Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Hammer_G]

As was stated previously, you have to have done something to draw attention to yourselves, unless you just look like real easy pickins for a shakedown!.
MrC
My friend and I looked like the loaded tourist, and walking at the location where nobody around. That was the mistake we made.

[Latin Luver]

Hi everyone,

I'm in San Diego on business in the next 2 weeks with alot of free time. I am hoping for some pointers as to what to do. Ill be driving to parking lot right before the border and then taking a cab str8 to Adelitas. After sampling the fun there, I was wondering where is this famous "Alley"? Do I exit out of the front of Adelitas and be on the "Alley"? or do i have to go through a back entrance? Im looking for an allnighter with a SG. Any tips? Where to find a young, thin SG and then where to go? I am filipino american FYI. Any advice on trip home will also be appreciated. I will report back with all the fun.

[Country John]

abductions are way up. gringos are being targeted more and more as they like to bling more thinking it impresses the girls. cops are getting pressure to work on the problem and the rediculous part is that some are actually in on it.

you need to google "abductions in tijuana" and read up on this stuff. it is real. it is happening. every word is true.

i live in tijuana and will open my business next week. during a recent meeting with a top exec of a major electronics manufacturing company in tijuana, i was soberly warned about the problem. it is real. don't think for one second that it is not real.

yes there are some good cops in tj, i've said that for a long while but they are the exception. always be courteous to the cops, good or bad.
keep a low profile in tj. park the lexus in the usa and take a taxi. no bling. dress down.

the zona is crawling with ****s right now. these are big fish for the cops so they are being a bit more frisky. co-operate and show them your id etc. no nude pics on your digial camera or video camera please.

country john

[Reinaldo]

Abductions are way up. Gringos are being targeted more and more as they like to bling more thinking it impresses the girls.

If gringos are being targeted more and more it's the best kept secret in Tiuana. It hasn't been mentioned in the Tijuana or the San Diego media to my knowledge. Perhaps you might consider contacting the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana to get their opinion and ask them to put out a warning.

[Country John]

If gringos are being targeted more and more it's the best kept secret in Tiuana. It hasn't been mentioned in the Tijuana or the San Diego media to my knowledge. Perhaps you might consider contacting the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana to get their opinion and ask them to put out a warning.

Reinaldo my friend, you need to do a bit of research. If you are NOT aware of this danger, you (and others) should consider this friendly warning as very serious.

Country John

[Smut Villain]

Reinaldo, I haven't heard anything either, but Country John's advice is spot on. I lived in Las Playas for a few years and was a regular monger in TJ; trust us when we say to leave the bling at home. Not keeping a low profile (and not staying mostly sober) are some really good ways to get fucked with down there, and a lot of gringos have discovered this the hard way. Now that I think about it, this is also good advice for a lot of major cities in the U.S. (but you knew that already ;) )

[Country John]

I have a business in TJ and I spend more time there than before. Because of that I am more of a target for ransom than the casual visitor or tourist. The precaustions I talked about should be observed by every visiting gringo in TJ but more-so for the business owner gringo. There are a lot of us here.

When you understand the potential for criminal behavior against you, in some cases it might not make any difference if you are there for the day or if you live there. Bad guys are bad guys. The cautions I received were very sober but were inteneded for me as a business owner as opposed to a tourist. I am passing this "inside" info on to you because I want EVERYONE to know about ALL of the potential ways you can become a victim.

You can, by the way, get your throat cut just as cleanly in the E.U.A. so never get too comfortable when you're out and about and ESPECIALLY when you are mongering.

Hope this clears a few things up.

I just wanna make a few comments on TJPD.

They are unsupervised and corrupt. You as a tourist are an ATM machine. When you are in the Zona screwing girls, you are not doing anything illegal. If you have dope then you are doing something illegal. If you carry drugs without a prescription, then yes you are doing something illegal.

Here's a news flash: Don't do anything illegal!

You might be a nice guy contributing to the Tijuana economy, but you don't need Country John to tell you not to be stoopid either.

If you are stopped for "Felony Walking On The Sidewalk," and you are clean con dinero, ask to talk to a supervisor if a cop puts the arm on you for money. You don't have to pay him, really. Just because he's asking doesn't mean you have to pay off.

If you are stopped in your vehicle and everything is in order but you busted a stop sign or a light then you are WRONG. WRONG WRONG WRONG. It might take $20 to make it go away and if so, pay it. Just be careful next time.

The cops will extract the most money from the people who show the least resistance. If you are milk toast then you pay more. If you are firm but polite you might not pay at all. Look: the cops know they are dooing something wrong. They evaluate you against the likleyhood that they'll get busted for shaking you down. If you look like a tough (but polite) customer, they'll back off. Just do NOT ride dirty, and don;t have any dope, or nasty pics on your computer or camera. Do not be an asshole. They love American assholes. They can ruin your entire weekend.

My favorite line is "Oh, this is wrong officer. I think I want to go to the station with you right now." "What is your name?"

Be safe and be nice
Country John

[Hammer_G]

In 1995, a friend of mine (an A/C repairman), showed me his wound on forehead, cracked windshield of his working van, and blood stain on the driver’s seat.
He had driven his working van to TJ. Parked the van near the red light district.
While eating taco at driver’s seat, two men opened the door and tried to pull him out of the van. He grabbed the club to fight back. During the fight, he cracked the windshield and got hit on his forehead. He knew he was going to loose the fight. He pulled out his Makarov handgun to shoot at one guy’s stomach at point blank range. Perhaps the 9X18mm is not a very powerful ammo, that guy held his stomach and ran away. Of course, my friend drove away immediately. He told me he had reported it to Mexican policia, but I really doubt that.
That was the last time he went to TJ. Today he still keeps the same Makarov in his van.

[Roguesta]

I don't know what would be worse, dealing with those thugs, or dealing with the TJ policia after you've shot a Mexican in the stomach with your gun. Never carry any sort of weapon on you (or your vehicle) into Mexico. Not even the smallest Swiss Army knife that many have on their keychains. This could land you in a Mexican prison. And you don't want that.

[Country John]

I can't think of a bigger target than an AC service van full of tools and other equipment. Besides prostitution, the two other major industries in Mexico are Security and Refridgeration. A fully stocked AC van would be one hell of a catch for the criminal.

I don't know what would be worse, spending the rest of your life in a Mexican prison for shooting someone, or just getting it over with right there in some stinking rotten alley. Your friend is lucky to be alive, and he's lucky to be a free man. I hope he realizes that and if not I hope you'll tell him.

Thanks for posting his experience.

Country John



In 1995, a friend of mine (an A/C repairman), showed me his wound on forehead, cracked windshield of his working van, and blood stain on the driver’s seat.
He had driven his working van to TJ. Parked the van near the red light district.
While eating taco at driver’s seat, two men opened the door and tried to pull him out of the van. He grabbed the club to fight back. During the fight, he cracked the windshield and got hit on his forehead. He knew he was going to loose the fight. He pulled out his Makarov handgun to shoot at one guy’s stomach at point blank range. Perhaps the 9X18mm is not a very powerful ammo, that guy held his stomach and ran away. Of course, my friend drove away immediately. He told me he had reported it to Mexican policia, but I really doubt that.
That was the last time he went to TJ. He still keeps the same Makorov in his van.

[Hammer_G]

I can't think of a bigger target than an AC service van full of tools and other equipment......I hope he realizes that and if not I hope you'll tell him.

Thanks for posting his experience.

Country John
I've asked him to go TJ with me several times, he always refused.
This guy got no street smart. Once he found a SW at East L.A. He asked BJ in the car to save the total cost. While he was in heaven, that lady stole $400 from his wallet. Well, you don't carry 400 some to cruise for hookers.
Even if I go to Motel with the SW, I only put what I need in my wallet. I always hide the extra money in the trunk.

[Surfer]

agree with tjrogelio. shoot a local and regardless of who started in you are in deep shit. parking a car with valuable in the zona norte? a fool is born every minute.

i walk to barrio norte too, but late at night and alone while drunk is asking for trouble imho.

regrding the pictures thing, i'd worry more about getting hassled for having it or getting it stolen than police issues (unless it involved **** girls then you'd be in mierda profundo). i see these guys trying to snap pics of street girls and it draws lots of attention quick.

that being said, over july 4th there were guys with cameras snapping away during the shower show at hong kong and nobody said a word about it. quite surprising really.

[Roguesta]

I got busted taking photos with my cellphone during the lesbo/shaving cream show at Hong Kong. I was doing it openly, thinking it was all right. They made me delete the photos.

[One Wing Low]

We were in Hong Kong having a great time. Hong Kong has this non-stop strip show involving dozens chicas in 3 floors. It's the most entertaining place in TJ. A few wealthy gringos were slipping lots of tips to the strippers and they were visibly happy.

As the show was going on strong, suddenty all lights were turned on. Half a dozen Policia Federal in black fatigue, wearing black ski masks, toting short-barrel Colt M-18, stormed the place. They blocked the exit and immediately headed towards the back and the upper floors. They were just looking around for someone. I decided not to risk getting shot at and left.

Went to Adelita. Both Adelita and Chicago were also raided with policia in half dozen pick up trucks. Then a big truck delivered another 30 policia in black. There were no arrests that we could see.

We decided to go to Las Pulgas, the local hang out favored by Country John, to avoid the cops. This place is on Revolution, in front of the Jai Alai, huge with 3 large dance floors and a show theater. Admission is $5 for the disco and $10 for the show. The crowd here is mixed, both young and old, fat and skinny, with quite a few fresh and good looking chicas. A few chicas were eyeing us with interest.

We just ordered the beers and started to settle down when the Policia Federale raided the place. They checked everyone's ID, which took half an hour, and were met with a lot of hooting and jeering from the young crowd. Just about everyone was pissed off because of the interruption. At least 1 arrest was made. We left after the cops departed.

There were quite a few very good-looking young females at Las Pulgas. The crowd was friendly and fun. Will come back to go after some no-pro.

[John Rain]

half a dozen policia federal in black fatigue, wearing black ski masks, toting short-barrel colt m-18, stormed the place. they blocked the exit and immediately headed towards the back and the upper floors. they were just looking around for someone. i decided not to risk getting shot at and left.
sunday night three pickup trucks stopped at the end of the alley blocking it. the policia were dressed in these black fatigues as you mentioned, but no masks. they ran around rousting locals and checking identification of locals.

i was quite startled, because of the speed with which it happened. these guys don't mess around! the gal i was talking with at the time said it was very normal and nothing to worry about. one of officers even came over to us and asked her a couple of questions in spanish. he didn't bother me at all.

after about ten minutes, they cuffed one mexican guy and drove off. it quickly reminds you that this is a different country. although it's disconcerting, i think if they didn't do these kinds of sweeps, the zona would rather quickly degrade into a very unsafe area.

be careful, be safe.

[Country John]

Sunday night three pickup trucks stopped at the end of the alley blocking it. ........... Although it's disconcerting, I think if they didn't do these kinds of sweeps, the Zona would rather quickly degrade into a very unsafe area.

Be careful, be safe.

Truer words were never spoken.

Remember something America: Deported ex-cons from the USA find their way to the zona because THAT is where the gold is. They are low profile because of law enforcement, but they run girls and have several walkers out there doing their work.

Be very very careful.

Be safe and be nice,
Country John

[BlueScott]

While I was in Adelitas, on a Thursday night, the girls all suddenly started moving to the back corner. I saw that there were about half a dozen Police herding them back there and others blocking the doors. I got a little concerned after the stories I’d read on the board, but I saw that they didn’t care about the men, they were just collecting all the girls in the club.

Then they had the girls one by one show their health cards. Once the girls had shown their cards they went right back to work in the club. It went smoothly and every girl in the club must have passed inspection.

I did see later in the night that the hauled one girl out of the massage club across the street. They took her to the patrol car but I didn’t hang out long enough to see what they did with her.

These checks appeared to be normal. They didn't talk to any of the men and didn't appear to be the least bit interested in messing with anyone. I was kind of glad to see these checks, and that every girl I saw (including the ones I was interested in) quickly produced cards.

[Nero X]

AFI and PGR agents were roaming HK last Friday Night. Checking pretty much every guy.

[Country John]

Remember this fellow mongers: The Zona Norte is an excellent training ground for rookie cops. They can learn all kinds of stuff there. They learn tactics for searches, interrogation etc. etc. They don't pull this shit on Revolution because of the tourist traffic but in the Zona, they can get away with it because nobody wants to get vocal about it.

Certainly, it is a "tough area" too. Lots of drugs, bangers etc so they get to have a field day rounding up the bad guys.

I'm happy to see the health card checks happening with more frequency. Better for everyone.

But when you are stopped by the cops, be polite but firm and don;t do anything stoopid like carry drugs or "anything that can be used as a weapon." Chances are one of them is a rookie trying out his new badge, looking for that "trophy bust.".

I live in Las Pinos on the South side of town. I see the cops rounding up people all the time. Half ton police truck loaded up and on the way to the station. A long way from the Zona, the cops are working on the dregs of the society all over town so it's not exclusive to the Zona.

There is also a fear now that AF is in jail, violence might erupt as the cartel struggles to regain its balance. So the drag nets are out.

Your BEST DEFENCE in dealing with TJPD is a GOOD OFFENSE. Know your stuff and be polite but firm. Don't be stoopid. No drugs, open containers, drunk driving, bad behavior, porn on your digital camera or on your computer etc. All they need is an opening and if you're stoopid, you give them one. It can be an expensive mistake.

Be safe and be nice.
Country John

[Ho Lover1]

When walking down the street from the arch at Revolution to the clubs, DO NOT walk past the first traffic light at night. Turn right at this light and walk down the hill to the clubs and alley. The businesses in the 2nd block at the top of the hill are closed at night and there will only be a few girls working in that area. I have been stopped by the police twice in that area now and searched. They told me last time that this a high crime area. They would ask me what I was doing in that area. Then they would ask if I had any weapons or drugs on me. Then they would search me. Avoid this area, unless you like dealing with the TJ police.

[Country John]

Don't be paranoid, just understand that the cops can stop you and search you anytime or anywhere, they don't need a reason. They don't need "probable cause."

The city government is slipping back into the ways of old and corruption is on the rise as well as in TJPD.

Do NOT fuck with these guys. DO NOT give them a reason to fuck with you. Morditas (bribes) are coming back into fashon at TJPD.

The most recent estimate is that two out of ten cops are looking for money. They are "bandits with a badge." Their sole reason for stoppng you is to extract money from you. Keep an extra $20. in your shoe. That's all I can say.

Do not have porn on your camera or computer. Clean it up. (Better still, leave it home.)

Otherwise, don't do anything to attract attention. Wait for the light, stop at the stop sign. Don't carry anything that you shouldn't have. Use this rule:

If you won't do it in the US, don't do it in Mexico. You can't go to jail for what you're thinking. Carry valid ID (Drivers license etc.). If you blow a light or a sign, the $20.00 should cover it. BE CAREFUL.

Most of you probably know about the recent high profile drug busts affecting the cartel in Baja. Now listen up: the situation with the dealers and distributors is very fluid right now. Dealers are looking for new distribution etc and there are a lot of rateros out there trying to change their situation. DO NOT fuck with anyone when it comes to buying drugs (if you use). This is not the time to hang with your source. There might be a price on his head especially if he owes money. It is VERY dangerous out there right now.

You might think you're a tuff guy, you might think you are safe, you might think you're special -all that shit. It takes only ONE 85 cent bullet to blow your brains out and they are shooting. Maybe not at you, but you could get whacked if you are hanging with bad guys or if you are a bad guy yourself (no disrespect).

Go in, take care of business, get out. Do not hang with a group of "cool" guys on the street corners of the Zona Norte unless you accept the fact that the cops could grab you or you could go with the dealer. The risk factor is very very high right now. I can't over emphasize it.

People are dying in TJ and these deaths are drug related. If you know what you're doing then OK. But if you are a "tourist" who makes the booty run every now and then and buy your stuff when you are there, you ARE NOT safe.

Be very very careful.

Be safe and Be Nice
Country John

PS: here is a link you should read. Some of you might know Estrella de Amnesia, peace be upon her. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20060629-9999-6m29tjdead.html

[Conejito]

Mexican cops are stealing again at the Sentri Line walk-back area at the border, after a few calm weeks.

They like to pop out of a dark hole at night (right where the taxis drop you off and you think you are home), and search Americans for no reason, even those travelling in groups.

Their big catch is finding Viagra on older men, after which they will try to take all your money.

Does anyone have Tijuana Mayor Hank Rhon's email? :)

Good luck.

[Country John]

Mexican cops are stealing again at the Sentri Line walk-back area at the border, after a few calm weeks.

They like to pop out of a dark hole at night (right where the taxis drop you off and you think you are home), and search Americans for no reason, even those travelling in groups.

Their big catch is finding Viagra on older men, after which they will try to take all your money.

Does anyone have Tijuana Mayor Hank Rhon's email? :)

Good luck.

http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Presidente/index.asp

Hank isn't very popular right now. He's been a "fuck up" as mayor. No different than any other politician who promises to fix everything and then when elected tells everyone to kiss his ass.

Given his connections, I wouldn't want to be complaining about the cops to him. They are bandits with a badge. Complain to the US consulate.

BE Safe and Be Nice
Country John

[Hizark21]

If you are clean can or are the cops still extorting bribes from tourists.....??

This is just one more reason for me to avoid TJ.

[Roguesta]

Hizark,

For someone who hates TJ, and avoids it at all cost, you seem to be obsessed with it.

[Rabo Verde]

Rumble In The Jungle
Well, my number came up the other night. I was walking on Constitution, getting some fresh air. a block from Adelitas. I have done this 200 times with no problems. Suddenly 2 cops sprang out of a doorway, threw me against the wall, told me not to look at them or turn around, asked me a bunch of questions about drugs, pills, and drinking while they went through my pockets, then let me go. I had two 20's left, they kept a $20 bill from my pocket and put back the other one.

It wasn't worth their while to hassle me further as I leave my credit cards and ATM cards in my car, so they cannot make me withdraw money as they have done to some people at gunpoint. I never carry knives, pills capsules or any powders, so they have no excuse to jack me. They WILL jack you for a viagra or even an aspirin in your pocket, claiming you have to stay in jail til the lab results come back. They also work with some of the street bums, the guy will ask you what time it is, and if you stop to tell him the time they will swoop in and claim you were trying to buy drugs.

They were hassling EVERY gringo who walked by, and I saw them throw one in the back of a squad car for "drinking". There are VERY few gringos going to TJ these days, and lots of desperate robber-cops, so your odds of getting jacked by the cops is high now. I also saw 3 roadblocks where they were tearing apart cars with Calfiornia plates, looking for money to steal or a pill or a seed or a penknife or whatever to blackmail the driver. I used to drive across but it just isn't worth it any more!

So then I take the usual taxi ride back to the linea, and got jacked AGAIN by the bandido cops who hide in the dark at the taxi drop-off point. They searched me, asking for viagra or pills or knives, found nothing on me, didn't take the other $20 LOL, and cut me loose. Oh well, that's life in the big city!!!

Lessons, leave your car on the US side, don't carry a bunch of cash, credit cards or ATM cards, no pills, powders, rolling papers, knives or mace, and better to buddy up (they tend to pick on single guys) AND/OR to take a cab door to door each way. These things seem to run in cycles, and right now the TJ cops are particularly nasty and aggressive.

[One Wing Low]

Rabo seems to know La Zona Roja like his own barrio. If he got jacked twice the same night by the policia 1 block from Adelita, then the odd of other mongers getting jacked is extremely high.

Just about every time I drove into TJ at night, on the way back I got stopped by policia who demanded cerveza money. I have reduced the risks somewhat by leaving the car at the border and taking the cab. Now they are jacking pedestrians, then what am I gonna do?

$20 is a small price to pay to mongers, but this easy money will induce the policia to jack at higher frequency, and this price will keep going up and up until mongers are driven out of la Zona. Every time I was in the zona, I have seen policia making arrests for no apparent reason. The consequences of being thrown into a TJ jail, waiting for corrupt judges, can be extremely costly.

