Have you ever been stopped by an officer in Mexico on what you suspected were trumped-up charges meant to solicit a bribe?
Have you flagrantly violated the laws in Mexico because you figure you can resolve these problems with a stack of bills?
I invite readers to fill out a short survey on people’s attitudes towards police bribery in Mexico. Click Here to take survey. When I get enough responses, I’ll write a blog item about the results. In the meantime, I’ll share my story: When I worked in Tijuana, I was stopped by police officers several times on what I suspected were fishing expeditions. The conversations would end predictably: The officer/s would ask me what I was doing in Tijuana and I would explain that I was a reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune. At that point, I would be treated like an old friend.
One of the frustrations about police bribery in Mexico is that I always suspected that the vast majority of cases go unreported by tourists who don’t have press credentials and who don’t know how to get out of this kind of a sticky situation. It doesn’t even rise to the standard of regular news coverage, though here is an overview story I wrote about the issue in 2007 that was pegged to some efforts being made by Tijuana to address the problem. I’m curious what other people think. Your identity will remain anonymous, but feel free to include your contact information if you want to chat more.
Another link in case you missed it earlier: Click Here to take survey
UPDATE 11/03/09: I’ve kept this survey open and now have 107 responses. Keep them coming! I will try to do a post on the results next week.
7 responses so far ↓
luis // May 11, 2009 at 5:27 pm |
I am 2 for 2. I have never gotten out of a ticket without a bribe in Baja. I remember the first time I got pulled over I did not have any cash on me and the cop was like “Well there’s an ATM over there…” Bastards made me do the walk of shame, and then upon returning to the vehicle he tells me, “now be discrete, handing over the cash.” I counted out 20 one dollar bills standing on the side of road.
Did you have to show your reports ID or did he take our word? Next time, I think I am going to say that I work for the LA Times and I’m in town to interview Hugo Torres about a story about corrupt cops.
Saludos,
acearley // May 12, 2009 at 8:14 pm |
Wow, that’s pretty bold w/the officer forcing you to take it from the ATM. Normally, I had my ID ready to back up my statement. Now I feel more vulnerable since I don’t have that press pass but so far I have been ok.
Masa Assassin // May 16, 2009 at 4:03 am |
Pulled over once in 20 years, officer was professional and actually wrote me a ticket.
Survey Online // June 28, 2009 at 9:56 pm |
i didn’t met with this problem in mexico.
i’ve been one time 5 years ago.
i love this country.
acearley // June 29, 2009 at 6:18 am |
Glad to hear that you didn’t have any problems when you visited Mexico!
Marty // October 30, 2009 at 10:17 pm |
I have been nailed twice by Tijuana motorcycle police. The first was on the hill leaving town right before the first toll booth. He said I was speeding but mexican cars were going faster. He liked my Calif plates. Wanted $80 usd, talked him down to $50. Not a great way to start a trip.
The second time i was trying to turn where I wasn’t supposed to. Gave him all my money ($40) but kept a twenty saying that I wanted to get a black velvet Elvis painting at la frontera. He seemed to think that was a good reason. Both spoke excellent english.
Both times I felt ripped off and swore about what a crappy place TJ is. But…i still go there. I love mexico
acearley // November 3, 2009 at 6:15 am |
Hi, Marty. I’m so sorry to hear about that. I have to admit, however, that I found the line about getting a black velvet elvis pretty funny in the sense that the cops seemed to think that was a good reason to let you keep some of your money.