. They could tell you that you were driving without a seat belt or using your phone while driving. Tijuana is also a great city for entertainment. These officers are stationed in these areas to deter violent crime and to keep tourists safe. The cop took the bill and we were on our way. One comment about having clips in the RV is a real bozo no no. This type of thing isnt common but it could happen if you were to lose your temper. My experiences with law enforcement in Mexico. Its not a bad idea to keep and show a laminated copy of your drivers license. The tactics we mention today are a blend of advice from Mexicans and expats living in Mexico, and we think after reading this post youll be ready to handle any twisted cop that comes your way in Mexico or the rest of Latin America. They may tell you that you committed a serious crime and threaten you with a big fine (hundreds or thousands of dollars). We have never had an issue with the Police. If the officer refuses to take your card, you should request a paper ticket instead. par ; juillet 2, 2022 If you look tipsy, you become a potential target for a bribe. I was not speeding and, in fact, could not speed. Traffic citations are written in both English and Spanish and will contain instruction on how to pay the fee. Your email address will not be published. Sometimes there is no other peaceful way out of the situation. Counterintuitive? These days, almost every violation costs well over $100. If youre driving, the officer will perform a standard traffic stop. Cop asked for $1000, settled for $50. metrowest thunder softball; trello export archived cards. They swipe your card and charge you right there and then. atm machine project in java / cj mccollum growth spurt / what to do if stopped by mexican police. If you are stopped, detained, or arrested by the police, you have rights! If the officer is trying to make you pay a fine in cash, politely decline and insist that they give you a written citation instead. I imagine they also want you to have enough cash to get home safely. You can pay the fine in person at the police station or by mail. Pretend that you dont speak any Spanish or that you understand very little Spanish. The Mexican Federal Preventive Police was an agency created from the Mexican Highway Patrol in 1999. 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. Locals are not happy with the traffic fine increase because the new fines are simply unaffordable. If everyone pays, the corruption will continue. I have not experienced true thuggery at the hands of Mexican police, but I know it sometimes happens. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, including links from the Amazon Serivices LLC Associates Program. You can mail your fine to Mexico from the U.S. -Never attempt to bribe or give money to the officer. 1. In theory, you could be charged for committing the crime of bribery. They dont want to fight with you. In the state of Baja, traffic tickets are divided into four levels of severity. They deal with some of the most violent and powerful cartels members in Mexico. Future tourists will continue to get stopped and hassled for no reason by corrupt officers. Keep in mind that if the officer asks you to pull over, by law you must . Alternatively, they could issue you a written citation instead. 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. June 23, 2010, 2:22 PM. Ive travelled in Mexico also and dont doubt they are probably a little more corrupt than officials here, a little. Wait in the bar until your ride pulls up. The officer could escort you to an ATM and demand that you withdraw money for them. Its not surprising that they try to earn a bit extra on the side. -- Mexican Mordida Form Most of the time, they will just hand this back and say go. Some Mexican police officers enter law-enforcement not because of a genuine interest in policing but because of ulterior motives. They wont threaten to impound your car. over to the side of the road at the first opportunity when it is safe. Same deal stupid, except in the US, the criminals have guns. The machine prints you out a receipt for your payment of the fine. After the robbery, the police went after the criminals immediately. The officer usually begins the interaction acting professionally. You can hop on and off wherever you like along the route. RV Tire Safety: Are you sure you can change a flat tire? *Law enforcement officers, drivers and passengers should . The idea is that the officer will see that you know who to call if they try anything illegal, like asking for a bribe. Why would she want to go to the police? An officer could also stop you for a crime that you did commit, like a traffic violation. More on that later. My cousin have me a form to give to police when being pulled over. Serving RVers for more than 20 years. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below or email us at [emailprotected]. Unfortunately, they sometimes hassle tourists for bribes. In this case, the officer will probably put you in the back of the police car and drive you there. But there are two other scenarios that you might find yourself in. Of course, you dont want to change your course blatantly or youll look suspicious. Again, just remember that speaking English or another language should be your first line of defense. Website by Faith in Marketing, Getting Pulled Over by the Police in Baja: Know your Rights. In the 50 years or so that I have been traveling to Baja, absolutely nothing has changed in relation to morditas. While this post is tailored to Mexico, it is just as applicable in Panama City and in Rio de Janeiro. Nothing will change. I was hungry, tired, and not in a good mood when I told him, Enough of this. Some join to escape criminal pasts in other states, others join to earn some money before . 