Perhaps the seasoned mongers could suggest a few courses of action here:

1. Door to door cab rides?
2. Stop wandering outside the clubs and the alley?
3. Going in large groups?
4. Leave all credit cards in the US and hide all your cash?
5. Suggest club owners to work out a truce with policia so mongers can continue to bring business?
6. Organize a mongers union to find ways to work in perfect harmony with the hookers union?
7. Petition TJ mayor or Police chief to abate the problem?
8. Stay home and negotiate toda la nocha with your wives?

That last option may be a lot more work, more time, more expensive, more screwy, more frustrating than anything else.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[QUOTE=Rabo Verde]Rumble In The Jungle
Well, my number came up the other night. I was walking on Constitution, getting some fresh air. a block from Adelitas. I have done this 200 times with no problems. Suddenly 2 cops sprang out of a doorway, threw me against the wall, told me not to look at them or turn around, asked me a bunch of questions about drugs, pills, and drinking while they went through my pockets, then let me go. I had two 20's left, they kept a $20 bill from my pocket and put back the other one.
QUOTE]

[John Rain]

I missed this story when it first came out. It's timing corresponds with the increased hassles the police are giving us in the zona.

San Diego Union Tribune
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20060924-9999-1m24tjcops.html
Corruption has allowed rise in violence, statement says

By Sandra Dibble
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

September 24, 2006

TIJUANA – The recent spike in violence in the city is the result of widespread corruption in the municipal police force and Mayor Jorge Hank Rhon's failure to take appropriate measures, according to Mexican federal authorities.

In a statement that lays bare the deep rift between city and federal law enforcement agencies, the federal Attorney General's Office (PGR) Friday blamed the violence on the “disintegration of municipal police in the matter of corruption and cooperation with organized crime.”

The unusual communique from Mexico City urged Hank and the city's secretary of public safety, Luis Javier Algorri Franco, “to take direct and concerted action in order to eradicate the corruption and protection of organized crime that is taking place within the structure of the municipal police.”

Tijuana residents have witnessed a rash of killings in recent weeks after the arrest of suspected drug lord Javier Arellano Félix. The violence has led Algorri in recent days to call for military help and more federal aid in fighting organized crime. Algorri has also publicly complained about the arbitrary detention of his officers by federal authorities.

Neither Hank nor Algorri responded yesterday to the accusations by the Attorney General's Office. A police spokesman said the department plans to hold a news conference Tuesday to address the remarks.

Victor Clark Alfaro, a Tijuana human rights activist, does not dispute the communique's content but does question the purpose. “There seems to be a political motivation, and that is a shame. . . . All this does is create divisions,” he said.

Clark points out that federal authorities did not single out previous Tijuana mayors for criticism. “Of course it's true, but why didn't they say so when there were PANista administrations?” Clark said. “It's very suspicious that they only point to the municipal police.”

Hank, a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), won the mayor's office in 2004, ending 15 years of control at City Hall by the National Action Party (PAN). The PAN continues to control Mexico's presidency and the Baja California statehouse. Hank has said he intends to take a leave from his current post next year to run for governor.

The attorney general's statement is a response to Algorri's criticisms, which include published remarks last week that the Attorney General's Office has not lived up to its commitment to establish a branch of the organized crime unit in Tijuana.

Even before the arrest of Arellano, Hank and Algorri met with Mexico's Attorney General Daniel Cabeza de Vaca July 25 and were “told and shown evidence . . . that the violence is a result of the disintegration” of the police force, the statement said. Since then, Hank and Algorri have taken no measures to clean up the force, the statement said.

In an interview last Sunday on a Mexican radio station, Algorri complained of detentions of his officers by federal agents. “We are certain that we have problems of corruption,” Algorri said. “We are open to any kind of investigation; we've even asked for this in writing . . . . But we've seen them come and arrest officers, then release them, without even saying, 'I'm sorry.' ”
---
A news story about the increasingly powerful Mexican drug lords is also scarey. See http://www.worldpress.org/Americas/2549.cfm

[John Rain]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/index.html

Not easy being a policeman in TJ.

Officer Ambushed, Fatally Wounded

TIJUANA, Nov. 4 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
A city police officer was ambushed late Thursday and died at a Red Cross hospital.

The officer was identified as Antonio Cabada Cuevas, 38, according to state investigators. He was found inside a 1999 Jeep Cherokee in the Los Pinos section of the city.

---
Also an assault on the San Ysidro side of the border.

Attacked on Bridge

SAN YSIDRO, Nov. 3 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Man attacked on bridge near border: Authorities are seeking two to four men who assaulted a man as he crossed the Camino de la Plaza bridge over Interstate 5 north of the International Border early Saturday.

[Country John]

Thanks for posting this Mike 123. Los Pinos, that's where I live. Last month (or maybe August) six guys were murdered in La Presa, the next colonia to Los Pinos.

The bad cops are getting whacked, that is what's happening. Plain and simple. This will go on for quite some time. You guys just need to be careful.

The bad guys are not looking for you. They're looking for the cops that ratted out, didn't make bank, didn't deliver or whatever. TJPD is very nervous right now and they should be.

Just be careful.

Country John

[Hizark21]

It's really disturbing to hear that the cops are extorting bribes from foreigners for no reason. It's pretty blatant when you consider that there is police substation near the alley. If someone is clean I don't understand why they don't demand to be taken to the police station. It seems as though the corruption goes up pretty high up.

Awhile back Vincinte Fox sent in the Federale's to crack down on the gangs and corrupt cops. I guess the mayor and Federale's just don't seem to realize that if crime and corruption is rampant the tourists will stop visiting TJ. A friend recently told me that a lot of shops have already closed due to the crime problems.

[Country John]

It's really disturbing to hear that the cops are extorting bribes from foreigners for no reason. It's pretty blatant when you consider that there is police substation near the alley. If someone is clean I don't understand why they don't demand to be taken to the police station. It seems as though the corruption goes up pretty high up.

Awhile back Vincinte Fox sent in the Federale's to crack down on the gangs and corrupt cops. I guess the mayor and Federale's just don't seem to realize that if crime and corruption is rampant the tourists will stop visiting TJ. A friend recently told me that a lot of shops have already closed due to the crime problems.

In Mexico, cops are very poorly paid. Very poorly. They don't care what I think or what you think or if we ever go back. There will be no shortage of new fresh meat, so no need to worry.

You MUST realize that things change big-time when you cross the border. There are some very bad guys out there with badges. The baddest of the bad are involved in assisting drug cartels in distributing their product by providing protection and intelligence (along with some enforcement). They know you will never do anything for them and if getting their lunch money means shaking you down then they'll do it. Why? Because you have it and you can afford it. How else could you be there screwing hookers?

The chances of you going to the police because of a problem with the police are remote. They already know that. They don't care because they don't have to and it doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon.

Not all cops are bad.

YOU must develop a mechanism for dealing with them when they go bad on you. YOU have to educate yourself on the various situations and options.

The level of corruption is almost unbelievable. The governmental infrastructure is a "by the seat of your pants" type system. Very poorly organized compared to Stateside. But it's MEXICO, another country.

There is lots written up on how to deal with the cops. I suggest you read it and learn it. It could serve you well.

Country John

[Monger X]

I will be traveling in Mexico next week, flying from TJ to Hermosilo and back. I'll be parking on the US side, walking across and taking a cab to the airport. When I cross for my day trips I don't take any of my meds with me across the border to avoid any hassles but since this is a 4-5 day trip that option is not available to me. My question is, will a legit prescription in a US pharmacy labeled bottle suffice should I draw the attention of Tijuana's finest upon my return? We're talking diabetes meds and vitamin "V".

[Toad Tamer]

Your prescription meds should be OK, granted the label on the bottle is in your name. The V will get you hassled. Bring only what you will take and don't walk around with it in your pockets. If you are stopped your pockets are emptied. A V in your pocket might cost you the amount of $$ in your possesion.

[Hizark21]

I get the impression that the cops are trying to extort bribes at night. Are the cops trying to nab gringos for no reason during the day as well...??

I think we should all start complaining to the Mexican consulate and tell them we are going to stop visiting Mexico and tell everyone we know if this does not stop...

[Apache]

Here's the online link:

http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/complaints/complaints.asp

The man to talk to in person is:

Jose Ganzalo Manrique
Director de Contraloria
Sindicatura Municipal

[One Wing Low]

...'Go fuck yourself, gringos...hahahahaha....'



Here's the online link:

http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/complaints/complaints.asp

The man to talk to in person is:

Jose Ganzalo Manrique
Director de Contraloria
Sindicatura Municipal

[Apache]

What are you talking about?

[Country John]

What are you talking about?

I think he is suggesting that a complaint will fall on deaf ears.

In time, mongers who frequent TJ for sex will learn that the situation with the police is something they need to know about and understand. Until that time comes they will have a variety of contacts with them, some involving paying the morditas.

It's better to get to the other side of , than to learn based only on your personal experience. Just about every encounter a person can have has been documented somewhere on this and other boards.

If you are in the Zona, expect a different level of encounter than if you are strolling Revolution visiting the shops and restaurants.

Country John

[Apache]

Hey CJ,

I got jacked for $100 by the sentri cops before I learned the rule of always keep your money tight in your fist when they frisk you. There's also tactics for traffic cops around TJ & for street cops in the zona.

Realistically nothing is a sure-fire guarantee for protection against getting jacked. However if enough mongers complain through the proper channels to the RIGHT ears, they can't & won't remain deaf forever.

My understanding is that Sr. Manrique really wants to know about incidents of police officers soliciting bribes from tourists & HAS followed through when he has the officer's identifying information. He knows it's affecting tourism & a portion of the local TJ economy even though it's not Ave. Revolucion.

Locals tell me that cops solicit morditas on such a blatant & rampant scale it's almost expected. They even say it's understood there's two "price" levels; one for locals & about 4 times that (or whatever you've got on you) for gringos. A TJ cop's low pay is a setup to have to steal for survival. But one thing is true also; taking bribes in lieu of writing a citation or enforcing the law is still a CRIME for a police officer under Mexican law.

[Hizark21]

I agree the only way to stop the cops from extorting bribes is for everyone to complain If it is to be successful the complaints must come from a wide variety of people, not just from members of the forum.

[Country John]

Understand that the cops know a bit more about the situation than you might think.

80% or so of the traffic from State Side to the Zona DO NOT want to have complications because the family or SO thinks they are at the office, not in the Zona having sex with young latinas for money. They DO NOT want to be placed in a position of having to explain to their wife what they were doing in the police station in Tijuana when they were supposed to be visiting with clients in Irvine.

The cops know this and the cops also know that if you're a gringo visiting the Zona, paying the kind of money the girls get out of gringos then you must have money to waste. The cops also know that you would be less apt to report a shakedown than the average tourist, there with the wife and family, enjoying the sights and sounds of Tijuana. The reason is that almost every monger visitor wants to stay low profile and would be prepared to endure a bit of grief, rather than take it to a federal level. Most of the time they are right.

So there you are, late at night and the cops got you spread-eagle over the top of the car. The hot engine hood contrasts sharply with the crispness of the chilly air as the red and blue lights from the lightbar flash in your face. Traffic passes by seemingly unconcerned about your situation and you feel very much alone and not at all in control. What do you do? What DO you DO?

Their guess is that you'll probably pay and not complain. The odds are so much in their favor that they're willing to take the chance and most of the time, they are right.

Country John

[Apache]

CJ: What you say makes sense not to mention the vivid literary flare with which you described the scenario. It had me spread out over that cop car's hood & ready to do almost anything to keep my wife from finding out where I was.

I'm divorced though. Even though we single mongers might be in the minority, don't you think we'd be doing a service to all our brother mongers by reporting crooked zona cops to La Sindicatura?

I'll defer to your superior knowledge of TJ & experience. Saludos

[Country John]

cj: what you say makes sense not to mention the vivid literary flare with which you described the scenario. it had me spread out over that cop car's hood & ready to do almost anything to keep my wife from finding out where i was.

i'm divorced though. even though we single mongers might be in the minority, don't you think we'd be doing a service to all our brother mongers by reporting crooked zona cops to la sindicatura?

i'll defer to your superior knowledge of tj & experience. saludos

saludos apache. i still owe you a cerveza my friend. one of these days......

the cops in tj get complaints all day long. nothing new. it's been going on for 100 years. they don't care because they don't have to.

one of two things will happen if you report an incident witht he police.

1. nothing

2. maybe something.

let's say under scenerio #2 you set the cop up with marked money. he shakes you down, you go the station and tell the inspector that he has your money and it is marked for easy id. they bring him in, he has the cash and he might get busted right there. maybe. the cops is a very closed society, a closely knit group. if you go to the sindicatura, give them the sotry, they bring him in, he doesn't have your money, he never saw you before then it's a big fat zero.

they might have other complaints on the guy, maybe not.

if nothing is done, you don't want to meet up with the same guy on a different night right? of course not.

never pay the cops $100.00 for anything. if you're looking at a fine like that for something you didn;t do, demand to go to the judge. they won't follow through.

if you are clean and not riding dirty, then the best the cops can hope for is to intimidate you into something. if youknow you're good to go, then don't pay up. if you blew a light or a sign, slip him $20.00. if you fucked up in some other way (like speeding or got beer on your breath) then maybe $25. or $30. but never $100 or more.

the sindicatura process is an involved one. you need to be willing to press charges and return to pick him out of a lineup if it's serious or criminal in nature. i'm not saying don't do it, i'm suggesting that you educate yourself on what is involved first before you green light it.

country john

[Hizark21]

Are the cops trying to extort bribes from US citizens during the day...?? My understanding was that bef ore the cops were trying to extort bribes mainly at night...

[Country John]

are the cops trying to extort bribes from us citizens during the day...?? my understanding was that bef ore the cops were trying to extort bribes mainly at night...

this depends on a number of factors.

are you in the zona riding solo with a "hunted" look on your face in gansta attire? do you fit a profile? or are you strolling revolution with your girley browsing the shops and making purchases?

where you are, what you are doing and what you look like are three major components.

also, the cops are very good at detecting a push-over gringo, day or night.

additionally, are you doing something stupid? hanging out in the wrong spots? are you hanging with known druggies?

for every one guy who gets hassled by the cops there are a hundred who don't. when your number comes up (yes, i said "when") it's up to you to be comfortable with your situation, look the cop in the eye, ask to see his supervisor if he gets silly on you and if he wants to take you to see the judge because you spit ont he sidewalk, then go see the judge. it's a bluff!

if you fucked up and you know it, ask how much the fine is and then ask if you can pay him now. if he wants $100 for speeding, then take the fucking ticket or counter with $25.00 which is about the amount of the fine.

develop a mechanism for dealing with the situation. don't allow yourself to become a victim of the cops. what they are doing is illegal. they know it and you know it.

country john

[Artisttyp]

I have a free ticket on us airways that will expire before christmas if I dont use it. I thought Id spend 5 days in TJ hotel included. Usually I stay in chula vista but why turn it into a more expensive trip when I could stay in TJ for cheaper. I have a passport.

Ive also been to TJ 5 times.

The way things are at the moment is it a bad idea to sleep in TJ ?

[Ball Snot]

I always stay in TJ. There are some real nice hotels that are a quick cab ride out of the zone. The Pueblo Amigo is a fav.

[Country John]

The way things are at the moment is it a bad idea to sleep in TJ ?

It depends where you sleep and who you are sleeping with.

If you can get your mongering done in the Zona and then depart via taxi then Pueblo Amigo would work, since you are arriving during hte Christmas season it could be crowded with like minded individuals so it will pay you to do some research into your options for other hotels or you clould just slip back to the motels across the border.

You've been to TJ before so you know the lay of the land.

Regarding the danger element, stay low profile and you'll be OK. The violence in TJ is directed at the cops and the drug dealers (often the same). Citizens and tourists are not being targeted. That's no excuse to get stupid.

Jingle bells baby.

Country John

[Rabo Verde]

days are much safer.

i was reading a tj newpaper at sanborns last night and it had a story about the rise in violence. 13 tj municipal cops have been assassinated so far this year. some of the girls were mentioning that a famously mean and corrupt cop from the zona, named santiago, had recently been shot dead.

you also have to remember, if you are on foot, and you observe a few simple rules, you have about a 98% chance of not being hassled by the cops on any given trip. then if you are stopped on foot, 98% of the cops who might search you are going to let you go anyway, if you have no car, no pills or powders of any kind, no weapons of any kind (including pocketknife), don't [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) in public or get in a fight, and are not visibly intoxicated or scared.

i stopped driving over because recently i would estimate that your chances of being stopped, if you drive into and out of the zona at night, in a car with usa plates, you have about a 50% chance of being stopped by a squad car or roadblock. it is hard to call their bluff if they want you to leave your car on the treet in tj (never to be seen again) or towed away (big payment to the towing company).

if you must carry something strap it under your balls, lol. mexican cops are extremely afraid of being thought or called gay, and 99% of the time, they will empty your pockets, give you a cursory patdown, look very thoroughly in any bags you are carrying, and will look in your shoes and your socks, but they do not want to be seen patting you on the crotch.

once when a cop was starting to pat down my crotch and inner thighs, i started moaning and said "oooooo papi" like i liked it , and i laughed. the guy turned bright red and his cop buddies started harassing him, and they forgot all about me!

has anyone here actually been to the jail or "gone to see the judge?"

in 30 years of tj i have never heard any credible stories of tj cops planting anything on a gringo who was otherwise minding his own business. it would seem to be a legitimate fear, if they are willing to shake you down for having a viagra or a tylenol or a 3 inch knife in your pocket, why not just put some coke on you and blackmail you? but this is very rare or nonexistant in tj, i get the impression that if you give them an excuse by being drunk and belligerant, or get caught with something, especially hard drugs, , they might up the charges or plant evidence, but apparently not too many are interested in framing a completely innocent guy. i am sure it has happened, but it does not seem to be a serious concern.

[Country John]

On two separate occasions, I specifically requested to see the judge. In fact, I damanded to see the judge. Both times I was accused of wrongdoing. The first time for having sex in my car, and the second time for having kiddie porn on my computer(s).

They tried several tactics to intimidate me. Even taking me to the station on one of the incidents. I was taken in the police vehicle and another cop drove my car to the station.

At the station, they took my picture "for publication in the newspaper." My response? "I can use all the free publicity I can get." "Take two."

Each time they wanted money. On one occasion I was told to park my car on the street because they were taking me in. My reply: "Is the City Of TJ Responsible for my car if it is stolen?" Duhhhh

On this incident, I was let go. On the trip to the station, three hours had passed as they tried to wear me down. Finally they relented. I drove off with all my cash and my belongings.

I won't lie and say I was not nervous. I was. I was not "scared" but I was nervous. And I was not happy, but that didn;t count for shit. I did NOT let them see me sweat. I repeatedly asked to see the judge right away and I was very co-operative in all other respects.

The buy out at the station was $300 but there was NO fucking way I was going to pay; I wanted to see the judge.

Don;t play games with these guys. If you did nothing wrong then demand to see the judge. They'll let you go.

If you are intimidated, they will sense it and it will cost you. End of story.

Country John

[Rabo Verde]

Police caught in cross hairs of Tijuana violence

Cartels are blamed in 12 officers' deaths

By Anna Cearley
STAFF WRITER

December 4, 2006

TIJUANA – Flower vendor Baltazar Brito was conversing with two nuns near a park just south of the city's tourist strip when a pair of trucks trapped two police cars.

He had a bad feeling, so he grabbed the nuns and pulled them to the ground behind his wooden stand. Seconds later, men with assault-style weapons started shooting at the police.


PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
At Tijuana's Mi Chante restaurant, a waitress and a U.S. citizen were gunned down when police were fired upon in September.
The gunmen were so close that their spent bullet casings bounced off Brito's stand as the nuns prayed fervently.

The Nov. 9 shooting spared the trio, but an officer who tried to help his colleagues was wounded and died a day later. A fourth officer escaped the shooters, but was abducted and killed the next day.

Despite his close call, the 52-year-old Brito said he wasn't too worried.

“The problems aren't with me,” he said a week after the attack. “It's between them.”

Since September, Tijuana has seen a spate of abductions, gunbattles and dumped corpses.

