Caution: Mexican Police Not Above Extortion

Caution tourists, Mexican police not above extortion
A few tips on how to protect yourself when south of the border.

By Catharine Hamm, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
October 12, 2007

Question: On a recent crossing from Mexico back to the U.S., I was stopped for an
alleged traffic infraction in Tijuana. The police ended up taking me to an ATM, where
I withdrew $500 in cash. Then they then let me go. What could I have done?

--Rob Gonzalez, Claremont

Answer: The letters we receive often deal with broken promises (by airlines, hotels
and other travel providers), bad treatment (by airlines, hotels and other travel
providers) and unruly behavior (by everybody).

But this goes way beyond unruly. It is maddening at best and frightening at worst.

At least it was when it happened to me about three years ago. My travel mate and I
got stopped for "impeding traffic." We were lucky this was the only charge.
Others
have reported being falsely accused of drinking or having drugs. We got off for a
mere $40 donation to the "Tijuana Policemen's Fund."

Alas, this is one of the dirty little secrets of travel. Extortion of tourists
happens more often than is reported. It's not confined to Mexico, of course, but
because so many of us cross the border so often, whether to enjoy Baja's beaches or
to shop, we may get our turn on the horns of this dilemma.

And some people worry that new Mexican traffic laws, which went into effect this
summer and allow drivers to be cited for, among other things, not wearing seat belts,
for talking on cellphones or for having windows tinted too darkly, may increase your
chances of a fraudulent ticket. The new laws, they think, are just another vehicle
for officers to supplement their incomes.

The problem is so prevalent in Mexico that the State Department's consular
information sheet acknowledges it: "In some instances, Americans have become victims
of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other
officials. . . . In some cases, assailants have been wearing full or partial police
uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles, indicating some
elements of the police might be involved. . . . Tourists should be wary of persons
representing themselves as police officers or other officials. When in doubt, ask for
identification."

So how do you protect yourself if you get stopped for an "infraction"?

"Try to get the name and badge number and specifics" about the officer, said
Michele
Bond, deputy assistant secretary for Overseas Citizen Services. (This might also be a
new use for the camera on your cellphone.) The traveler also should ask for a copy of
the citation, she said.

You also can offer to accompany the officer to the police station to settle the
matter. This is said to discourage a phony citation.

If you're in a hurry you may be tempted to offer a "donation" to the
"Policemen's
Fund."

Before you do, remember that trying to bribe an officer is a crime, so you may want
to reconsider trying to buy your way out of trouble. That's one purchase it may not
pay to make south of the border.
[ Auf dieses Posting antworten ]