In the aftermath of the brutal murder of Playa del Carmen’s Assistant Chief of Police and his bodyguard, we have noticed increased police presence around town. Yesterday, Michael saw around 60 or 70 uniformed officers marching down Juarez, one of our main streets. Pedestrians clapped respectfully and people in their cars honked their horns in support. If I had seen that, it would have really choked me up.
Last night, we also saw a cavalcade of both Federal and Local Police trucks driving around together with their lights flashing, but no sirens.
I initially thought it might be an attempt to show they are here in force to assuage any skittish tourists, but Michael thinks maybe they are trying to say, “Hey, give us some support, here we are, we are out here every single day doing this,” and I think I prefer his interpretation.
Riding my bike around town today, I smiled and waved at every soldier, police officer, tourist police officer, traffic cop, and federale I saw. Most of them looked at me like I was insane, but a good number of them smiled and waved back.
Heather the police marching on 5th was a protest march. After the murders, the police were given an 8 percent raise with another 20 in January. They did not get a raise with the last mayor. The police are asking for a 50% right now. I believe I was told they police make about 3000 pesos a month and most cant afford their own homes. And I dont think they have a good medical or any life insurance. And then we get bummed when are hit with a bribe after a traffic stop. This is a very sad and scary situation.
By: monica on August 16, 2008
at 3:52 pm
Heather, here’s a link to the Novedades story on what Monica shared….
http://www.novenet.com.mx/seccion.php?sec=4&id=118798&d=16&m=08&y=2008
Aside from being horribly underpaid, the police have very little training or education and a huge lack of resources. There are only 400 bullet proof vests in all of Quintana Roo, for example, as reported in Novedades yesterday…..
http://www.novenet.com.mx/portada.php?id=118731
Good for you for waving and smiling, though it’s a complex and scary situation. I never know if the police are actually on our side or not. Also keep in mind that the Zetas have their own “official” police and army uniforms and sometimes impersonate real officers. (Got no link on that one, just word on the street gossip).
Be safe girl!
By: CancunCanuck on August 16, 2008
at 6:31 pm
Sorry, can’t stop myself from sharing another link, this one has a few pictures of the protest…
http://www.noticaribe.com.mx/rivieramaya/2008/08/se_revelan_policias_de_playa_del_carmen.html
By: CancunCanuck on August 17, 2008
at 6:53 am
I always smile and wave to the police. For two reasons…one I believe police (worldwide) are underpaid for the job the do..and two it could never hurt to have a police man remember me as that nice girl who always say hello. (especially since I am often illegally on the beach with my dog).
Being nice can never hurt, can it??
By: marissa on August 18, 2008
at 11:40 am
Thanks for your comment. I just fed her children and gave her a day’s wages = I think I earned the photos. Plus, I originally asked if I could take photos. Her asking for more money was just a way to swindle me. Furthermore I have tinted windows in my car – the window was up when I was shooting so I doubt she saw anything.
Matt
By: Matt on August 18, 2008
at 5:32 pm
Thanks for clearing that up on my blog, although people reading this post are probably confused.
By: heatherinparadise on August 18, 2008
at 7:17 pm
Heather, I’m being completely off topic and distracted with personal issues, here, but please email me so I know your email address and can invite you to read my blog. I’m about to make it private.
(Also, I believe in being nice to police officers, too.)
By: Julie on August 19, 2008
at 7:16 am
Yes. I was pulled over by one of their standard car checks. Took only a minute or two.. but it felt like an hour. The masks and guns really freak u out, considering u dont see that kinda thing in Toronto. But on the same note.. rather see them there, knowing our cities are safe, then there presence to be non-existant as it is right now in the free-zone of Belize.
By: Lana in Tulum on August 21, 2008
at 5:53 pm