Even so, the city would have to record more than 65 killings in December to top last year's toll of 396 homicides. Through November, the dead numbered about 328, according to the Baja California Attorney General's Office.


PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
Assailants slightly wounded a woman and a taxi driver in an attack near Baltazar Brito's flower stand at a busy corner in Tijuana.
What makes the recent carnage stand out – creating a perception that lawlessness is rising – is who is being targeted, how they are being killed, and the threat to ordinary residents caught up in the violence.

Twelve law enforcement officers have been killed since September, prompting speculation that some of these homicides are the result of drug gangs competing over police loyalties. City officials attribute the deaths to vengeful neighborhood drug traffickers responding to crime-fighting efforts.

Two officers were ambushed and killed Tuesday. A secretary who was with them also died.

In September, at Mi Chante restaurant, a waitress and a U.S. citizen were gunned down when assailants opened fire on police. During the attack near Brito's stand, a woman and a taxi driver were slightly wounded.

Observers note that the most recent violence began after U.S. authorities arrested Francisco Arellano Félix in August. His family's cartel has dominated drug trafficking in the region for more than a decade.

Several top Arellano Félix leaders have been arrested since 2000, and it's not unusual to see violence increase immediately afterward, but this latest rash of killings has been particularly notable.

“There's a war going on,” said Victor Clark, director of the Tijuana-based Binational Center for Human Rights.

September's homicide toll came to 44, the highest monthly total this year. It's impossible to say how many of the killings are directly linked to drug trafficking.

Authorities estimate that 20 percent to 30 percent of the killings are the work of organized crime. One victim, a former state investigator, was found with his severed index finger dangling from a crude wire necklace. A note labeled him a “dedo,” or “finger,” slang for a snitch.

Acknowledging the instability, Baja California's state congress voted last month to request that a military general take charge of the array of law enforcement agencies in the region. The idea hasn't been embraced by state law enforcement authorities.

Meanwhile, a state advisory committee on public security tapped into public concern by leading an unprecedented 16-day march against violence in October and November.

Drug-trafficking experts note that in the world of organized crime, a certain amount of violence is inevitable, and that has kept the city's monthly homicide rate ranging from 20 to 57 in recent years.

The most notable wave of violence was in the mid-1990s when the Arellanos were consolidating their power, linking up with some police groups and creating a culture of silence by gunning down reform-minded officers.

The violence spiked again in late 1999 and early 2000. That's when a rival cartel, believed to be headed by Ismael Zambada García, attempted to supplant the Arellanos by recruiting city police officers to its side and going on a killing spree until some members of Zambada's group were arrested.

At that time, the official explanation for why the city's police chief, Alfredo de la Torre Márquez, was gunned down was that he had refused a bribe from Zambada's group. De la Torre's possible connection to the Arellanos was never acknowledged by Mexican authorities, although U.S. officials privately told the Union-Tribune that was the case.

Clark said his sources tell him some of the current problems stem from shifts among the approximately 20 Arellano cells in Tijuana. They are operating more independently, he said.

In the past, according to Clark, the cartel was more vertically structured. Arrangements with police recruited to aid the cartel were done through a designated Arellano liaison. Now there is confusion about who to deal with.

Complicating matters, Zambada's group and other rival cartels are said to be offering money to police, further splintering loyalties within police agencies.

The situation has had an effect on local drug traffickers.

A person involved in moving drugs into the United States, who asked not to be named because of the potential repercussions, said it's common to get a visit – and demand for payment – from an Arellano representative for being allowed to operate in Tijuana. The gang has an extensive spy network.

Arellano confederates typically don't identify themselves, but it's generally assumed who they are. Now, the trafficker said, there's uncertainty. “You don't know if you are doing business with someone who is an enemy” of the Arellanos, he said.

Though insiders say the Arellanos are still the dominant group in Tijuana, an eventual shift in the power base isn't unimaginable. In 2004, Mexican federal authorities announced that a longtime suspected Arellano gang member, Gilberto Higuera Guerrero, now in custody, had apparently switched sides to work with Zambada's drug group in Mexicali.

Meanwhile, the power of drug groups has created a parallel universe in which citizens, inured to the impact of shootouts and dumped bodies, have formed a curious set of references.

When Tijuana's mayor, Jorge Hank Rhon, was asked by a Mexican television reporter about the crime problem shortly after the attack near Brito's stand, Hank replied: “We have had four or five days of peace.”

People want things to change, Brito said, but they are scared, and that fear hampers authorities in their quest to go after criminals.

“The federal attorney general said that if he had a magic wand then things would change,” Brito said. “And then they ask the community to help by saying 'here's a phone number, and if you see anything bad, you call and we will go' . . . even though it's a known fact that if someone calls, there will be repercussions.”

[Belmont]

Major alcohol check points in TJ! I drove in Friday at 10:00PM, Took the turn off for down town via 4th(???) First, the trafic was backed up. I soon found out why. The police had someone in each lane talking to the drivers of each car. When my turn came, I was asked to blow air from mouth onto a iPod sized device. Whoa, as my SFO-SAN flight was delayed, I was tempted to have a couple at SFO. Good thing I didn't! Next day at breakfast I read in the 'La frontera' newspaper 2,000 extra police on duty in TJ for alcohol checks!! I feel lucky. Be careful!

Belmont

[Muff Eater]

cops are everywhere in the zone, but i didn't see anyone getting hassled that didn't deserve it. i was there from 11:30p - 5:00a and saw one drunk guy get taken down and hauled off. lots of military looking guys on the us side checking id's - i guess they were stopping the **** kids from going to tj to party. everything was smooth going out back to the us. i was relieved that no tj police were robbing us of our entertainment funds!

me

[Hizark21]

I am glad to see the Mexican govt finally decided to crack down again. The Mex Feds cracked down about in the mid 90's and the crime really dropped off. I am really surprised that Fox did not decide to send in the troops again when he was in office.

The police corruption has really gotten out of hand in TJ. It's ridiculous that the cops are stopping US citizens for no reason just to see how much they can extort from them. It's one thing to extort a bribe if they have broken the law or have something illegal on them like drugs etc...But aside the from the quality this is the main reason I avoid TJ.

[Country John]

the military and federales have confirep001ed all the weapons from tjpd and the force has walked off the job in protest, saying they will not patrol without weapons. i believe they plan to do ballistics tests to check if any of the weapons were involved in murders etc. (bright of me eh?)

this means that tj is being patroled by the military and the feds so this is no time to play games with drinking and driving, drugs or other mis-adventures.

if you are coming into tj with a vehicle, get insurance and make sure your paperwork is in order. take your viagra in the store before you leave. be smart. don;t be stooopid. this is no time to let your guard down.

you have been warned.

country john

[Nero X]

Friendly advice, don't mess with the mexican military. They can fuck you up if they wish.

There is not a semi-permanent check point as your entering Playas.

[Apache]

If on foot in the zona, anyone been there recently & gauged the ratero factor with no local police?

[Roguesta]

Actually, I feel safer.

[Country John]

actually, i feel safer.

spent all day yesterday and most of the evening downtown and in the zona. i agree, people are very relaxed and i sense they like this arrangement, the toothless tiger that was tjpd. people i talked to are happy the cops don;t have their guns. there were a definite drop in presence, i drove freely without problems and the zona was a without problems.

my girl and i visited several clubs (ab, tropical etc) and had a few, watching the dancers and havinga few laughs. the guys in ab must have thought i was nuts. i had my hands all over her and the girls were going crazy watching me stuff 200p notes doen my girlys bra. (i got them all back later :d ). when she went to the br several girls were wanting to take her place :lol: .

later, on revo, there were planty gringos/gringas but sttll few cops. the ones that were out were sin weapons.

people are behaving themselves much more than i expect4ed they would. i had a feeling that there would be respect for the new arrangement and as short lived as it might bocome people seem to be interested in keeping it and not fucking it up. then again, who wants to fuck with the military.

my understanding is that the federales that were posted at tjpd are not working right now and had their weapons confirep001ed also. we got a whole new gang of guys out there.

for the ones that are working, let me say that i have a lot of respect for a guy or girl who will suit up and patrol a place like tj sin weapons. that, my friends, takes balls. if they encounter you and are decent, show some respect because they just might be one of the "good guys."

country john
most recent news: tjpd ordered to return to work but without weapons. full story here: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20070106-9999-1n6tjcrime.html

[Monger X]

Spent Saturday afternoon/evening in the Zona. All quiet on the western front. AB seemed a little light on talent though some of the regulars were there. One unarmed but uniformed policia patrolling inside AB most of the night. His idea of fun was shining his flashlight on people. Hung out and watched the Colts have their way with the Chiefs. After the agme I took a stroll down the alley where there seemed to be a decent amount of SGs. Ventured into RR for the first time in my life around 5PM where I was promptly molested by Betty (at least I think thats what she said her name was) from Cancun. About 5-2, short dark hair greeted me like we were long lost friends. Man this girl can put away the pony beers! I swear she was downing em in a single swallow. When she started ordering em 2 at a time I knew it was time to go. Thats when it got interesting. Told her I had to meet an amigo at 6; she starts telling me she loves me and I can't go. That shes my novia and thats more important than my amigo. Then the alligator tears started. Spent the next 10 minutes calming her down so she didn't make a scene (though I doubt anyone would have noticed) and told her I would be back in 15 minutes with my amigo. OK so I lied. Really a shame tho as RR seems to be a pretty cool place to hang out. Will definitely go back in the next time I come down and hopefully she won't remember? Headed off to CC around 6: 15. Place was dead. Was looking for a fav who called me earlier in the day who asked me to meet her there. She said she transferred from AB cause she wasnt making enough money there (and CC was a better choice? ). She comes walking in at 6: 30. Tells me shes needs to change and she will be right out. I go grab a booth and the mesera comes and says my amiga wants a beer. Eight dollars. Yeah OK. She comes out grabs the beer and says she will be back in 5 min; she has to go talk to some guy at the bar. WTF?

Gave her the courtesy of waiting 5 minutes (so she could finish my beer) and when it was obvious she wasnt coming back I walked up to her, said adios and left. Headed over to BT for the first time to have a couple beers and get a feel for the place. Seemed like an OK place but I need to do more research (and find a trip buddy? ) and probably improve my Spanish. Headed back to AB to watch the end of Dallas / Seattle. Had a drink and talked with Angela for a bit but did not go arriba due to previous experience with her. Ended up going up with Vanessa de Guadalajara. She was wearing all black and standing in the back of HC; about 5-8 and has a well proportioned larger frame along with a nice set of 38 Ds. Asked about BBBJ and she responded with "can I wash you? " Sure. Get to the room and I go wash up; tells me to lie down and "relax" She cleans me up and then breaks out the party hat. I asked what about the BBBJ. She says sure for $40 more! Asked why she didn't mention the extre $$ downstairs and she giggled. I countered with $20 more and she said no. $40. I said no. Just go ahead. She tried to up the ante by offering BBBJ, then FS (covered) then BBBJTCIM for the additional 40 but I said no. Sorry guys theres no way I will pay $100 for 30 minutes. I understand business is slow but they don't need to make all their $$$ off me! In spite of the negotiations she did give a pretty good CBJ followed by CG, mish and the grand finale in doggie. If it wasnt for the bait and switch in the Hroom I would have repeated with her on my next trip down. Called it a night and cabbed it back to la linea. NO policia anywhere to be seen at la linea at 11PM. Spoke about it with the cab driver who said the city is "muy tranquillo sin policia".

The zona does seem to be a pretty safe place to be. Now lets get the chicas back from vacation!

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[Country John]

MongerX, thanks for a great TR. It is the classic story of "Monger goes to Zona, thinks he has Amigas working, gets ficha fucked then gets baited and switched in the room."

Maybe I'm just a cranky old man these days now that I've been "retired" for a year and a half, but what in the world would ever possess you to buy a ficha (at CC of all places) for a chica that is not IN the booth with you, your hand cupping her titties and her hand on your weenie? Were you "being cool?" Or perhaps "going with the flow?" Seriously, I'm trying to understand it. Don't laugh at me.

Fuck that noise mate. Don't let the girls play you like that. They are employees of the institution, you are a mark. As for the girl at RR, sheesh. The board is polluted with TRs talking about how slow things are in the Zona. The girls are like wet-vacs right now. They'll suck the fichas out of the carpet.

Be nice tot he girls and be square with them but don't let them play you. The biggest thing they got going for them is your huge heart. I will guarantee you this: they could care less about you. They proved it, let it be a lesson to everyone who reads your post.

Be safe and be nice
Country John

[Monger X]

Maybe I'm just a cranky old man these days now that I've been "retired" for a year and a half, but what in the world would ever possess you to buy a ficha (at CC of all places) for a chica that is not IN the booth with you, your hand cupping her titties and her hand on your weenie? Were you "being cool?" Or perhaps "going with the flow?" Seriously, I'm trying to understand it. Don't laugh at me.

CJ,

Was a long story. I knew her from her days at AB and she called me earlier in the day to meet her at CC. Had nothing to do with being cool or going with the flow; the place was dead as a doornail. What she really did was screw herself out of what she would have gotten in the room when we went up which would have somewhat more than the 2 fichas she got for the beer.

Her loss.

As for the RR chica I let the game be played until I thought it was getting out of hand. I had established a limit of how many drinks I was willing to buy for a chica before I stepped through the door and I did not waver from my limit. In hindsight, could I have gotten a greater return on my investment? Probably, so I just chalk it up to experience knowing next time I go in there it will be different.

As fro the AB bait and switch, bottom line is she didn't get the extra $40 and I walked down the steps happy anyhow.

My feeling is when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade!

[Country John]

CJ,

Was a long story. I knew her from her days at AB and she called me earlier in the day to meet her at CC. Had nothing to do with being cool or going with the flow; the place was dead as a doornail. What she really did was screw herself out of what she would have gotten in the room when we went up which would have somewhat more than the 2 fichas she got for the beer.

Her loss.

As for the RR chica I let the game be played until I thought it was getting out of hand. I had established a limit of how many drinks I was willing to buy for a chica before I stepped through the door and I did not waver from my limit. In hindsight, could I have gotten a greater return on my investment? Probably, so I just chalk it up to experience knowing next time I go in there it will be different.

As fro the AB bait and switch, bottom line is she didn't get the extra $40 and I walked down the steps happy anyhow.

My feeling is when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade!

From the tone of your original post I figured you had your head on straight but I just wanted to check with you. Thanks for clearing that up.

Country John

[Gilgamesh]

Well me and a buddy went to TJ last week. First trip during the afternoon/early evening and the second trip the next morning/afternoon. We walked around and hit the usual places, but on the first night, my buddy unfortunately had a headache from all the drinking. We stopped by a pharamacy by ElTorito and he bought some over the counter headache meds. popped it and we hit AB. I was astonished by the amount of dudes there. WTF? It was a Tuesday night around 7pm and the place was more packed than I've ever seen it. However, there was one of the most beautiful chicas I've ever seen, ANYWHERE. My buddy and I were making eye contact and admiring at least 3 trophies, but this one was. :P Of course as we debated the beauty and other things, another guy took his turn with her. Good for him, but in the end, we left and continued to talk about what we had seen. However as we started to cross the bridge over the sewer river, we were searched by the "toothless" polica. (LOL) Of course I had thoughts, but I knew we were clear to pass without any problems. Unfortunately they focused on my buddies headache medicine and said of course that it was not legal. In the end I paid them 25 USD, and before we reached the other end, we got harassed again. :( It's been a few months since I'd been to TJ and I use to go every other week. I got sick of the polica BS. Even though they only got 25 compared to 500 in one of my previous posts I'm sick of the BS. Will I go back? Probably, because of the legal ramifacations in the US. I'd love to open a bowl of RICE CRISPIES on the toothless. Don't mind me, I'm just pissed because I didn't get any. (LOL) Always, be safe, respectful, and pass on knowledge.

[Fla Fun]

tijuana, mexico - the police department has issued about 60 slingshots to officers in the violent border city of tijuana, where soldiers confirep001ed police weapons two weeks ago on allegations of collusion with drug traffickers.

municipal police spokesman fernando bojorquez said monday that the slingshots, along with bags of ball bearings, were given to officers patrolling areas of the city visited by tourists.

tijuana's police force of 2,000 officers has been without guns since jan. 5, but some patrol alongside armed state police.

president felipe calderon sent 3,300 soldiers and federal police to tijuana at the beginning of january to hunt down drug gangs.

[Nero X]

TJ is better then ever with the removal of guns from them cops.

[Country John]

tijuana, mexico - the police department has issued about 60 slingshots to officers in the violent border city of tijuana, where soldiers confirep001ed police weapons two weeks ago on allegations of collusion with drug traffickers.

municipal police spokesman fernando bojorquez said monday that the slingshots, along with bags of ball bearings, were given to officers patrolling areas of the city visited by tourists.

tijuana's police force of 2,000 officers has been without guns since jan. 5, but some patrol alongside armed state police.

president felipe calderon sent 3,300 soldiers and federal police to tijuana at the beginning of january to hunt down drug gangs.

word (official) is that it's a joke, in an attempt to ridicule the feds for taking away the weapons from everyone. the chief of police said they were issued as a symbol of the rediculousness of the actions of the federales.

the chief was noticably silent on the fact that there have been about 80 arrests (of tjpd officers) since the investigation began, and that about 20 of them are in prison at this time.

so, let them have the slingshots until the investigation is complete.

as a side comment, i have respect for any person who patrols a dangerous city like tijuana without a weapon. too bad they allowed the corruption to become so deep rooted within the department. i feel sorry for the good men and women who are now exposed to a very serious and dangerous environment with nothing more than a slingshot to protect them.

country john

[Country John]

The cops got their guns back. Investigations continue but the guns are back on the street.

Country John

[Voyajer1]

So brace ourselves for armed robbery, er, I mean TJ police searches? They are really ruining their city. This is f*ck$d up!


The cops got their guns back. Investigations continue but the guns are back on the street.

Country John

[Country John]

So brace ourselves for armed robbery, er, I mean TJ police searches? They are really ruining their city. This is f*ck$d up!

The problem is that people fold easily when the cops play their game. When people understand that, things will improve. Not one minute before.

Country John

[John Rain]

I headed down to TJ Sunday afternoon and stayed overnight at a hotel in the Alley.

There was no unusual police activity that I saw with the exception of a police pickup truck parked on Primera at the Arch. I didn't see them bother anyone while I was walking by, but made note of it and stayed clear of it after dark.

I was on foot, so I don't know about checkpoints elsewhere, but Calle Coahuila and Callejon Coahuila and Constitution were completely normal. As usual, there were occasional strolling pairs of officers, but I didn't see them hassling any tourists. Monday morning they were making the normal sweeps to clear out the bums sleeping on the street. There were no Federal army soldiers anywhere to be seen.

Be safe, have fun.

[Member #2041]

There was no unusual police activity that I saw with the exception of a police pickup truck parked on Primera at the Arch. I didn't see them bother anyone while I was walking by, but made note of it and stayed clear of it after dark.

I disagree, at least on Tuesday, TJ was absolutely swarming with cops, and they seemed to be stopping lots of gringos who appeared to simply be minding their own business. Including many who simply got out of a cab near the border itself, I witnessed being immediately interrogated by several TJ police, and others merely walking across the bridge from the border crossing over the river toward the zona. This in broad daylight between 1 and 3 in the afternoon.

I felt quite fortunate to get in, get laid, and get out without being harrassed by the cops on tuesday.

[John Rain]

I disagree, at least on Tuesday, TJ was absolutely swarming with cops, and they seemed to be stopping lots of gringos who appeared to simply be minding their own business. Including many who simply got out of a cab near the border itself, I witnessed being immediately interrogated by several TJ police, and others merely walking across the bridge from the border crossing over the river toward the zona. This in broad daylight between 1 and 3 in the afternoon.
Just goes to show you different experiences at different times and places. To be specific, I arrived at 3 pm Sunday. As always, I took a cab from the border to the Arch on Revolution. Personally, I have never once walked to or from the border on foot. $5 for a taxi seems reasonable to me, as strongly recommended in the Brockton O'Toole Guide. To quote Brockton:

You may be tempted to save the cab fare and walk from the pedestrian entry over the bridge into downtown TJ. THIS IS *EXTREMELY* DANGEROUS AND YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IT! The neighborhoods you must traverse are not exactly the nicest parts of TJ. And there are bandidos who lurk along this route who specialize in robbing unwary foreign pedestrians. Be safe not sorry. Pay the taxi. Ditto for your return to the border. Again: WALKING BETWEEN THE ZONA NORTE AND THE BORDER IS *EXTREMELY* DANGEROUS! Plain enough?