5. They have the right to look at your passport. After paying a bribe, its not uncommon to get stopped again 10 minutes later by another corrupt officer. The main tourist street in Zona Norte is Calle Coahuila. Lesson learned. -If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation, you should request a written citation from the officer. This may deter the officer from forcing you to pay a bribe. Sometimes its out of your hands. Criminals have also been known to get their hands on real police badges, jackets, and hats and pose as police officers. They could accuse you of jaywalking or trespassing. Sorry youre. Its your right. Dont even talk to dealers or you risk making yourself a target for corrupt police. A lot of the time, this is because they are vastly underpaid or pressured by their superiors into committing these crimes against drivers. Please follow these rules when commenting on RVtravel.com. In this case, the officer may demand that you withdraw $300-$500. Giving them money for a bribe is both unnecessary and illegal. While youre walking around, some good places to hide cash are in your phone case behind your phone or in your shoe under the inserts. Still, this is a crime that exists and you should be aware of it. These are natural feelings, but remember, traffic stops can also be stressful and dangerous for the police officer. If the officer accused you of a minor crime, they usually ask for $100. Its been a major tourist destination for Americans for over 100 years. The best way to avoid getting hassled by the police is to never walk around while intoxicated. Luckily, he had hidden some cash in his phone case. It can also help to avoid making eye contact with the police. 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. It is both corrupt for them to ask for money and illegal for you to bribe a police officer. For example, if the officer asks for $100 but sees that you have $500 in your wallet, they may demand more. If youre paying in person, the most convenient option is to pay at Tijuanas City hall. Along this street, youll find Tijuanas largest shopping plaza, Plaza Rio, the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) as well as a number of hospitals, banks, skyscrapers, and residential buildings. This limits your loss if you end up being forced to pay a bribe. You dont want to end up injured or in jail over a couple of hundred dollars. Great article. Another useful tip is to play dumb. Visitwww.discoverbajaonline.comor call 800-727-2252 for more information. Oftentimes, they will demand that you hand over your wallet and take what they want. With basic Spanish, youll be able to communicate with the officer that you want a written citation. The low pay and high risk make the officers more inclined to accept bribes or to involve themselves in organized crime. This system is also designed to reduce corruption and bribes. -In some cases, the officer will ask you to follow them to the police station. An officer could also stop you while walking around intoxicated. Once at the station you can pay the fine or fight your case, should you feel the stop was unjustified. When the officer activates. If youre lucky, the officer will just let you go. I had no need to ever be holding my phone. They could push you up against a wall or their police car and pat you down and search you or your vehicle. Once we arrived within the limits of Mexico City, traffic started to get much denser and there were police officers everywhere. Worst case, you waste some time and annoy the officer a bit. They have all been very friendly, curious, and happy to see people from the US. These are highly illegal in Tijuana. While there are no specific guidelines for citizens in handling contacts with police, a familiarization with law enforcement concerns and . We looked it up and realized that we were, in fact, driving out of accordance with the policy, had committed a traffic violation, and did deserve a ticket. Our receipt was invalid, and the police tried to scam us again for the same violation. thank you for this great blog, I found a lot of informations. You also know that youre paying the appropriate fine for the crime. They issue themselves fake documents, badges, and uniforms. However, you cannot assume officers will behave in a way that protects your safety or that they will respect your rights even after you assert them. Examples of minor crimes include failing to stop at a stop sign, jaywalking, or parking illegally. He could smell our fear and displeasure, and he wanted to wring every penny possible out of us. Reacting During a Traffic Stop. Thank you! Answer (1 of 5): Mexican police wear masks either to protect themselves from the current cartel, or other criminals, or they wear protective masks to ward off the Covid-19 virus. This area probably has the highest police presence of any area in the city. The hot hot sun. We should stop complaining about every little thing. After 4 years of RVing, we are only about 1/3rd of our way thru our bucket list. Ask Dave: Should I carry a spare tire for my Class C, and is the added weight worth it? After getting Mexican license plates for his car, he hadnt been pulled over since. Luis, 16, from Honduras, was caught . In Mexico, motorists follow the officer to the nearest police station then and there. You may be able to talk your way out of the situation. If you have rented your car, ask lots of questions in the office about your paperwork. If it's a stop and account, you are entitled to know: The Officer's name and police station. For example, the best tacos Ive ever eaten came from a street food stand in Tijuana. They may leave you with a bit of cash to get back across the border. If pulled over, we were to show our receipt to the officer, and he would understand and let us go. Here we describe what the law requires and also offer strategies for handling police encounters. Realistically, you probably wont win. Lying to the police is never a good idea. This will not show on your comment but is for us to contact you if necessary. The second reason that youre more likely to experience police corruption in the tourist areas is because corrupt Tijuana police target tourists. You cant drive until 11am today. A corrupt officer may be less likely to hassle you if youre with someone who knows the city and speaks Spanish fluently. my guide to staying safe while visiting Tijuana. Many of the urban legends you will hear are just not accurate and instill fear. 3. At this point, they may let you go if youre lucky. In these cases, the officer could just take money from your wallet. While driving in Tijuana, always wear your seatbelt. They simply dont have the manpower to follow up on small crimes. No way will I ever venture there again. Sometimes they will insist on seeing your original passport. The system will continue to be corrupt forever. If the officer is corrupt, they will imply that you can settle the matter there and then by paying a fine in cash. We go to Mexico on a regular basis. For more info, check out my guide to taking taxis and Ubers in Tijuana. You will also be told what you did wrong. Been to Mexico a number of times. to remain calm and be polite to the officer. After a pickpocket steals something from you, they give the item to the corrupt police officer that theyre working with. Thats around $3.44 per hour or around 66 pesos. In most cases, the officer will only take what you have on you. They could search you or your vehicle. You have the right not to speak. Here is another similar form I found. A local may be able to tell the difference between a real and fake cop. The officer has all of the power in the situation. Recently, Tijuana started offering the option to pay some traffic fines on the spot with a credit card or debit card. Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Not all officers have these credit card machines in their cars yet. It depends on how corrupt the officer is and what crime youre being accused of. They will even go as far as to stand outside of bars and watch people as they exit. In rare cases, an officer could demand you to get more money from an ATM. We gave him 20 pesos ($1). This limits your exposure. It is one of Mexicos most significant cities both culturally and economically. Sometimes the police set up roadblocks and stop everyone who passes. As far as . Everyone also has a different philosophy about best how to handle police corruption and bribery. You may have to delay and ask several times before the officer agrees to issue you a paper ticket. They can pull you over for the smallest infraction or for no reason at all. To avoid this scam, keep a close eye on your phone, camera, and all of your belongings while youre out and about. Corruption is just in their blood. Still a strange ex. The Baja California Tourism Secretary reminds tourists that: " If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation in Tijuana, Rosarito Beach or Ensenada, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station or by mail ." " When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can . We are careful about stop signs and speed limits. This is the area that you are most likely to encounter a corrupt officer. Always carried an International Drivers License(Available from AAA-$45? If you happen to be carrying a lot of cash, you may be out much more. To pay a fine, you can make out your check or money order and send it to: keep in mind that the above-listed addresses could change. There is lots to see and do in Tijuana. Most of the time, the officer will not want to go, as he or she will have to spend hours with you in the station and get nothing out of it while he or she could be out and about exploiting other drivers. If youre just walking down the street to the next bar, try to blend in as best you can. Sister City Signing Ceremony (September 5, 2016) Government. to do so. For more info, check out my guide to driving to Tijuana. Corrupt officers go to these areas to find an easy target to solicit a bribe from. To exercise this right, you should tell the police, "I would like to remain silent.". Strategies You Should Use to Deal with Corrupt Mexican Police. If you get lucky and the officer is a somewhat decent person, they may even become friendly. Is this the moment of the inevitable beating and arrest that everyone has been insisting I will receive. 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. The best response when getting stopped is to stay calm, speak respectfully, be patient, and play dumb. Five minutes later, we found out that wasnt the case. A corrupt officer may refuse to use the credit card machine. You dont have to worry about paying international postage if you decide to wait until you return home before paying your ticket. Fake police officers are also a problem in Tijuana. I have read about this method on two Baja travel forums but have never tried it. Always to be forewarned is to be forearmed as they say. office of the Sindicatura Del Gobierno Municipal. An accomplice may approach you and offer to help you get your stolen belongings back. They could ask for more if they see that you have hundreds of dollars in your wallet. In this case, youll have to hand it over. Youre also more likely to be pulled over if youre driving a vehicle with a U.S. license plate. Insurance Services provided by: CA surplus lines broker Lic. Mostly to Puerto Peasco. Paying a bribe supports a corrupt system and promotes future corruption. We withdrew the necessary cash and paid the corrupt officer our hefty fine. Paying a bribe to a corrupt officer means you fell victim to a crime. There is no legal way to pay a spot fine, by the way, and any receipt that the officer gives you will be fake. . If they really want to, they can ruin your day or your whole trip. Sometimes they may ask to look in the vehicle. Police corruption has been a problem in Tijuana for decades. Tijuana police corruption exists in a number of forms. If they receive enough reports about the same officer, they may be disciplined or let go. If a police car signals for you stop, either by blaring its siren or flashing its emergency lights, pull over to the right side of the road as quickly as possible. I was not having it. Regardless, we learned our lesson and did our research on how to handle this situation if it were to ever happen again. You should always carry your drivers license, vehicle registration, proof of Mexican insurance, passport, visa/FMM (Forma Migratoria Mltiple, also known asTourist Card) card, and personal emergency contact numbers with you when driving in Mexico. This is a common amount for a bribe in Tijuana. They also dont want to arrest you and have to do a bunch of paperwork. 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. Don't run. If it's nighttime, turn on your car's interior light. I have been fortunate to have traveled to many countries on five continents. You never have to consent to a search of yourself, your belongings, your . Don't resist even if you believe you are innocent. For more info, check out this article about the recent increase in traffic fine prices in Tijuana. Mexico's "war on drugs" began in late 2006 when the president at the time, Felipe Caldern, ordered thousands of troops onto the streets in response to an . My Mex. This way, you know that the fine is legitimate and that the money isnt going into the officers pocket. She took the offer and I got my phone back. By admitting you did commit the violation (even if you didnt) and accepting whatever kind help the officer offers, youre probably going to get out of the situation just fine.