Of course, what Brockton doesn't say is that the Banditos can actually be the POLICE.

Anyway, as I mentioned there was a police pickup parked at the Arch at about 4 or 5 pm. Since I knew it was there, I didn't return there that night. Additionally, while I was out on Sunday night past 2 am, I just stayed in the Alley or around front on Coahuila. I did walk around the block five or six times during the course of the evening. I did not wander any further that night.

Monday morning I walked from the Alley up to Revolution to use the ATM at 9 am and then went to Gigante to pickup a few things. Of course there were police at the little sub-station on Constitution, but this is always the case. As I was returning to my hotel, I saw a police truck parked at the far end of the Alley doing the normal morning sweeps.

I did take a street girl to Sanborn's for lunch at 11 am. We took a cab. There was a cop standing outside Sanborn's, but he didn't acknowledge us and seemed be waiting for a ride or to meet someone. After lunch, we walked all the way from Sanborn's down Revolution to my hotel in the Alley. There were no cops seen the entire way, except for one directing traffic at second or third street. I took a cab back to the border at 1:00 pm and didn't see any police walking around at the border at all.

Sorry to hear that they are still harassing people.

[Hizark21]

I always walk to downtown across the bridge. I have never had any problems with crime. With the exception of the cops it's fairly safe. The streets leading to Revolucion are tourist areas so there is always people around. If you don't want to walk there is a some shuttle buses you can take from the border. They stop just before you walk across the freeway bridge.

It's very disturbing to hear that the cops are being so blatant about harassing tourists.

[Monger X]

Had a chance to spend a few hours in the Zona fior the first time in over a month. Crossing in was typically uneventful; passed on the yellow cabs and got a Libre for $3 to Adelita Bar. When we got there the driver seemed a little nervous to stop and for the first time I was asked if near Manhattan was OK to let me out as Tijuanas finest was writing another Libre a ticket right in front of AB. Guessing only the yellows are allowed to stop at AB? Unimpressed with the selection at AB I took a stroll to the corner and headed for the alley. No major police presence (the usuals on Constitucion at the sub station). Spent a couple interesting hours in HK and cruised the alley again- still no policia. Down to the corner for a couple tacos and another Libre back to the border. Usual dropoff at the Sentri lane, couple cops at their car further back, 3 cops not paying attention to anyone at the bottom of the bridge. This was about 5 PM.

[Member #2041]

I have never had any issues walking across the bridge to Downtown in Daylight. Other than this recent episode of witnessing cops harrassing gringo tourists, I have never even seen anything that could remotely be considered a problem, in probably over a hundred visits. Worst thing is the typical crippled beggars, but they certainly seem to me to be totally harmless during daylight hours.

The one time I did the walk at night, there seemed to be some several shady characters hanging around, and I was glad that there were plenty of other pedestrians crossing at the time. Since then, I've never done that walk at night, preferring to take either a bus or cab back. But in the afternoons, when I normally go to the zona, I don't think that there is any risk on the pedestrian bridge, OTHER than the cops themselves.

I should point out that there has been alot of urban renewal in that area in the 8-10 years or so since the Brockton O'Tool posts were written. A couple of streets that used to be barrio back alleys on this route (the 2 blocks between the bridge and the arch) are now rows of tourist shops and restaurants.

[Member #4450]

02-06-07 at 13:38
Falcon77
Regular Member
Reports: 7
QUOTE:

TJ Police
I had a bad experience down in TJ recently, even though I had done some homework by reading lots of these threads.

After crossing the border around noon, I took a cab directly to Adaletias and briefly checked out the place. Then I went to the alley and picked up a pretty young SG. Frankly she was disappointing, especially compared to Costa Rica and the Dom Rep.

Then I decided to just wander around a bit, within a block of the zone. I saw a guy getting frisked by the cops, but I didn't think much of it since I had not been drinking and had no drugs of any kind (even asprin as recommended by this board). Well I was wrong.

Two cops drive up in their car and ask me what I'm doing. I politely responded that I was just walking around the area since this was my first time in TJ. They frisked me and found that I had a couple condoms, a map of the zone and some notes I had taken about the zone. I also had about $150, passport and a check card.

They put me in the car and told me that they now had "evidence" that I was soliciting prostitution and that they were taking me to the police station to go before a judge. I said that prostitution was legal in the zone and that I did not do anything illegal.

The cop said the rules change, and then he asked me if I had cocaine or was looking to buy drugs! Holy crap, I'm a clean cut professional that never takes drugs - but it occurs to me that these cops might try to frame me.

They said that I would be held for 72 hours, unless I paid a bond. Yep, I had to pay the bastards off. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before so please be careful out there.

Hornytraveler Quote:

There's more corrupted cops at the zona right now, the soldiers are away into TJ beaches and Rosarito area, and I've seen Ca plates getting pull over at the zona this past Tuesday around 3pm. A taxi driver told me TJ finest are robbing the tourists more often, and there's less tourists presence because of it!


Just a warning to everyone in this board.

[Country John]

02-06-07 at 13:38
Falcon77
Regular Member
Reports: 7
QUOTE:

TJ Police
I had a bad experience down in TJ recently, even though I had done some homework by reading lots of these threads.

After crossing the border around noon, I took a cab directly to Adaletias and briefly checked out the place. Then I went to the alley and picked up a pretty young SG. Frankly she was disappointing, especially compared to Costa Rica and the Dom Rep.

Then I decided to just wander around a bit, within a block of the zone. I saw a guy getting frisked by the cops, but I didn't think much of it since I had not been drinking and had no drugs of any kind (even asprin as recommended by this board). Well I was wrong.

Two cops drive up in their car and ask me what I'm doing. I politely responded that I was just walking around the area since this was my first time in TJ. They frisked me and found that I had a couple condoms, a map of the zone and some notes I had taken about the zone. I also had about $150, passport and a check card.

They put me in the car and told me that they now had "evidence" that I was soliciting prostitution and that they were taking me to the police station to go before a judge. I said that prostitution was legal in the zone and that I did not do anything illegal.

The cop said the rules change, and then he asked me if I had cocaine or was looking to buy drugs! Holy crap, I'm a clean cut professional that never takes drugs - but it occurs to me that these cops might try to frame me.

They said that I would be held for 72 hours, unless I paid a bond. Yep, I had to pay the bastards off. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before so please be careful out there.

Hornytraveler Quote:

There's more corrupted cops at the zona right now, the soldiers are away into TJ beaches and Rosarito area, and I've seen Ca plates getting pull over at the zona this past Tuesday around 3pm. A taxi driver told me TJ finest are robbing the tourists more often, and there's less tourists presence because of it!


Just a warning to everyone in this board.

Next time, GO TO SEE THE JUDGE.

[Roguesta]

I don't think that it's a good idea to volunteer that it's your first time in TJ. That's what they're looking for....a newbie.

[John Rain]

Also, probably not a good idea to argue that prostitution is legal while sitting in the back of a police squad car.

In retrospect, our friend here got rattled, they smelled it, circled their prey, and went in for the money.

Don't know if I would have done any better.

I've been stopped on the street by an officier on foot once as noted in this post:
First Time.

And by a roving squad car with two cops as noted here:
Second Time.

Both times I evaded problems, but my sense was that these were good police officiers. Had they not been, my story could have been much different.

[Country John]

I'm surprised that this hasn't made the board yet, but listen up.

A person (an American gringo) purported to be the owner of an internet based escort service called "Team Juanita" was arrested by Tijuana Police on Monday of this week and is currently in jail on various charges having to do with prostitution.

All of the details are not yet known and I have no personal information outside that which is in the public domain. The Federal Police in Mexico are still investigating the matter.

According to published reports, the police have custody of a computer and a book which is said to contain detailed information concerning clients, their contact info, their preferences etc. This information was broadcast of television in Tijuana this week.

There is also a very serious allegation that this service engaged the services of persons who have not yet reached the legal age of consent in Mexico. Again, I have no personal knowledge as to the validity of these charges or issues.

It has not been verified whether or not police will persue anyone engaging in illegal activity with this service (if you get my drift) and anyone with any first hand knowledge of such should take whatever action they deem appropriate under the circumstances. To my knowledge, the USA authorities are not involved although they have offered to assist TJPD with computer forensics. If you believe you might have been victimized by any illegal activity, you should consult with your attorney BEFORE returning to Mexico.

It is not clear whether other Tijuana Internet based escort services are being watched at this time therefore precautions should be taken so as to avoid any possible violation of the laws of Mexico.

I would suggest that you enjoy the entertainment offered at Adelitas, Chicago Club, Tropcal, Miami etc. for the time being.

You can, of course, do whatever the hell you want, but be advised that you should take extreme caution in your dealings in TJ and heed all the warnings respecting your dealings there.

Be Safe and Be Nice
Country John

[Heyzeus]

Since someone else brought this subject up here's a link to a story about this internet pimp. This may come as a shock for some of you but this moron just happens to be an ex-con.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/02/13/news/nation/14_27_452_13_07.txt

[Nero X]

Conducting illegal business in Mexico is stupid just like anywhere else.

Even more stupid the one doing it being a foreigner.

[One Wing Low]

Zona Roja was never this slow on a Thursday night.

Mongers probably decided to stay home in droves on hearing of frequent shakedowns by Mexican pigs.

There were fewer cops around in Zona Roja than before. Everything was orderly. Saw no arrest or shake down by El Porno Mexicano. Hopefully the chicas, including the fuck robots in Adelita, will soon do 50% close out discount across the board.

[Country John]

Since someone else brought this subject up here's a link to a story about this internet pimp. This may come as a shock for some of you but this moron just happens to be an ex-con.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/02/13/news/nation/14_27_452_13_07.txt

There's not much to say except that I we knew that this day might come. Too bad, he ran a great service and he was well liked by the girls. He took very good care of them. 90-% of what is written is not true. He was busted for the illegal act of pandering, all the rest is media hype. (He is a convicted felon, but served his time as well as his parole.)

I never had a professional relationship with him nor did I use his service. There are a lot of ex-cons in TJ. This guy was not a violent man. He just made a stupid mistake and got caught. The escort business was well managed. But that's all history.

TJPD needed some PR and column inches. He unfortunately was a very obvious target mainly because he is gringo. He operated fort over two years with no problems. TJPD knew he was out there. They just decided to take him out. Too bad.

Country John

[John Rain]

Zona Roja was never this slow on a Thursday night.
I was in Tijuana two weeks ago (Super Bowl Sunday). As to be expected, it was slow as far as mongers, but I was also surprised that at least 5 or 6 daytime girls I know by name were gone on vacation.

No doubt business is down.

[One Wing Low]

I parked my car marginally at the lot on the US side, next to Jack in the Box. The parking guy asked me if I had blocked anyone, I said 'no way."

I drove home and the car felt sluggish. The next day I found both rear tires had screws at about the same spots on the tires. The tires were leaking air slowly.

Just for that, I will get his girl friend pregnant, so he can feed my chirldren for the rest of his attendant life.

[Country John]

I parked my car marginally at the lot on the US side, next to Jack in the Box. The parking guy asked me if I had blocked anyone, I said 'no way."

I drove home and the car felt sluggish. The next day I found both rear tires had screws at about the same spots on the tires. The tires were leaking air slowly.

Just for that, I will get his girl friend pregnant, so he can feed my chirldren for the rest of his attendant life.

You parked your car "marginally?" WTF does that mean OWL? You must know by now that you can't park in the States like people park in Mexico!! It looks like you got screwed at least twice while there. (hehehehe) I feel for you, mate.

I blew out a new GY Eagle in a fucking pothole on Saturday in Los Pinos. I bought the "acts of God" warranty so I'll be replaced but what a hassle.....sheesh......

I'm not going to complain tooooo much though. It appears that every pothole in Los Pinos was filled in over the last few days, so someone in Los Pinos/La Pressa has pull.

Country John

[Hizark21]

I was wondering if the situation with the cops has changed much since they got their guns back. I heard a report the cops are shaking down tourists at the pedestrian bridge where the taxi's let them off..

There was also some talk that the cops have the right to detain suspect for 72 hours before they see the judge..?? There was also a news report that the corruption extends very high in the police administration. So I am wondering how much good it will do to tell a cop you want to see his supervisor or captain...?

[Heyzeus]

I was wondering if the situation with the cops has changed much since they got their guns back. I heard a report the cops are shaking down tourists at the pedestrian bridge where the taxi's let them off..

There was also some talk that the cops have the right to detain suspect for 72 hours before they see the judge..?? There was also a news report that the corruption extends very high in the police administration. So I am wondering how much good it will do to tell a cop you want to see his supervisor or captain...?I seems as though they're making up for the money they lost when the city was controlled by the federal troops. I've seen and heard on another board that especially near the sentri taxi dropoff more mongers are being stopped and searched by the police than in the past.

FYI if you take a cab to la linea do yourself a favor and don't have the cab driver drop you off in front of the police post at the u-turn. It's a dead giveaway to the cops that most likely you have money on you. Either have the driver pull ahead past the post so that you are out of sight. Or tell the driver not to turn at the sentri lanes and to drop you off where the pedestrian sidewalk ends which is about 100 yards East of left turn to the sentri lanes.

[Hobby Fan]

Hizark and others:

According to TJ specific boards, corrupt police robberies at Sentri (where Pedestrian bridge ends) are now worse than ever. Beware. I have been robbed there within the last week, despite walking directly, using hidden pockets, speaking good Spanish, etc. The US border station people told me that this now happens every night.

Try to travel in groups. Hide any large bills EXTREMELY well and leave some small or medium sized ones for them to find and steal, as they do very complete searches.

Do not argue at all, or you may go for a ride for a few days.

Is it worth it to visit Tijuana now? I am having my doubts....it takes forever to cross back during the day, and the night is risky.

[Hizark21]

Thanks for the info, but I am still looking for a definitive answer as to what a persons legal rights are if a person is clean.

I would assume that if the cops stop you at night they could try and hold you overnight to see the judge. But I wonder what a cops superiors will do. I also wonder what happens if you request the cops badge number..?

The main thing is for all of us to start complaining to the Mexican consulate and let everyone know what is happening..?? Tell all your friends and give them the ph # to contact the government. Then tell the consulate that you will not go to Mexico until this corruption stops. TJ is very dependent on tourism and the federal government will be forced to act if people start avoiding TJ.

[Dreams]

Hizark and others:

According to TJ specific boards, corrupt police robberies at Sentri (where Pedestrian bridge ends) are now worse than ever. Beware. I have been robbed there within the last week, despite walking directly, using hidden pockets, speaking good Spanish, etc. The US border station people told me that this now happens every night.

Try to travel in groups. Hide any large bills EXTREMELY well and leave some small or medium sized ones for them to find and steal, as they do very complete searches.

Do not argue at all, or you may go for a ride for a few days.

Is it worth it to visit Tijuana now? I am having my doubts....it takes forever to cross back during the day, and the night is risky.

Take the MexicanCoach. $ 8 return, every 20-30 min, Takes you to revolucion on 7th I think. Then a cab for $ 2 to the Zona. On the way back, no risk of hassle by cops, you stay in the coach, bypass the queue..
But last coach leaves back to the Us at 8.30 pm..

[Country John]

When you are in Mexico, you are at risk for an encounter with the cops, just because you are IN MEXICO.

Now: what increases the risk of an encounter? What are the chances that the cop is dirty?

Both questions depend on the circumstances.

Understand that if you're riding dirty and are stopped you ARE GOING TO PAY.

If you are clean but ancounter a ditry cop you might get robbed but it depends on the situation.

The cops know that you don't know shit about the legal system and they also know you're easily intimidated. They "go for it" because they know these things and they think (because you are American) that you can afford it anyway so "no harm - no foul."

My last encounter was in the Zona on Saturday night in my car. I was stopped in a bad spot, but my paperwork was in order, I had nothing wrong int he car and I was not drinking. I was polite and co-operative but firm. No problems.

It goes with the territory my friends. I've said it many times: "Develop a mechanism for dealing with it." Yuo'll be OK if you do.

In any case be advised that travel into any "high risk" destination can have consequesnces and with all that has been written on this board, ignorace of those risks is no excuse.

Country John

[Surfer]

the BS is getting worse on BOTH sides of border (corrupt cops at taxi drop off AND ridiculous waits at US border) and is really putting a damper onmaking quick jaunts to the zona Norte. The MexiCoach isn't a bad idea, but who wants to come home at 8pm (just as the action is heating up)?

My friend just got popped there (at taxi drop off point) despite being clean. They removed $40 of evidence when they searched his wallet. I had warned him about that spot, and showed him my trick of waiting in the cab until the cops were distracted by some other poor SOB before quickly exiting and walking into the line, but he said it was deserted when he arrived so waiting for a diversion was impossible. Another trick is to get dropped off by the Yellow taxi stand across the road, then as soon as you get off the pedestrian bridge high tail it left towards the border line and shops where any shakedowns would be more visible. In theory, they placed those cops there to protect gringos exiting taxis but Mexican cops are opportunists and it did not take long before the ostensible protectors began themselves fleecing the flock.

I am surprised to see a wise, experienced TJ hand like CountryJohn suggest "hiding the large bills". ANYBODY with ANY common sense knows NOT to bring big money down there to begin with. Leave your wallet and credit cards AT HOME (or locked in the trunk of your car)! ONLY bring with you what you NEED for the evening! Duh.

I carry enough cash for the night and no more, DL, pocket rocket, astroglide and condoms (unless you want to pay a dollar for a balloon in a foil packet!) NOTHING else.

Take the Viagra BEFORE crossing the border as this has become the number1 excuse to extort money from gringos. The prices asked for V in la zona are laughable so forget buying it there. Costco has best prices for the Pfizer product, but all I have used almost since being educated about V is the Indian made generic called Vee-Tab which costs 50 cents a tab in Cambodia (and other third World countries). You can legally import 50 tabs WITHOUT prescription BUT you MUST declare it on your customs form (which I have never even seen at the San Ysidro checkpoint so you likely need to ask for a declaration form ). And legality has nothing to do with police in TJ shaking down gringos so if you carry V in Mexico it is risky. "We don't need no stinkin badges" really sums up the attitude of law enforcement in that most corrupt part of the most corrupt city in the most corrupt state of the most corrupt country."

The ease of access from El Norte is the SOLE reason TJ's whoring exists as it is (the non touristy whoring scene in areas far from the border or tourist resorts, i.e. casas or chongos, look NOTHING like Adelita's or HK). Even though the increasing hassles are deterring many savy visitors, the sheer number keeps la zona alive despite the best efforts of the bureaucrats on BOTH sides of the border to make the border crossing as unpleasant as possible.

[Country John]

I am surprised to see a wise, experienced TJ hand like CountryJohn suggest "hiding the large bills". ANYBODY with ANY common sense knows NOT to bring big money down there to begin with. Leave your wallet and credit cards AT HOME (or locked in the trunk of your car)! ONLY bring with you what you NEED for the evening! Duh.


Well..... unfortunately many mongers do come back with large bills mainly because they didn't get any action while in the zona or for one reason or another didn't play while they were there. Other mongers might have won a bet or two at the Caliente, or perhaps scored a decent payback at the slots on Revolution.

Another way to have large bills when returning is to have lots of pesos and then convert them to dollars.

There are several ways a monger can find himself homeward bound with some long green. It's how you handle it when you get to the drop off. It's a no-brainer.

You can hide it (since they won't do a strip-search) or you can keep it in your hand. In any case you should count your money BEFORE getting out of the cab so you know what you got.

Everyone certainly knows that drug arrests are up as are drug seizures at the border. Mexico is wondering how these guys are getting past them. Add the corruption factor and you have a volitile mix. I agree with Surfer: Not having a lot of money when you return is the easy answer however.

Country John

[Hyperpunx]

Country John or anyone.

What is the latest on the guy from Team Juanita. Heard anything? I'm just wondering what to do since at one point in time I *might* have used their services. Am I safe? Or will I be prosecuted. I'm soo scared right now.

[One Wing Low]

... personal escort for the tough guys in TJ prison...



Country John or anyone.

What is the latest on the guy from Team Juanita. Heard anything? I'm just wondering what to do since at one point in time I *might* have used their services. Am I safe? Or will I be prosecuted. I'm soo scared right now.

[One Wing Low]

I went back with a wingman around midnight.

The policia pulled my wingman over agains a tree and searched him, going through his wallet and his pockets ect....

The guy had $10 left in his pocket but they did not take it. He was let go after about 10 minutes.

The policia at the zona rojas now do not have guns. They have a bunch of other weapons and their radios. They can still seriously injure people. I think they are better off without guns. If they run into gangsters with machine guns, they can always call in armed reinforcement or the Federalis.

[Country John]

Country John or anyone.

What is the latest on the guy from Team Juanita. Heard anything? I'm just wondering what to do since at one point in time I *might* have used their services. Am I safe? Or will I be prosecuted. I'm soo scared right now.

On Friday (last week) I bailed Dennis out of La Mesa prison. Bail was set at $90,000. pesos. The bail was paid in cash.

Dennis was very happy to get out obviously and had suffered greatly while there. I'm serious folks, BEHAVE in TJ. La Mesa is hell on earth.

As for the service, I'm not certain what the future holds. Knowing what I know about the case (a complete frame-up, and nicely done) he should walk after all the facts come to light.

Note to mongers: If you are arrested, do NOT sign a statement without an english translator (court approved) present and having had explained the charges and what you are signing etc. It is required to have the statement admitted as evidence.

I don;t want to divulge what was in the case file or other details as this would be putting Dennis's business on the street and it would not be fair.

I would continue using your favorite escorts however as Dennis's arrest had nothing to due with enforcing the moral integrity of the laws of Mexico, and more with protecting the interests of a few thugs.

If you want to contribute to the bail fund (anything will help) as I try to recover my money you are welcomed to PM me.

Another piece of advice: If you are going to engage in risky behavior in Mexico, you'd better have an escape plan. That means you shoud have some omoney in the bank and a solid contact in Mexico. You do NOT want to spend time at La Mesa Prison.

Be safe and be nice
Country John

[Surfer]

Whatever details you can give about this without compromising your friend's position would be appreciated.

The shakedowns at taxi dropoff point sound like they are getting out of control . Add that to the long waits, and driving through Otay Mesa crossing seems like a viable option at this juncture.

[Country John]

whatever details you can give about this without compromising your friend's position would be appreciated.

the shakedowns at taxi dropoff point sound like they are getting out of control . add that to the long waits, and driving through otay mesa crossing seems like a viable option at this juncture.

many girls work in the industry without supervision and without a safety net. many girls get beat up, don;t get paid, gang raped etc when they show up to a hotel or house.

the legalities of running an escort service notwithstanding, dennis was always very protective of the girls. he qualified the clients as best he could and tried to do everything to protect them and make sure they were paid. he often said it was his biggest fear that a girl would get hurt. he dropped them off, picked them up, took care of them and he did a great job. he was never involved in any matter involving children - a totally false claim.

i can't get into the specifics of how what happened came about because there is no way to know who is reading the board, but i will say that authorities have ignored more high profile services and grabbed dennis for a bullshit deal.

one of the girls is still in jail and that's really sad. dennis will try to get her out.

regarding the cops at the drop off, just be on your toes. if you have cash, hold it in your hand. you will have to develop a mechanism for dealing with them. if you do, you'll be ok because they make their money off those who do not have a mechanism and are easily intimidated.

country john

[Embel]

Regarding the cops at the drop off, just be on your toes. If you have cash, hold it in your hand. You will have to develop a mechanism for dealing with them. Uh, I'm not too intuitive socially. This seems like vague advice to me. Do you mean pay them off, or rather, this is how to avoid paying them off?

It seems to me (from my experiences with American police and foreign border guards) that part of any "mechanism for dealing with" law enforcement agents is to not *volunteer* anything -- not answers or other information, not money. Speak only when spoken to. Answer only precisely to what you have been asked. If they aren't satisfied with what they're getting from you, they'll surely make that clear.

Have patience: they may make you sweat it out, detaining you for minutes or hours. Once they decide to hold you for a while, they may try to psyche you out by leaving you hanging for long periods.

The advice from you and others, "be courteous, but firm", is of the highest importance.

Back to "hold it in your hand" -- huh?

[Hyperpunx]

Country John,

So I should be safe and not worry anymore?

[Roguesta]

'Holding it in your hand' is good advice. It simply shows them that you know what they might do, and that you know their game. I always add, "con respeto" as I take the money out of my wallet. Keep things light and non-confrontational. They are looking for easy prey, and if you seem confident, they will usually just let you go, and tell you to be safe. At least, this has been my experience.

[Voyajer1]

many girls work in the industry without supervision and without a safety net. many girls get beat up, don;t get paid, gang raped etc when they show up to a hotel or house.

the legalities of running an escort service notwithstanding, dennis was always very protective of the girls. he qualified the clients as best he could and tried to do everything to protect them and make sure they were paid. he often said it was his biggest fear that a girl would get hurt. he dropped them off, picked them up, took care of them and he did a great job. he was never involved in any matter involving children - a totally false claim.

i can't get into the specifics of how what happened came about because there is no way to know who is reading the board, but i will say that authorities have ignored more high profile services and grabbed dennis for a bullshit deal.

one of the girls is still in jail and that's really sad. dennis will try to get her out.

regarding the cops at the drop off, just be on your toes. if you have cash, hold it in your hand. you will have to develop a mechanism for dealing with them. if you do, you'll be ok because they make their money off those who do not have a mechanism and are easily intimidated.

country johngentlemen,

i've been all over the world in search of, well, great ass. i must say that, for us citizens to tolerate a country's police stealing and roughing up americans is extremely appalling. yet, worse, to continue patronizing such a place. are you kidding me? i've been to over 30 countries around the world, and yes, there is always corruption. however, i have never seen or heard of so many getting screwed by a foreign nation's authorities (they are) and we continue to patronize them? this makes them think that this is an accepted consequence of visiting their nation, their city. this is absolute nonsense. i live less than 6 hours from tijuana and plan on never accepting this situation as normal. being robbed by the police? would you like to get robbed by your city's police force? hell no. so why are we putting up with this? if we continue to patronize this city and country like this is part of the culture, it is only going to get worse. much worse. i'd rather spend $2, 000 going elsewhere and not giving them the satisfation of been an american who they can just punked out of any amount of money by just being there by their freaking police. it is just wrong. if we stop coming in large enough numbers, believe me; they have to fix the situation. we have to hit them where it hurts. eventually, someone on this board who just keep taking chances (i hope no one suffers this fate) will end up getting hurt by their so called law enforcement for no reason. searching for a piece of ass shouldn't be dangerous. should it?

[Country John]

'Holding it in your hand' is good advice. It simply shows them that you know what they might do, and that you know their game. I always add, "con respeto" as I take the money out of my wallet. Keep things light and non-confrontational. They are looking for easy prey, and if you seem confident, they will usually just let you go, and tell you to be safe. At least, this has been my experience.

Thanks Roguesta, that's exeactly what I mean.

Sometimes I have 3 seconds to do a post so proofing and editing are not always possible and I apologise for that. But the above is correct. Thanks.

Country John

[Fla Fun]

During my last trip to Tijuana, I took a friend and we decided to sleep on the US side. We wanted to be two or three blocks from the border so we could walk back to the border. We stayed at the Travelodge right next to the border located at 643 E. San Ysidero Blvd. After we checked in, we walked across the border and spent the evening in Tijuana. After we came back to the hotel, my friend walked into his room, and closed the door. I inserted my hotel security card into the door for my room, and opened the door.

As I looked inside my room, I found a guy had gotten into my room, he was still inside the room now starring at me asking me what I was doing in “his room” . I looked at him, he was wearing one my shirts and my blue jeans over his pants.

I was still standing in the door way I looked around the room the guy had went through all my stuff and threw everything all over the room. The guy starts to run straight at me and he tried to push his way by me and to get through the door. I was pissed, I grabbed him and threw him back into the room. He fell backwards, and I started pounding on my friend’s door. Luckily, the rooms doors where right next to each other, only a couple of inches apart. My friend opened his door and I started telling what happened . I asked him to call the hotel security and the police.

My friend and I are guarding the door and up comes the hotel night manager and less then a one minute later five San Diego Police cars show up. I had the receipt for room in my pocket. To shorten a long story they arrested the guy in my room. He had already sold some of my stuff to someone else in the hotel a few rooms down.

The police knocked on their door so I could identify my stuff, they ran their names, it turns out they had two outstanding arrest warrants, those two got arrested. Next the guy in my room had some drugs in his procession, and he told the police where he was buying the drugs. The police sent a unit and they arrested two more guys sitting in a parked van a couple of blocks away selling drugs. The total for the night was 5 arrested and the police thought the next day they would get the suppliers of the guys parked in the van. It was a gang that was selling the drugs.

The San Diego Police are great, they really tried to help me. I can’t say enough about how good they were.

It turns out a Travelodge employee had rented my room out to someone else earlier in the day for cash and never processed a hotel registration card. I think he wanted to make a little extra money. When I checked in the night clerk was not aware that a security card had already been issued for my room to someone else. So that is how the guy was able to break into my room. The next day, I went to file a complaint/claim with the Hotel Manager for the items that the Police where unable to recover. The Hotel Day Manager replied, “the night manger told her the story”. She said it wasn’t the fault of the hotel. The police left around 6:00 am, so I never got to sleep that night. I wasn’t offered a free night stay, a discount, not even an apology. Before the police left, the night manger did move me into another room, in case the guys got of jail. I spent the next couple of days very carefully watching my back.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[Dreams]

Gentlemen,

I've been all over the world in search of, well, great ass. I must say that, for us citizens to tolerate a country's police stealing and roughing up Americans is extremely appalling. Yet, worse, to continue patronizing such a place. Are you kidding me? I've been to over 30 countries around the world, and yes, there is always corruption. However, I have never seen or heard of so many getting screwed by a foreign nation's authorities (They are) and we continue to patronize them? This makes them think that this is an accepted consequence of visiting their nation, their city. This is absolute nonsense. I live less than 6 hours from Tijuana and plan on never accepting this situation as normal. Being robbed by the police? Would you like to get robbed by your city's police force? Hell no. So why are we putting up with this? If we continue to patronize this city and country like this is part of the culture, it is only going to get worse. Much worse. I'd rather spend $2, 000 going elsewhere and not giving them the satisfation of been an American who they can just punked out of any amount of money by just being there by their freaking police. It is just wrong. If we stop coming in large enough numbers, believe me; they have to fix the situation. We have to hit them where it hurts. Eventually, someone on this board who just keep taking chances (I hope no one suffers this fate) will end up getting hurt by their so called law enforcement for no reason. Searching for a piece of ass shouldn't be dangerous. Should it?Well. Your feelings as an American in Mexico echoes mine as a European in the US. So I don't go to the US anymore. I am sure that everyone will aprreciate that whole world has to loook at the Us police as an example of uncorrupted, good mannered, safe, courteous and efficient police force. Luckily since the US is the worst place for mongering, I don't need to go there. And I go to Mexico. And elsewhere. The good news is that I won't meet you tere

[Country John]

Gentlemen,

I've been all over the world in search of, well, great ass. I must say that, for us citizens to tolerate a country's police stealing and roughing up Americans is extremely appalling. Yet, worse, to continue patronizing such a place. Are you kidding me? I've been to over 30 countries around the world, and yes, there is always corruption. However, I have never seen or heard of so many getting screwed by a foreign nation's authorities (They are) and we continue to patronize them? This makes them think that this is an accepted consequence of visiting their nation, their city. This is absolute nonsense. I live less than 6 hours from Tijuana and plan on never accepting this situation as normal. Being robbed by the police? Would you like to get robbed by your city's police force? Hell no. So why are we putting up with this? If we continue to patronize this city and country like this is part of the culture, it is only going to get worse. Much worse. I'd rather spend $2, 000 going elsewhere and not giving them the satisfation of been an American who they can just punked out of any amount of money by just being there by their freaking police. It is just wrong. If we stop coming in large enough numbers, believe me; they have to fix the situation. We have to hit them where it hurts. Eventually, someone on this board who just keep taking chances (I hope no one suffers this fate) will end up getting hurt by their so called law enforcement for no reason. Searching for a piece of ass shouldn't be dangerous. Should it?Your post is not unlike thousands of others and is no less correct than any of them. It's never right to be victimized by the police anywhere at any time. America is no shining example of model law enforcement either. I forget the number, but there are a lot of cops in jail in the USA for various crimes, the most distrubing being child molestation.

We don't have cops standing at the club exits looking for our money, that's true and maybe that's the boldest form of abuse there is but part of it is because it's the most brazin and rampant.

Stop going to TJ? You would be the only one missing out. I agree that the more pressure (financially) we put on them the more attention we'll get. But I've observed these incidents go down a while back. My girley and I, along with another monger were setting out to Video this behavior. Conditions were not right when on our first attempt and as I scoped the area at the bottom of the pedestrian bridge for a better position some weeks later I observed the following.

The people who got hassled all fell into the same category as follows:

Single male or a group of single males. Age was not a factor. Mostly Taxi Libre passengers. Mostly under the influence, loud etc. None had luggage or souvineers and none looked like "tourists." Drop offs were late at night as were passers by via the pedestrian bridge. Most were dressed in cut-offs, baseball caps, t-shirts With jacket over) and tennies.

9 out of 10 of these guys were stopped, questions, searched etc. Call it profiling.

There were many many other taxi drop-offs as well. Of the couples dropped off (Guy & Girl) exactly NONE were hassled. Elderly couples and children were not hassled. Girl couples were not hassled. Women with children were not hassled. Most (about 90%) of the mexican males were not hassled.

Why would this be?

Maybe because you fit a profile and are an easy target. The cops might be crooks but they're not stupid. They know who you are, what you're doing and that you MIGHT be a real moneymaker for them. All they have to do is find something illegal on you then ou PAY. Simple. Maybe you dummy up big time so you're a good mark for cash, wheter it's $20. or $200. they can size you up very easily just by looking at you.

Is it right? Of course not. Is it illegal? Yes. Are you going to change it? No.

Well, what CAN you do? You can stay home which will have more effect on your trouser-smile than the economy in *****sville Mexico, I can promise you that.

You need to develope a mechanism for dealing with it. Heard that before? I'm sure you have. DEVELOP A MECHANISM FOR DEALING WITH IT.

If after reading the thread anyone wants me to lay it out, let me know.

[Wingman54]

You need to develope a mechanism for dealing with it. Heard that before? I'm sure you have. DEVELOP A MECHANISM FOR DEALING WITH IT.

If after reading the thread anyone wants me to lay it out, let me know.CJ,

After reading most all of the info posted in the last year, here are my tentative ideas for my next trip. Feedback and/or critisism are most welcome.

1. Will ride Mexicoach accross the border, carrying enough for a 2-3 day stay, no drugs or medicines, weapons, not even nail clippers. The bus stops at the inspection point just accross the border, where a cop usually boards the bus looks everybody over, and may occasionally search somebody's bags.

Since I will have nothing to hide, be in daylight with a load of other turistas, I think this should greatly minimize risk of shakedown while going in.

2. The coach drops off at the station on Rev and 7th, about 2 blocks from the hotel. Walk from there.

3. Check in. Get a safety deposit box, put all but unneeded valuables there, remove only when needed each day.

4. Taxi to the zona, taxi back, and will not stray from the immediate area.

5. Follow that basic strategy and consume little or no alcohol the whole time.

6. Return also via Mexicoach in daylight.

7. If a shakedown does happen at any time, politely comply with the cops, and will not have anymore cash on hand than I can afford to lose.

Thoughts anyone?

Wm54

[Hizark21]

The best thing we can do is to complain to the Mexican government. My main reason for avoiding TJ is because I can find better action in San Diego. If I could find some hot blonde WSW's at a reasonable price I would visit TJ all the time.

[BenDover57]

Both Fla Fun and Country John are "right-on". It's a shame that this exists, but their reports are the way it is in TJ Mexico. Fortunately, I have avoided (6th sense) some of these monger traps, but I concur that they exist. When you monger in MX, be very alert because you probably stand-out like a "sore thumb", and hombres are watching.

[Country John]

Both Fla Fun and Country John are "right-on". It's a shame that this exists, but their reports are the way it is in TJ Mexico. Fortunately, I have avoided (6th sense) some of these monger traps, but I concur that they exist. When you monger in MX, be very alert because you probably stand-out like a "sore thumb", and hombres are watching.This is quite right.

Mongers need to "dress down" but not in the tourist suit. By "toourist suit" I mean the cut offs, tennies, baseball cap, short sleeve over white t shirt, stuff that makes you stand out like a "sore thumb. "

Don; t worry about impressing the girls. The only thing in your pants they are interested in is the money riding around in your back pocket.

Dress down. Faded jeans, old shirt, rubber watch, forget the baseball cap, stinky sneakers, old jacket. The game is to "blend in. "

Unless you are dropped off at the front door of AB, do your business and then taxi back to the border, don't dress "up. "

You can look plain without being dirty right?

Cops can spot estupido gringo americano touristos a mile and a half away. They can do that because they all dress alike. (See above.)

Country John

[Country John]

You might be pleased to hear that the cops have reduced their presence at the drop off point. (Sentry).

Apparrently the reason for this is that there have been amountain of complaints about toursts being robbed, and since "honest cops" are the only ones allowed to work there, the position will go un-manned.

While it might be a good thing, it should also raise your caution level because the rateros might be a bit more bold. Travel in packs if you are walking the pesdestrian bridge. Be safe. Be aware. DO NOT walk alone at night.

Keep in mind that since the TJ cops are not there "officially," some might sieze the opportunity to do some "unofficial" business if you are walking the route alone at night, so DON'T WALK ALONE AT NIGHT.

Country John

[Hizark21]

Well at least the corruption has dropped a bit. But we need to spread the word and let people know they can complain about police corruption in TJ. The Mexican governent and TJ city official need to know if police corruption continues then US citizens will stop visiting TJ. The sooner we hit them in the pocket book the sooner the corruption will drop off.

[John Rain]

Maybe you've noticed the bright red emergencia posts around Tijuana. Last year I reported about the first one installed at the far end of the alley (See Puta Camera ). Now, there is yet another one in the alley (Callejon Coahuila). This one is at the east end in front of Bar Las Charritas. These have an emergency button to press for help. It also warns of a video camera. The video camera is mounted on a telephone pole across the street outside of the little Zona Norte Police Substation.

Just be aware. You are on camera.

By the way. The heavy police presence continues.

I was in TJ on Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. Police were everywhere. I didn't encountered any problems. I only observed locals being searched. But many times pairs of police walked by me or were standing at intersections.

Have Fun and Play Safe.


Mike

[Muff Eater]

On the US entrance side, there was only 1 uniformed guard and a couple on the TJ side. At the exit, there were a couple of Federales and a couple of gringo cops. The zone was full of cops, but they weren't hassling anyone. In fact, one bumped into me in front of Adelitas and he apologized. Nice twist.

ME

[Muff Eater]

I went to the zone several times this week and not one encounter w/ the policia until I left the zone at 2am this morning. There were two of them. A male and femaile. Stopping and searching everyone. The female cop was kinda attractive and ran her hands through my pockets and gave me a quick pat down. After she let me go, I made sure nothing was missing. Cash, protection, ID and keys. All there! They asked me a few questions and let me go. No attitude or problems with them. So it was a good end to a great excursion.

ME

[Country John]

The link below is for a story about the latest shoot-out in TJ.

I am posting it for your information, of course, but also to send the message that being in the wrong place at the wrong time is probably easier in TJ than anywhere else, Universities notwithstanding.

When you are in the Zona or anywhere else in TJ for that matter, you MUST keep your wits about you. The "lookie-loo" culture bred in the USA can win you your own body bag in TJ. If you see a distrubance developing anywhere, move in the opposite direction and get out of the "line of fire."

There is no way to know when or where these things can spring up, similar to the USA, but the drug game is a violent one and they have no problem putting their business in the street and the bad guys are NOT afraid of the cops; so they will NOT be afraid of you.

You are much better off not "witnessing" anything.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/index.html

Be safe and be smart.

Country John

[Surfnk9]

You need to develope a mechanism for dealing with it. Heard that before? I'm sure you have. DEVELOP A MECHANISM FOR DEALING WITH IT.

If after reading the thread anyone wants me to lay it out, let me know.My last trip I was clipped for more than I like to admit, all because I forgot to stash money that was in my wallet into my shoe. Ususally I stash all extra cash in my shoe, not just in my sock. The cute little gal got me for $100. She didn't take all that was in my wallet. When I protested to the officers I told them there was $200 missing. They weren't about to admit they were stealing from me, but now the rest of them were expecting twice as much from her. She had some explaining to do.

From now on I will leave a minimal amount in my wallet and if they take anything I will inflate the amount. That way, hopefully, it will create distrust among thieves. This won't stop it, but anything to make their life more miserable is fine with me. I don't get drunk because sometimes I have to drive home and my Spanish is OK, so that helps when talking to them.

I have travel through the Baja extensively on many surf trips and avoided TJ and Ensenada like the plague for this very reason. In over twenty years of traveling the the main highway and off road I have never had a problem with the Federalies, the Federal police. They are paid much better and have different standards. Sometime you might get a fake federalie, but thats a different story. The local cops aren't paid shit. So to certain degree you can see where they are coming from. Its still crappy.

[Country John]

Tijuana Miunicipal Police Officers are required to pay up the sum of $100 per day for the privilege of having a license to steal. They pay the money to their superior officers.

Those that are reqular with their payments get the new cars, lots of ammo, good weapons etc. Those that can't make the cut get the wrecks, lights don't work, shit assignments etc.

They come up with their $100 a day by stealing from whoever has the cash. You have to be careful with your money. If you fuck up, chances are you'll pay TJPD directly, no receipt.

The bad part comes when you don't fuck up and you still pay. A hundred bucks is a lot of money. If you did nothing wrong, stand up for yourself and be firm. If you take up lots of their time, they'll let you go because they don't have a lot of time to fuck around.

Country John

[Hizark21]

Seems as though investing in a money belt is a sound idea for TJ trips.

[Surfnk9]

a money belt is a good idea. i just forgot to stash my extra bucks. i try to budget so that i don’t have too much left over, but not this trip.

the local cops are so bad now that the federal government took away their guns. you gotta be one group of meshed up cops to have your guns confirep001ed.

[Country John]

a money belt is a good idea. i just forgot to stash my extra bucks. i try to budget so that i don’t have too much left over, but not this trip.

the local cops are so bad now that the federal government took away their guns. you gotta be one group of meshed up cops to have your guns confirep001ed.

the tijuana municipal police have their guns back, you were probably stopped by auxillary police, "reserves" if you will. they are not armed.

auxilliary police usually wear white shirts. their badge is a "pinched shield" type that is black with gold lettering. they'll have a shoulder patch that says "auxilliary."

yes, tjpd is one messed up police department. with the level of corruption that is rampant within the department, i doubt it will ever improve. very sad really. the mexican people deserve better

country john

[Hizark21]

(http://www.laweekly.com/general/features/the-island-of-jorge-hank-rhon/12643/?page=1 )

One reason why TJ police has become so corrupt is because their Mayon Jorge Frank Rhon is running TJ as his own business. Jorge Frank owns Auga Caliente and purported to involved in drug trafficking. The other day this one girl told me about this. I had been wondering why TJ crime and corruption has risen so much in TJ.

[Heyzeus]

(http://www.laweekly.com/general/features/the-island-of-jorge-hank-rhon/12643/?page=1 )

One reason why TJ police has become so corrupt is because their Mayon Jorge Frank Rhon is running TJ as his own business. Jorge Frank owns Auga Caliente and purported to involved in drug trafficking. The other day this one girl told me about this. I had been wondering why TJ crime and corruption has risen so much in TJ.


TJ was corrupt long before Jorge HANK Rhon took over as mayor in 2004. Anyway Rhon has not been the mayor of Tijuana since February of this year. He stepped down to run for BC governor.

I wish people on this board would do a little research before posting mis-information such as this. How can you make blanket statements like this if you don't even know the guys name that you're referring to?

[Hizark21]

It's true that TJ has a long history of corruption. But the difference is that we have not seen the cops extorting money for tourists for no reason. Before the cops would demand a bribe if you did something wrong like run a stop sign. The cops have been simply stopping tourists to see if they can get some money from them. Things have improved some, but I have my doubts.

[Heyzeus]

It's true that TJ has a long history of corruption. But the difference is that we have not seen the cops extorting money for tourists for no reason. Before the cops would demand a bribe if you did something wrong like run a stop sign. The cops have been simply stopping tourists to see if they can get some money from them. Things have improved some, but I have my doubts.


I lived in TJ long before and after Rhon took office and I saw no difference in the tactics that the policia would use to take money from mongers or tourists while I lived there.

The lack of tourism in TJ has become much worse since the first part of 2007 when the federal troops were sent in. IMO for this reason coupled with a general lack of ethics in the TJPD and the city are the cause for the increase in incidents like these. This has little or nothing to do with Rhon. He has not been the mayor of TJ for almost 4 months now but there are more problems now than before he left office.

[One Wing Low]

There are patrol cars waiting outside of La Zona Roja at night.

I got pulled over for no reason, about 50% the time, driving past Chicago towards the highway back to the border. It was dark in that area. There were noone around. 2 cops carrying submachine guns checked all my papers then accused me of running the stop signs and other bull shit...They wanted to know if I had drunk beer...of course I did not.

They wanted to know what work I do. I told them I am a detective for San Diego County Sheriff Department. They wanted to see my ID. I said I left it at home. They asked me the name of the Sheriff. I made up some bull shit name. The fuckers did not even know.

It dragged out for about 15 minutes. They started to demand cerveza money. I did not give it to them. They finally took off in their patrol car.

They could have killed me right there and got away with murder. No witness, not that witness would be of any help in fucked up Mexico. That was when I decided to stop driving to La Zona Roja at night.

[Hizark21]

The big difference is that that they are stopping tourists for no reason. Their only motivation is to extort money from them. Reports from earlier this year confirm this. They were stopping people who were simply walking across the pedestrian bridge and heading back to the US.

It will probably be a long time before I head to TJ.

[Country John]

Another Saturday night at El Torito and another Saturday night of markedly smaller numbers of gringo(a)s or touristy types.

Walking Revolution at about 11PM is also erie, no tourist traffic to speak of. some of the shops stay open until midnight trying to wring an extra buck out of the passers by. The place is turning into a ghost town.

Thanks to TJPD.

My girlie's sister manages an apartment building two doors down from Chicago Club. We stop by and visit her, drop the kids off with her etc every so-often. I got stopped quite a bit. I never give into their suggestions that I did something wrong. they don't bother me anymore, they don't bother my girl - they leave us alone.

My girl drives a 2002 Saturn that I bought for her several months back. She has no drivers license, the car has no plates and no registration yet she has no problems dealing with the cops. Go figger.

The message has to get through to the merchants that they are dying because of the cops and what they are doing to the tourist trade. But remember that the "tourist" we are talking about mostly mis-behaves, get's drunk and dis-orderly, carries drugs, etc.etc. Mr. and Mrs. average American touist that visits during the day or early evening has loittle to worry about.

One day the message WILL get throough. In the meantime, behave and be safe. These cops havce a $100 a day cargo. Don't let them take your money.

Country John

[John Rain]

Went to TJ Saturday and spent the night. Cops did a sweep through the alley at about 5:30, slowly working their way with two trucks and about eight or ten men. One street girl told me that they were there the day before (Friday) for more than two hours and it was hurting business. It was slow all night.

On the return home in the morning, I got stuck at US Customs behind some loser who didn't have a driver's license. He told the customs agent it was suspended when he was caught DUI. The agent at the counter chewed him out for not getting a regular California ID in its place and after about five minutes of looking through every piece of paper in his wallet, sent him over to a secondary inspection officer.

Finally, when it was my turn, the officer asked what the purpose of my visit to Mexico was. I replied, "Chasing Latinas!" That got a big chuckle out of him and he waved me through.

[Pinche Gabacho]

TJ was corrupt long before Jorge HANK Rhon took over as mayor in 2004. Anyway Rhon has not been the mayor of Tijuana since February of this year. He stepped down to run for BC governor.

I wish people on this board would do a little research before posting mis-information such as this. How can you make blanket statements like this if you don't even know the guys name that you're referring to?Hank left his suplente, C.P. Kurt Ignacio Honold Morales, to mind the store while he makes his bid for governor. If Hank fails in his bid, he will return to the palacio municipal and serve out his term as mayor. Hank should not have been allowed to do this, due to a recently enacted "anti-chapulín" law prohibited exactly what he did; however, the electoral authority is staffed by pro-Hank people.

Politicians in Mexico run for office with a designated suplente. The suplente is meant to continue the poltician's policies in force in the event the politician steps down either temporarily or permanently. Even though Honold is in the office, he is still running the Hank administration.

Now, as to whether Hank wears a white hat or a black one...

Hank is the presumptive author of the murder of Félix Miranda, a respected journalist: the man who pulled the trigger was Hank's bodyguard and is in prison for that murder. Hank's current bodyguard is the son of the fellow in prison and is generally believed to have recently murdered the chief of police of the Otay delegation because the chief had been critical of Hank's handling of the police department.

Hank has indeed behaved as if he owns all of Tijuana. The race track at Agua Caliente is one of the more long-standing examples of this: Hank bought it some years ago in order to take advantage of the off-track licenses that came with it, then stopped the horse races and fired the workers, leaving the place almost deserted. It is now home for his collection of bears, those big furry things usually only seen in zoos. Last year, by fiat, he moved the annual Tequila Festival from Revo to the Agua Caliente parking lot, much to the consternation of all involved.

Locally, it is a "secreto a voces" that Hank is connected with the Arellano-Félix cartel and with Carlos Salinas de Gortari. In fact, when Hank ran for mayor, he used to promise with a wink that, through his connections, he'd be able to control the excesses of the drug cartels within the city limits. He has failed miserably, although, to be fair, his failure is due in part to the PAN and its ally, the Juárez cartel, which is competition beyond his control.

It has been my personal experience, in the forty years I've known Tijuana, that the police have never behaved as brazenly and as immorally as they have under Hank's administration. Many career-minded police left the force shortly after he took office, among which were some of my own friends -- they said it was just too dangerous to remain on the force nowadays.

Now, what sort of research do you think I should do before posting this?

PG

[One Wing Low]

TJ and Mexico are far more corrupt and scary than I imagined.

I feel deeply sorry for the young reporters who were murdered by corrupt politicians and drug traffickers. At least Hank's bodyguard was convicted of murder and sitting in jail, so the judicial system still works somewhat.

The population still voted for Hank as their mayor? They need to be better informed and take positive actions against the evils that are ruining the life of people of Mexico.

[Blue Nose]

I found an article on signonsandiego.com. Apparently, TJ is creating a "ticket free zone" on the highway that leads over to the toll road from the border. Apparently, a lot of Americans are getting pulled over for "driving while gringo" and getting shaken down. The ticket free zone will make it illegal for the cops to ticket you on this section of road. However, we all know that it will continue.

One thing that I found very interesting, and I will post here, is the procedures for what to do if you get stopped by the cops. They also note who to call and complain in case you get shaken down. This will apply to all random stops and shakedowns in the zone / by the border as well.

Be safe down there.

Blue Nose

TICKET PROCEDURES
What to do if you are stopped by a police officer in Mexico

If the violation seems valid, you should obtain a written citation. You can typically pay it by mail later. Some officers have hand-held computerized devices that allow you to pay a fine immediately with a credit card.

If you suspect the violation is invalid, don't hand over your wallet, or offer money. Insist on being taken to the nearest municipal judge's station. If you are forced to give money, keep a record of the incident. Take notes on where and when it took place and the officer's badge number.

Report the incident to the San Diego Police Department or U.S. Consulate in Tijuana.

If it happened in Tijuana, you can also file a complaint online at www.sindicatura.gob.mx Click “English” and then “complaints” for the online form. Rosarito Beach tourism officials plan to include something similar on that city's Web site, rosarito.org

SOURCE: Baja California tourism and public safety officials

[Monger#77]

I hope you guys dont mind me asking this here.

How long on average would you say it takes to cross the border from the US to TJ and vice versa? How long are you waiting in line?

Also, from the San Diego area, is there an alternate way to get into Baja without having to go through TJ? Just to avoid the local TJPD.

Thanks.

[Country John]

Good report Bluenose.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you are stopped int he Zona, the longer you can keep the cops tied up without handing over money the better.

Once they get the feel that they are wasting time, they move on.

Country John

[Pinche Gabacho]

the procedures for what to do if you get stopped by the cops. They also note who to call and complain in case you get shaken down. This will apply to all random stops and shakedowns in the zone / by the border as well.

Be safe down there.Of course I'm safe down here. Why, I've had more trouble with cops north of the border and I'm what you call a decent, law-abiding citizen no matter where in the world I might happen to be.

Traffic stops and police shakedowns are two completely different things. (And that's also true wherever in the world you happen to be.) If you are driving a car, you have been extended the privilege (or license) to do so and so are subject administratively to the requirements of that privilege. If you are walking down a street committing no apparent crime, you are subject to no administrative law and the State has a constructive obligation to protect your basic (or human or Constitutional) rights. The State has even signed international treaties to that effect.

A few years ago, a deputy district attorney here in Tijuana said to me "You know, our laws aren't that much different than your laws." She had mistaken me for one of those America-Firsters who believe Mexico respects no law. I had to remind her that I am also a subject of Mexican law and that my curiousity had to do with the difference between Roman Law (the basis of Mexican jurisprudence) and medieval common law (the basis of Anglo-American jurisprudence). She admitted that therein lies the difference. Mexico actually has more "human" rights on the books than does the U.S.; which rights are enforced and how they are enforced are, however, always at the whim of every political administration. Just ask the folks in Al-Ghraib and Guantanamo and East Los Angeles.

Traffic stops

Either you committed a traffic violation or you didn't. You went the wrong way on a one-way street? You were talking on your cell phone while driving? You weren't using your seatbelt? Yep, you deserve the ticket. You didn't have a fire extinguisher in your car? That's the law but the cop would have needed probable cause to stop you for it. Find your citable offenses at http://www.congresobc.gob.mx/reglamentacion/municipal/Tijuana/Tijuana_-_Reglamentacion_Munic/Reg_De_Transito/reg_de_transito.html

If you're guilty, or if you don't want to fight the ticket, you can mail your check to a post office box in San Ysidro. I didn't know about the handheld credit-card reader until Blue Nose posted it but, as long as I were ready to admit guilt as to the traffic infraction, there's no reason why I couldn't pay the fine on the spot by credit card. In the event of an irregularity, I could always ask my card issuer for a chargeback later.

Paying on the spot in cash is another issue entirely. If the policeman asks you to pay in cash, he will be guilty of extortion. If you offer to pay the policeman in cash, you will be guilty of bribery. Those are two different sections of the Penal Code and the proof in either case will be a matter of he-said-she-said with the loser going to prison. I would never give a policeman cash because I support neither extortion nor bribery. Nor will I contribute to any Internet forum that countenances either crime.

It is your right to be taken immediately to the comandancia, where the juez calificador will hear the cop's version, then your version, and then make a determination as to the legitmacy of the infraction.

Even if the cop and the judge are in cahoots, this step will create a paper trail that can incriminate them later on. You must ask yourself "Am I man enough to confront this? Am I level-headed enough to confront this? In fact, am I a man at all or am I merely another empty-headed consumer? Do I want to die on my feet or live on my knees?" If we were to shine a bright enough light on the stories of police misconduct, I think we would find that the mistrust -- in fact, the anger -- that gringos have expressed toward Mexico comes from specific incidents in which their resolve had been tested and had been found wanting. Most gringo tourists simply wereren't man enough to stand on their feet before a simple Tijuana policeman: to get even, they spend the rest of their lives spewing racial hatred the way Ed "Big Daddy" Roth did.

Anyway, your right as an accused, even for traffic infractions, is for three judicial hearings. Your juez calificador is simply the first of those three and all he can do is to decide whether to bind you over for trial or to kick you loose. If the charge is trumped up and if he's in cahoots with the cop and if he binds you over for trial and if you stand up for yourself, then the rest of the state judicial apparatus will take notice of him and he could wind up in El Hongo. The juez calificador is also aware that the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana will be notified automatically on binding you over for trial ... the consul is an éminence grise ... there are stories I don't tell about him on public forums ... but he does act decisively in the furtherance of whatever policy Foggy Bottom wants to have carried out. (Yes, it's time to vote the Bush Family Wehrmacht out of office!) As far as your immediate problem is concerned, the less you know about your legal rights, the more power a corrupt policeman or first-tier judge will have over you.

Police shakedowns

Here's what the Federal Constitution says about search and seizure. This is from Article Sixteen.

Nadie puede ser molestado en su persona, familia, domicilio, papeles o posesiones, sino en virtud de mandamiento escrito de la autoridad competente, que funde y motive la causa legal de procedimiento.

No podrá librarse orden de aprehensión sino por la autoridad judicial y sin que preceda denuncia o querella de un hecho que la ley señale como delito, sancionado cuando menos con pena privativa de libertad y existan datos que acrediten el cuerpo del delito y que hagan probable la responsabilidad del indiciado.

La autoridad que ejecute una orden judicial de aprehensión, deberá poner al inculpado a disposición del juez, sin dilación alguna y bajo su más estricta responsabilidad. La contravención a lo anterior será sancionada por la ley penal.
En los casos de delito flagrante, cualquier persona puede detener al indiciado poniéndolo sin demora a disposición de la autoridad inmediata y ésta, con la misma prontitud, a la del Ministerio Público.

Sólo en casos urgentes, cuando se trate de delito grave así calificado por la ley y ante el riesgo fundado de que el indiciado pueda sustraerse a la acción de la justicia, siempre y cuando no se pueda ocurrir ante la autoridad judicial por razón de la hora, lugar o circunstancia, el Ministerio Público podrá, bajo su responsabilidad, ordenar su detención, fundando y expresando los indicios que motiven su proceder.

En casos de urgencia o flagrancia, el juez que reciba la consignación del detenido deberá inmediatamente ratificar la detención o decretar la libertad con las reservas de ley.

Ningún indiciado podrá ser retenido por el Ministerio Público por más de cuarenta y ocho horas, plazo en que deberá ordenarse su libertad o ponérsele a disposición de la autoridad judicial; este plazo podrá duplicarse en aquellos casos que la ley prevea como delincuencia organizada. Todo abuso a lo anteriormente dispuesto será sancionado por la ley penal.

In other words, a policeman needs to have good cause to stop you on the street and he needs a search warrant signed by a judge if he wants you to turn out your pockets. Otherwise he'd be in violation of the the Federal Constitution, something that is purportedly protected by the various Comisiones de Derechos Humanos within Mexico and without.

In the event that your "human" rights are violated in Tijuana, it is best not to become confrontational but to inquire as to the basis for your detention: what law are you accused of having violated and under what authority are you being detained? A policeman must take you before a judge if you so request because a policeman is, in the oldest sense of a very old word, nothing more than a "catchpoll". The Tijuana police have less authority, and in many cases are not even as bright, as San Diego Sheriff's deputies.

Corrective Actions

If you hope to correct this problem, you must preserve the body of the crime. It will not do simply to complain to other mongers that the pinche chota ripped you off again. If you hope to make a difference, you will need to specify the who, the what, the where, the when, the why, and the how before a competent authority. Anything less than that is simply whining and, at least down here in Mexico, real men don't whine. Down here, not even los agachados whine ... and their masculinity has always been a bit suspect.

The first recourse should be with our local tourist board. They tell me that they still maintain attorneys on staff to help even in cases where the tourist is at fault. They have a toll-free phone number, 078, that you can call from any telephone in Tijuana and where you can find English-speaking assistance day or night. My suggestion is that you call this number as soon as you can after an extorionate incident and ask that the tourist board send an attorney immediately to your location. Such an attorney is trained to preserve the body of your alleged crime. And, even if you turn out to be in the wrong, he (or she) will be obligated by law to protect your rights before the competent authorities.

The second recourse should be with the Chamber of Commerce's anti-corruption unit. You can call them when you get back home at 1-866-INFO-TJ3. I spoke with these people about a year and a half ago: they appear to be moderately bilingual paralegals or licensed attorneys whose mission it is to protect tourist business. (One Wing Low reported previously that the number is out of service, but he was more than one wing low because he wing wong numba.) Let these folks know who it was you talked to at 078 in order for the two groups to join forces.

The third recourse, for any abuse originating from city employees as opposed to state or federal employees, is the Sindicatura that Bluenose mentioned earlier. The linkage he gives sends you to an online compaint form. The Síndico is an elected official who supposedly has greater legal authority than the mayor himself; at least the job of his department is to investigate the misbehavior of all city officials. I had a long chat with a member of the Sindicatura recently and he assured me that, within the last year, they were instrumental in firing two hundred fifty corrupt police officers. Whether those officers were corrupt because they were frightening tourists, extorting good citizens, or merely voting for the PAN, this fellow didn't say. But I expect to find out soon.

At least two other recourses are available for you but I cannot list them here. I have only e-mail addresses for the state Human Rights Commissioner and for the municipal police force's Internal Affairs department. This text-entry window has a warning below it, Reports containing email addresses will be deleted without comment. I'll try to get those addresses uploaded in another post.

PG

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[One Wing Low]

hi pinche,

i am impressed with the depths in which you treated the gripes about tj police harassments in this forum.

about 50% of the times when i drove into tj at night, i was stopped by tj patrol cars and accused of violations that did not happen. after haggling for a while, the cops would make the signs or loudly demand cerveza money. while i was aware that i may be risking my life, i declined to give them any money. they just had to let me go. the other 50% of the times i was probably just lucky that tj policia was busy shaking down other gringos...

i reported many times these policia abuses using the means you describe below to no avail. i feel unsafe to have to face policia with their unchecked power and apparently without any oversight. then i read about tj's elected mayor hank rhon's illicit wealth and connections to drug cartels and murderers. i feel deeply sorry for the people of mexico to have to live full time under such unchecked and corrupt authority and power of their government officials.

in the us, the only times le pay any attention to me were when they spotted me speeding. in all cases, the state and local patrolmen were professional and courteous, never any threatening or demanding languages. naturally i feel much safer in the us, knowing i can engage contigency attorneys to sue the ass off any government agencies whose employees violated my rights. perhaps this same mechanism may help improve conditions in mexico, if the mexican attorneys can keep their heads from being blown off right after filing their suits...

in my little town there are a lot of mexican day laborers hanging out on the streets looking for work. one day there was a demonstration on the main street involving about 3 dozens mexicans against police harassment and brutality. people were walking with banners and mexican flag, shouting slogans etc... i bet that never got anywhere.

it helps to suggest effective means to address the grievances to resolve problems and to improve conditions for all. however, last time i tried, the sindicatura complaint web site, allegedly for tj's police internal affairs, never produced any results or feedbacks. last time i called 866 info tj3, the number was out of service. i called again today, the line was working but noone answered it.

i appreciate your conccientious effort and your broad knowledge in addressing these problems and defficiencies. if a lot more people would put in efforts like yours, positive improvements would be a lot faster and surer for all involved.


of course i'm safe down here. why, i've had more trouble with cops north of the border and i'm what you call a decent, law-abiding citizen no matter where in the world i might happen to be.

corrective actions

if you hope to correct this problem, you must preserve the body of the crime.

the first recourse should be with our local tourist board. they tell me that they still maintain attorneys on staff to help even in cases where the tourist is at fault. they have a toll-free phone number, 078, that you can call from any telephone in tijuana and where you can find english-speaking assistance day or night. my suggestion is that you call this number as soon as you can after an extorionate incident and ask that the tourist board send an attorney immediately to your location. such an attorney is trained to

the second recourse should be with the chamber of commerce's anti-corruption unit. you can call them when you get back home at 1-866-info-tj3. i spoke with these people about a year and a half ago: they appear to be moderately bilingual paralegals or licensed attorneys whose mission it is to protect tourist business. (one wing low reported previously that the number is out of service, but he was more than one wing low because he wing wong numba.) let these folks know who it was you talked to at 078 in order for the two groups to join forces.

the third recourse, for any abuse originating from city employees as opposed to state or federal employees, is the sindicatura that bluenose mentioned earlier. the linkage he gives sends you to an online compaint form. the síndico is an elected official who supposedly has greater legal authority than the mayor himself; at least the job of his department is to investigate the misbehavior of all city officials. i had a long chat with a member of the sindicatura recently and he assured me that, within the last year, they were instrumental in firing two hundred fifty corrupt police officers.

at least two other recourses are available for you but i cannot list them here. i have only e-mail addresses for the state human rights commissioner and for the municipal police force's internal affairs department. this text-entry window has a warning below it, reports containing email addresses will be deleted without comment. i'll try to get those addresses uploaded in another post.

pg

[Country John]

TJPD consider the mordita a second source of income or a suppliment to their income. Many have to pay off their commanders every week, so the pressure is on.

TJPD rely heavily on their ability to intimidate "estupido gringos" into parting with their cash. The Zona Norte is the hot spot since patrons there already consider that they are doing something wrong and most times they probably are so when TJPD rolls up they are at a dis-advantage and then the game begins.

It's a great idea to bone up on what the laws are and to get a feel for the situation and thanks to PG for the insightful post.

But at the end of the day, when it's in the still of the night and you are standing there infront of Officer Wantyourmuny, you'd better be able to deal with him in particular and not be intimidated.

What seems to work out is when you drag it out over a long time. They don;t like spending too much time with someone who has little money.

It's also important to remember that these guys have the authority to ruin your day. Maybe nothing will come out of it but who has the time to fuck with that?

Stay low profile. Don't dress like a tourist and don't be stupid. Develop a mechanism for dealing with them because they ARE a fact of life in Mexico and you WILL encounter them and the situation at some point.

Country John

[Voyajer1]

Stealing can never be tolerated, especially when one is visiting a foreign country. Country John, you are an outstanding source of knowledge and information for this forum. I just cannot, nor will not agree to ever return to a place where it is OK for authorities to fleece their own bread and butter: Us, tourists. It has got to the point that anyone, anywhere is a target for a shakedown. Again, I am less than 6 hours away, and when this started, I used to visit at least once a month. I haven't been targeted (I know how to blend in), but why take a chance on being shot and robbed by someone wearing a TJPD uniform? I know, it has not happened yet; but trust me, we aren't too far from that. Hence my warning to fellow mongers: Is this shit being pulled by the TJPD really worthed? Until the city becomes devoid of tourists, they are not going to stop stealing from us. I know a few dozen every weekend folk (Not mongers) that have been shook and shaken for all they could get (By TJPD). What do you think is going to happen to us? If you are into self preservation, I suggest going someplace else, anywhere else for satisfaction. Being robbed by authorities just because they can, cannot be allowed to continue. If there is nobody to rob, trust me, they will get the point. Now, off my soapbox....

TJPD consider the mordita a second source of income or a suppliment to their income. Many have to pay off their commanders every week, so the pressure is on.

TJPD rely heavily on their ability to intimidate "estupido gringos" into parting with their cash. The Zona Norte is the hot spot since patrons there already consider that they are doing something wrong and most times they probably are so when TJPD rolls up they are at a dis-advantage and then the game begins.

It's a great idea to bone up on what the laws are and to get a feel for the situation and thanks to PG for the insightful post.

But at the end of the day, when it's in the still of the night and you are standing there infront of Officer Wantyourmuny, you'd better be able to deal with him in particular and not be intimidated.

What seems to work out is when you drag it out over a long time. They don;t like spending too much time with someone who has little money.

It's also important to remember that these guys have the authority to ruin your day. Maybe nothing will come out of it but who has the time to fuck with that?

Stay low profile. Don't dress like a tourist and don't be stupid. Develop a mechanism for dealing with them because they ARE a fact of life in Mexico and you WILL encounter them and the situation at some point.

Country John

[Voyajer1]

Stealing can never be tolerated, especially when one is visiting a foreign country. Country John, you are an outstanding source of knowledge and information for this forum. I just cannot, nor will not agree to ever return to a place where it is OK for authorities to fleece their own bread and butter: Us, tourists. It has got to the point that anyone, anywhere is a target for a shakedown. Again, I am less than 6 hours away, and when this started, I used to visit at least once a month. I haven't been targeted (I know how to blend in), but why take a chance on being shot and robbed by someone wearing a TJPD uniform? I know, it has not happened yet; but trust me, we aren't too far from that. Hence my warning to fellow mongers: Is this shit being pulled by the TJPD really worthed? Until the city becomes devoid of tourists, they are not going to stop stealing from us. I know a few dozen every weekend folk (Not mongers) that have been shook and shaken for all they could get (By TJPD). What do you think is going to happen to us? If you are into self preservation, I suggest going someplace else, anywhere else for satisfaction. Being robbed by authorities just because they can, cannot be allowed to continue. If there is nobody to rob, trust me, they will get the point. Now, off my soapbox....

TJPD consider the mordita a second source of income or a suppliment to their income. Many have to pay off their commanders every week, so the pressure is on.

TJPD rely heavily on their ability to intimidate "estupido gringos" into parting with their cash. The Zona Norte is the hot spot since patrons there already consider that they are doing something wrong and most times they probably are so when TJPD rolls up they are at a dis-advantage and then the game begins.

It's a great idea to bone up on what the laws are and to get a feel for the situation and thanks to PG for the insightful post.

But at the end of the day, when it's in the still of the night and you are standing there infront of Officer Wantyourmuny, you'd better be able to deal with him in particular and not be intimidated.

What seems to work out is when you drag it out over a long time. They don;t like spending too much time with someone who has little money.

It's also important to remember that these guys have the authority to ruin your day. Maybe nothing will come out of it but who has the time to fuck with that?

Stay low profile. Don't dress like a tourist and don't be stupid. Develop a mechanism for dealing with them because they ARE a fact of life in Mexico and you WILL encounter them and the situation at some point.

Country John

[One Wing Low]

Tourists are probably spooked most by the fact that TJ citizens elected a mayor with known connections to Mexican gangs, drug trafficking cartels, murderers... The man may even be elected governor of Baja California.

If the people elect someone their leader, they must yearn to be like that someone, dont they?

Can you imagine how scary it would be to walk into a city where the majority of the people want to be connected to gangs, drug traffickers, murderers???

[Ath Trainer]

I just returned from my trip to California. I crossed the border 4 evenings to visit "some friends". Each night, I was dropped off at La Linea by my taxi. 3 of the nights there were cops standing in the dark by the stairs. Sunday night, no cops. 2 of the 3 cop nights I was stopped for a "routine check". When they asked for my id, I took out my license and my money, which were in the same pocket. I handed them my id, answered some questions, and then was frisked, while my $ stayed in my hand. They asked if I had bought any drugs, and when they found nothing, they sent me on my way. When I got to customs, I showed my id, stated I was a US citizen, and went through. It is interesting that it is tougher to get "to the border" than "through the border".

[Caxcane 2]

I was making a call on the sidewalk. 4 cops took my cell phone (and my friends) and detained us for about 2 hours. We ended up paying a little bit for them to let us go.

When they first took my phone they questioned the mexican phone numbers in my phone book.

Does anyone know what they were doing with our phones?

[John Rain]

Does anyone know what they were doing with our phones?
Perhaps looking to see if you had any inappropriate photos.

When and where did they detain you?

[Hizark21]

(http://www.simon-net.com/online/The-Latest-for-Systems-Integrators/A-$15.5M-Surveillance-System-for-Tijuana--But-Who-Paid-for-It/11599SIW303 )

TJ spent $15 million on surveillance video system with 400 video cameras. The system has a capaicity of 3000 video cameras. So this makes me wonder why crime has not dropped much in TJ. The other possiblity is that the cops are using the system to extract more bribes and giving info to the drug lords.

[Caxcane 2]

We were detained in the back of a cop pick-up truck. We drove around and stopped somewhere for a while. Could not tell you where. General area was Zona Norte.

[Conejito]

I was making a call on the sidewalk. 4 cops took my cell phone (and my friends) and detained us for about 2 hours. We ended up paying a little bit for them to let us go.2 hours? what could possibly have taken so long? there must be a little more to this story. this should have been reported to police headquarters.

a good new place to complain is at The Association of Mexican Professional Realtors ph: 661-612-2720 or 619-864-2054.

http://www.bajamls.com/

they are trying to cut down the police corruption from tijuana all the way down to Trump's new real estate project.

[Country John]

The best thing to say when you are detained (and don't laugh) is:

"I am not guilty of any crime and I have as much time as you need to take to check it out." then smile gently.

English translation: "Listen asshole, I have all night to stand here and watch YOU watch other opportunities drive by as you try to get blood out of this rock."

If you are unaffected by their attempts to humiliate and intimidate, they will get the message FAST that you are not a "roller," and they WILL move on.

On another interesting note, a police car (TJPD) stops by my house in Los Pinos every weekend on Saturday or Sunday to ask if I feel safe and if I have any complaints. They never come in the house, they always get out of the car and wait by the steel gate. They say they check with the residents all the time and want to know if "their people" feel safe in Los Pinos.

The next day a representative of the Secretaria De Seguridad Publica Minicipal, Direccion De Policia Y Transito stops by to verify that the other guys were there and to leave his cel phone number (Agente Arguevo) in case I have a question or a complaint.

I visit the Zona often with my girley who's sister manages one of the apartment buildings next door to Chicago Club. I always chat with the cops. Last weekend, when the roadblocks were up, there were TJPD at almost every baracade. I recognized almost every one of these guys and every one let me pass through the baricade instead of making me go around.

Don't lose sight of the fact that MAYBE you got a guy who is "doing his job" and doesn't want your money (seldom the case, I know).

Anyone who would like to chat with Agente Arguevo, PM me for his cel phone number at the Los Pinos Station. He's a good guy.

Be careful, be polite but be firm. Take up a lot of their time. If they want to search the trunk, help them empty it out - they hate that. Show them pictures of the kids, the house. Ask them if they've ever been to Disneyland.

But never buy their bullshit.

My Girleys family has a friend of the family who happens to be a Federali. So all you retired patches out there should carry your tin, but DO NOT be an asshole or it'll end up in a collection. TJPD will respect your badge if you respect theirs. It doesn't mean "pay up," it means show respect. As soon as they see your tin they'll reciprocate unless you are one adam henry.

The cocky guys will forever-more get the TJ Tour from the back of a Crown Vic, so don't worry about them. They'll be made to pay. But a little work will go a long ways towards staying out of the crosshairs.

Be safe and be nice
Country John

[Malo9517]

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

Made it to TJ 8/9 and 8/10. On 8/10 around 12:50 AM while in the cab I noticed some TJ cops at the drop off area near the cat walk to US immigration. I hid the bulk of my cash in my socks. As I approached them I noticed some cops were searching a guy. But I walked by and just waved to about three or four just standing there. I barely missed the 12:59 last trolley back to downtown. While trying to get a cab I spoke to three three guys who said the TJ cops searched them and took $300.00 from them, leaving them only about $40 to get back to their hotel in downtown SD. Lucky they found a taxi guy to take them since it cost me $23 just to get to my place on E Street.

Guys, either spend most of your money in TJ or hide it someplace. I guess the cops don't believe we should return state side with any money. This must have been a bad night. A couple of plain clothes cops were searching a guy inside the immigration building. BE SAFE MONGERING

[Country John]

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

Made it to TJ 8/9 and 8/10. On 8/10 around 12:50 AM while in the cab I noticed some TJ cops at the drop off area near the cat walk to US immigration. I hid the bulk of my cash in my socks. As I approached them I noticed some cops were searching a guy. But I walked by and just waved to about three or four just standing there. I barely missed the 12:59 last trolley back to downtown. While trying to get a cab I spoke to three three guys who said the TJ cops searched them and took $300.00 from them, leaving them only about $40 to get back to their hotel in downtown SD. Lucky they found a taxi guy to take them since it cost me $23 just to get to my place on E Street.

Guys, either spend most of your money in TJ or hide it someplace. I guess the cops don't believe we should return state side with any money. This must have been a bad night. A couple of plain clothes cops were searching a guy inside the immigration building. BE SAFE MONGERING

When you approach the sentry drop off point, have your money IN YOUR HAND so that if they search you, they will not find it in your POCKET.

Repeat the above 100 times.

The cops are C R O O K S and you are giving them the opportunity to rob you.

You can also MARK your money if you are interested in calling their supervisor. Using a pencil, put your initials on the bills you are taking in or bringing back. If they grab your cash and you go for the supervisor, you'll be able to prove they got your money.

If the cop sees that the bills are marked, he or she will probably not take them, smelling a rat.

You can also do nothing, or maybe just hand all your cash over as you leave Mexico to make things simple.

It's shameful behavior, cops robbing tourists but it happens all the time to those who do not have a mechanism for dealing with it.

[One Wing Low]

Went last week with a couple guys from overseas who were loaded. The guys would hand out $100 bills to pay the street vendors etc... and generally wasted a lot of tips on the chicas in HK and Adelita.

On the way back through the sentry point, there were 4 brown pornos hanging out around the tree, being useless as usual. I passed through no problem, but the pornos stopped the other 3 guys probably because of their manners and fancy clothes, expensive watches etc...

I stopped and watched, getting ready to intervene. However, one of the guys just took out his driver license, waved it at the pornos and they were waved right through.

So, were we just lucky?????

[Country John]

So, were we just lucky?????

Yes. You were lucky!

[Thumperr]

I just returned from my trip to California. I crossed the border 4 evenings to visit "some friends". Each night, I was dropped off at La Linea by my taxi. 3 of the nights there were cops standing in the dark by the stairs. Sunday night, no cops. 2 of the 3 cop nights I was stopped for a "routine check". When they asked for my id, I took out my license and my money, which were in the same pocket. I handed them my id, answered some questions, and then was frisked, while my $ stayed in my hand. They asked if I had bought any drugs, and when they found nothing, they sent me on my way. When I got to customs, I showed my id, stated I was a US citizen, and went through. It is interesting that it is tougher to get "to the border" than "through the border".

I always read these reports and wonder if there is any discernable pattern. I'm in my late forties, retired military short hair, frequently dressed in jeans, t-shirt and baseball cap. I am often told I have the "cop look" however.

I'm in TJ about 4 or 5 times a year for about 10 years now, and have never been stopped ewven once.

By the way, I was never so insulted in my life as during a recent trip to Jamaica. Five days there and not one single person triedto sell me any drugs. I mention this seemingly unrelated incident because I again wonder if I simply "smell" like a cop? (I'm not)

[Dylan]

So, I went to Tj yesterday for the aftenoon, and walked back to the border. As I crossed that bridge over the arroyo, and walked down the stairs at App. 10PM, there were five uniformed Cops waiting there by one of the empty vendor stands.

They pulled me aside and had me put my hands on the stand, and went through my pockets to see if I had anything "illegal"...

I just smiled and went along with it, as they were taking whatever I had in my pockets and throwing it on the vendor stand. I picked up my passport, and sunglasses, and noticed that he'd not thrown my wallet down. I turned and looked him right in the eye as he was looking at my cash, as i wanted to SEE him take it, if that's what he was going to do. He saw that and just smiled and laughed at me, and I smiled back.

I didn't know at the time if he was smiling because I was looking at him in the eye, or if he was smiling because I only had $72.00 left in my wallet, as I had drank and screwed almost all of my cash away.

Either way, he didn't take any of the cash, and I walked away, smiling and thanking all of them and wishing them a good evening.

It always pays to be a gentleman, but I think the idea of having your cash in your hand is a great idea; I also think that from now on, I'm taking a cab back to the border to avoid that bridge, which is a bummer, because I like that walk, because it helps me sober up before the drive back to L.A.

Better yet, I may just start spending the night somewhere down there to avoid even leaving at night - this is the only time I've ever even been stopped or searched, since I usually leave early. They don't seem to be so active in the daytime.


When you approach the sentry drop off point, have your money IN YOUR HAND so that if they search you, they will not find it in your POCKET.

Repeat the above 100 times.

The cops are C R O O K S and you are giving them the opportunity to rob you.

You can also MARK your money if you are interested in calling their supervisor. Using a pencil, put your initials on the bills you are taking in or bringing back. If they grab your cash and you go for the supervisor, you'll be able to prove they got your money.

If the cop sees that the bills are marked, he or she will probably not take them, smelling a rat.

You can also do nothing, or maybe just hand all your cash over as you leave Mexico to make things simple.

It's shameful behavior, cops robbing tourists but it happens all the time to those who do not have a mechanism for dealing with it.

[Country John]

So, I went to Tj yesterday for the aftenoon, and walked back to the border. As I crossed that bridge over the arroyo, and walked down the stairs at App. 10PM, there were five uniformed Cops waiting there by one of the empty vendor stands.

They pulled me aside and had me put my hands on the stand, and went through my pockets to see if I had anything "illegal"...

I just smiled and went along with it, as they were taking whatever I had in my pockets and throwing it on the vendor stand. I picked up my passport, and sunglasses, and noticed that he'd not thrown my wallet down. I turned and looked him right in the eye as he was looking at my cash, as i wanted to SEE him take it, if that's what he was going to do. He saw that and just smiled and laughed at me, and I smiled back.

I didn't know at the time if he was smiling because I was looking at him in the eye, or if he was smiling because I only had $72.00 left in my wallet, as I had drank and screwed almost all of my cash away.

Either way, he didn't take any of the cash, and I walked away, smiling and thanking all of them and wishing them a good evening.

It always pays to be a gentleman, but I think the idea of having your cash in your hand is a great idea; I also think that from now on, I'm taking a cab back to the border to avoid that bridge, which is a bummer, because I like that walk, because it helps me sober up before the drive back to L.A.

Better yet, I may just start spending the night somewhere down there to avoid even leaving at night - this is the only time I've ever even been stopped or searched, since I usually leave early. They don't seem to be so active in the daytime.

Good post. You did everything right. If your money is in your wallet, then pull out your wallet and hold it in your hand until he askes for ID, then openit up. He might want to search it for contraband, but when you throw some eyeballs on him, it changes everything. Good stuff. Nice job.

Country John

[Dylan]

For your response/post. Although I've not posted that much, I read this board a lot, and your many TJ-related posts over the years have helped my TJ excursions dramatically.

Dylan


Good post. You did everything right. If your money is in your wallet, then pull out your wallet and hold it in your hand until he askes for ID, then openit up. He might want to search it for contraband, but when you throw some eyeballs on him, it changes everything. Good stuff. Nice job.

Country John

[Country John]

For your response/post. Although I've not posted that much, I read this board a lot, and your many TJ-related posts over the years have helped my TJ excursions dramatically.

Dylan

A good post comes after a good trip and your post will help others for sure. Being approached by the cops doesn't mean you did something wrong because in Mexico there is no "probable cause" requirement for the cops to detain you; just the smell of dough-nuts and money will do it. Keeping your head and behaving with the right balance of defense/offense will get you through OK.

Country John

[Member #4450]

In my way back to the border a cab driver told me crime is high right now, he said he's scare of working the night because of too many robberies to cab drivers , so avoid walking TJ alone at night, always watch your back!
This might come as no surprise to many TJ mongers, but it's a warning for the Zona newbies, be safe take a cab don't walk back to the border!

[Santij]

In my way back to the border a cab driver told me crime is high right now, he said he's scare of working the night because of too many robberies to cab drivers , so avoid walking TJ alone at night, always watch your back!
This might come as no surprise to many TJ mongers, but it's a warning for the Zona newbies, be safe take a cab don't walk back to the border!Did you go alone?, is it safe to go alone between 5 PM to 7 PM evenings?.

I am new and don't have anybody to go along .. so need your ideas.

Thanks

[Country John]

Did you go alone?, is it safe to go alone between 5 PM to 7 PM evenings?.

I am new and don't have anybody to go along .. so need your ideas.

Thanks

If you know the layout and how to take care of yourself, then you'll be fine. Dress like a local. Don't look like you got money. If it's dark when you are ready to go back, take a cab. Try to get into a cab with someone else who might be returning. Find a wingman and go with him.

Business is real slow in the Zona. The cops are putting the big hurt on the rateros so they are being a bit more brazen because the rent comes due every night for some who live life a day at a time.

If you leave AB, wait for someone else who is taking a cab to the border and share the ride.

Be careful but not paranoid. Of the thousands of people who visit the Zona every week, the number of incidents is very very low. Don't be paranoid. Be focused; just like you should be in Yourtown, USA.

Country John

[Member #4450]

Try to get into a cab with someone else who might be returning.
Country John
Hmmmm?? Now you got me thinking?
Why?
I always grab a cab by myself, are the cab drivers the ones robbing the zona tourists?

[Member #4450]

Did you go alone?, is it safe to go alone between 5 PM to 7 PM evenings?.

Thanks
Yes it is, I go alone all the time but I'm also a large guy @ 6' tall 260lb, I still can
get jumped, but I think they rather pick on someone small or older guys like CJ :) but don't you worry like CJ stated just be careful, take a cab when dark, I still can't believe some guys here like to walk at night back to the border, that's suicidal!

[Santij]

If you know the layout and how to take care of yourself, then you'll be fine. Dress like a local. Don't look like you got money. If it's dark when you are ready to go back, take a cab. Try to get into a cab with someone else who might be returning. Find a wingman and go with him.

Business is real slow in the Zona. The cops are putting the big hurt on the rateros so they are being a bit more brazen because the rent comes due every night for some who live life a day at a time.

If you leave AB, wait for someone else who is taking a cab to the border and share the ride.

Be careful but not paranoid. Of the thousands of people who visit the Zona every week, the number of incidents is very very low. Don't be paranoid. Be focused; just like you should be in Yourtown, USA.

Country JohnCJ, thanks a bunch

[Surfnk9]

Went down last Tuesday. It was slow in La Zona but I hened up haveing a great time. At the drop off there were 2 of Tijuana'a finest to check us out. The asked for I. D. and went through our pockets. Fortunately we made sure to have a nominal amount of cash in our shirt pockets. They said they were looking for drugs and gave us a lecture about Viagra and other drugs being illegal. We had nothing so they found nothing.

What made this time different was that they went thru our pockets thouroughly. It wasn't just the pat dowm. I guess when they say they weren't going to be able to clip a few bucks out of our wallets, they tried for the drug angle.

[Surfnk9]

Here’s what I meant to say without the typos.

Went down last Tuesday. It was slow in La Zona but I ended up having a great time. At the drop off there were 2 of Tijuana's finest to check us out. They asked for I. D. and went through our pockets. Fortunately we made sure to have a nominal amount of cash in our shirt pockets. They said they were looking for drugs and gave us a lecture about Viagra and other drugs being illegal. We had nothing, so they found nothing.

What made this time different was that they went thru our pockets thoroughly. It wasn't just the pat down. I guess when they saw they weren't going to be able to clip a few bucks out of our wallets, they tried for the drug angle.

[Member #4450]

Went down last Tuesday. It was slow in La Zona but I hened up haveing a great time. At the drop off there were 2 of Tijuana'a finest to check us out. The asked for I. D. and went through our pockets. Fortunately we made sure to have a nominal amount of cash in our shirt pockets. They said they were looking for drugs and gave us a lecture about Viagra and other drugs being illegal. We had nothing so they found nothing.

What made this time different was that they went thru our pockets thouroughly. It wasn't just the pat dowm. I guess when they say they weren't going to be able to clip a few bucks out of our wallets, they tried for the drug angle.
What time happened?
Why they said Viagra is illegal? No is not, TJ pharmacies sell viagra and Cialis all the time and they know it!
I think they meant without a doctor's prescription, is just BS, no one gets a freaking prescription in TJ, just another example of how corrupted and thieves
these cops are!

[Surfnk9]

What time happened?

Why they said Viagra is illegal? No is not, TJ pharmacies sell viagra and Cialis all the time and they know it!

I think they meant without a doctor's prescription, is just BS, no one gets a freaking prescription in TJ, just another example of how corrupted and thieves these cops are!Yes they sell it. Yes anyone can get it. But just as prostitution is technically illegal in Tijuana, it is technically illegal to have Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra in your possession.

This is not a typo. Prostitution is technically illegal Tijuana.

It is another mechanism by which they can sell you something and extract a bribe for consuming what they offer. Whether it is sex from girls or pharmaceuticals from the drug store. If you buy anything in a drug store, do not have it in your possession if stopped by the police. Even if you have a prescription, you will have trouble with the Tijuana P.D.

You are not in Kansas anymore.

[Member #4450]

I always buy my Vitamin V in my way in not when going back home, usually just a pill which I keep in my pocket in case of emergency!





You are not in Kansas anymore.

Kansas???????????
Do you mean California? I'm not a red neck LOL!

[One Wing Low]

Midnight Sunday, the line for cars returning to the US was backed up all the way to La Zona Roja. It would take at least 3 hours sitting in your cars inhaling thick smoke to see your friendly Border Insecurity agents. This is why I no longer drive into Mexico.

The road to the overhead bridge near La Linea Sentri was blocked. So the Taxi Libre dropped us off at the far end. There were 5 brown porno hanging out, where else, but the darkest spot on the street, patting down a few guys. There were a lot of asking and talking but no death threat screams the way LAPD is routinely portrayed in movies...

I walked as fast as I could trying to pass a few Asians and the pornos while they were busy searching the gringos. I had five steps past them when they let the gringos go and immediately called on the Asian guys in front of me. I stopped. I dont wanna give them an excuse to call out their SWAT team like LAPD usually does.... My partner kept walking, but they kept calling louder and louder until he stopped.

They wanted the Asian guys to spread out behind the cars. These guys were protesting louldy, that it was too dark in there...like pornos have ears...

They told me to put my hands on the hood and asked for ID. SOP, I took all my money from my pockets, held them in my hands and handed over my DL. One of the young guys kept asking if I had any drooouuugs.... I may have had some preparation H up my ass. Could be real tasty if they wanna check it out...He patted me down. He wanted to see what I had in my hands. I showed him the bills. They let me go.

I forgot a few $20 bills and an unused condom in my back pocket. They were unmolested. The Asian guys were held back for a long time for some reason. I walked away 100 yards and looked back. They were still there.

3 big Gringos, 300 pounders I had seen in Adelita earlier, walked slowly past the pornos unchallenged.

Perhaps being firm, cool and beeeeeeeeg help prevent the pornos from begging for cerveza money?

[Meat Loaf]

Ambushed by brown pornosThat's why Mexico is such a bullshit country and a lame Latin American location to live, party, and monger in.

[One Wing Low]

Tijuana is convenient from Southern California. The most beautiful chicas in all Mexico converge in TJ since they can make serious money here. Some of the chicas in TJ are better looking than any I found anywhere, and their prices are good. TJ has many problems but is probably the best location in Mexico for mongers.

Notice how TJ cops did not take my money? Mongers are definitely less safe in Brazil, Colombia etc...

I wanna check out the scenes in Central America, Colombia and Costa Rica...However, the pics have not shown too many beauties...


That's why Mexico is such a bullshit country and a lame Latin American location to live, party, and monger in.

[Ezinho]

Notice how TJ cops did not take my money? Mongers are definitely less safe in Brazil, Colombia etc...
Well, the crime rate may be greater in Brasil, Colombia, etc. compared to Mexico (I'm actually not sure this is true, but let's just say it is for argument's sake). But the issue you brought up was regarding the cops robbing people, specifically tourists, who are entering the country to spend money and prop up the local economy. I know of no other police force in Latin America that specifically steals from tourists on such a large scale like the cops in TJ do. Yes, you may have a greater chance of being robbed in Rio than TJ, I agree, but by actual theives, not the police!

I wanna check out the scenes in Central America, Colombia and Costa Rica...However, the pics have not shown too many beauties...
Yeah, because there are just so many hot women in the TJ photo gallery, LOL!

[One Wing Low]

Actually the TJ photo section has some of the uglier chicas in Mexico, certainly worse than the chicas I have seen in Colombia.

I suspect the prettier girls in any country tend to refuse to have their pics taken by mongers. Adelita has some of the most beautiful chicas on any scale in the world, yet I have never seen any of their pics posted anywhere.
I took and posted some pics of Paola, an alley girl, recently. She gave me a hard time. I had to bribe her $5. She insisted on full clothes and the pics did not do her justice.

I have to assume that posted pics represent the girls with below average beauty, who are desparate enough that they dont care if their pics are circulated in the wrong hands. To find out true representation of the best talents anywhere, one has to be there and do thorough searches, using the best venues, based on the best intelligence available.

I found girls in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Bali ... very easy with pics. I took hundreds pics, mostly full nude, some very erotic. The girls in China, Thai, Vietnam...are very difficult to convince. This guy Loso did a tour of China and was able to take photos of every girls he fucked. He never disclosed how he convinced them. He's probably a pro photographer by the quality of the pics I have seen.

Would be very nice if the bros would take small cameras along and convince the chicas to take some pics. That's the best info you can share with the rest of the world.

I went to Las Pulgas, the discos on Revolution, out of recommendations from Country John. There were some veeeeeeeeeeeery beautiful chicas there dancing away, a few approaching the looks of Catherine Zeta Jones. Quite a few chicas gave us the eyes. We were in the process of approaching the best-looking ones when the Policia Federale raided the place and fucked it up.

A few mongers learned Spanish quickly and were able to land multiple GFs in TJ whom they hang out with, have dinner cooked and fuck for free on weekends. This is a very nice scenario and can be easily achieved for the bros in Southern California.



Yeah, because there are just so many hot women in the TJ photo gallery, LOL!

[Meat Loaf]

Tijuana is convenient from Southern California. The most beautiful chicas in all Mexico converge in TJ since they can make serious money here. Some of the chicas in TJ are better looking than any I found anywhere, and their prices are good. TJ has many problems but is probably the best location in Mexico for mongers.

Notice how TJ cops did not take my money? Mongers are definitely less safe in Brazil, Colombia etc...

I wanna check out the scenes in Central America, Colombia and Costa Rica...However, the pics have not shown too many beauties...I've never mongered TJ, but all the Texas-border towns on the Mexican-side.

I'm probably biased after living in Cd. Juarez and having to deal with the police all the time. I don't know if I agree with your "less safe" statement. Coahuila has some outstanding women, but not many cities: Saltillo-Torreon, but they're 5-8 hours from the middle of nowhere Texas. The cops are harassers in Cd. Mexico too and other Mexican cities.

It just gets tiring always being stopped and searched walking to the store.

[One Wing Low]

If you have never been to TJ, you are missing out big time. The Mexican bros were telling me that, the chicas in TJ are more abundant and far better looking than anywhere in Mexico, including DF which has a very lively street scene. My friends who went to school in College Station were always tempting me about going to Laredo for chicas every weekend.

Went back to the border at 10:30PM Saturday night. There were no brown pigs ambushing. The gringos were having a good time horsing around.
Last time I was in La Zona Roja with a bunch of guys in a Cadillac Escalade, we were quickly stopped by 2 TJ finest. The pigs made an ass out of themselves trying to squueeze $200 out of us with the claim that the driver was drunk. He did have half a dozen beers. We finally gave them $30. They immediately got in their patrol car, flashing light, blowing siren, escorting us through all check points back to the border.

I have to consider the rampant violence and cold-blooded murders by the drug cartels and grant the brown pigs a bit more authority in searching suspects. I'd rather deal with the cops than robbers, muggers, drug gangs etc... As long as the TJ cops dont hassle me too much and trying to squeeze too much money out of me, I would try to use them like my own bodyguards and give them cerveza money. They can quickly become good friends with a little propina. It's just a small cost to monger in their country.



I've never mongered TJ, but all the Texas-border towns on the Mexican-side.

I'm probably biased after living in Cd. Juarez and having to deal with the police all the time. I don't know if I agree with your "less safe" statement. Coahuila has some outstanding women, but not many cities: Saltillo-Torreon, but they're 5-8 hours from the middle of nowhere Texas. The cops are harassers in Cd. Mexico too and other Mexican cities.

It just gets tiring always being stopped and searched walking to the store.

[Ronbos]

I don’t know if it is a start of a new trend or not, but I saw two reports of police attacks not too far from Zona Norte. The first attack was on some surfer dudes over the Labor Day weekend and the second one was just a few days ago. I saw the second attack on Fox news. The method of attack seems so similar that it kind of gives credibility to the surfer article.

Link to surfer magazine and Fox news

http://surfermag.com/features/online...kedmexicobaja/

http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7b470768-3dbe-4b8f-9791-95037d4048ed

[Hammer_G]

On Sept 8th night while I was on Constitution to check out the street girls, I saw a pig search a guy by the street. I thought pigs rob tourists only outside this red-light area. When I made the right turn on the Articulo, 2 pigs stopped me and checked my wallet.
I had three $20, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills.
The pig asked me how much I have. I told them “about 80 some”. Then he wanted me to open my hand, and counted the bills one by one into my hand. One $20 bill was missing. He told me I didn’t have that much money. I took the rest of the bills and said “That’s fine.”
I walked to Adelita and borrowed $20 from my friend. Spent $60 on a 23 years old tall blonde in Chicago. She did a nice job and I did a good fk.
I returned $20 (leave extra $ in the car) to my friend while we back to the USA.

That pig must consider himself a pretty cool cop, took only $20.
Don’t they have any self-respect ?

I’ve traveled to many countries and heard about police corruption there (if any), but they all only took bribe from illegal businesses. Never heard anything like TJ, cops are pickpockets and robbers. Amazing country !!

Anyone knows the address of TJ police headquarter ?
Although it's going to be useless, I still want to write a letter to laugh at them.

[Country John]

Not every police officer in Tijuana will rob you. The ones that do, don't think twice about it and figure you can afford it because you are screwing hookers and have the money to lose.

They are also grossly underpaid (about $800 a month) and consider tourists a supplimentary source of income.

It's simple: if you have the money to spend in the Zona, then it's considered "disposable" and fair game for the cops. The reason is that they believe you will not complain and that you can afford it. When you do complain, it usually goes nowhere.

Not everyone gets robbed. Thousands of people visit Tijuana every day, hundreds visit the Zona. The number of cop robberies per monger is very low. One is unacceptable, two is a pity.

If you are driving, know where the police stations are. IF a non police type vehicle lights you up, drive him to the police station before you stop. That's what I would do.

Some how or other the Press needs to get involved, instead of reporting to the cops, report to the press.

The San Diego Tribune would be a good place to start, Anna Cearley: (619) 542-4595; anna.cearley@uniontrib.com is a writer covering Tijuana. I would encourage you to send an email to her. If there is enough noise, it might make a difference.

Country John

[Heirique]

i was returning to san diego last week in my rental car and right as you turn to go to the border were 2 polica on motorcycles. they had me pull over and told me that i was speeding. then they looked at my car registration and said that i could not have this car in mexico. they kept saying do you want to go see the judge and i kept saying yes. they tried to get me to pay them $180 because they said the fine was $500 if i went to see the judge. i showed them $30 and after 20 minutes their sergeant showed up and said leave. they were just trying to catch uninformed gringos.

[Hammer_G]

The San Diego Tribune would be a good place to start, Anna Cearley: (619) 542-4595; anna.cearley@uniontrib.com is a writer covering Tijuana. I would encourage you to send an email to her. If there is enough noise, it might make a difference.
Country John
Thanks. However, "John" would not be a good guy for the female's opinion.
Could she feel “You deserve it. Aasshole” ?

[Country John]

Thanks. However, "John" would not be a good guy for the female's opinion.
Could she feel “You deserve it. Aasshole” ?

hehehehehe

You got a point there......

[Phordphan]

FWIW Department -

TJ supposedly has a Tourist Assistance Hotline. (I say supposedly, as I haven't actually called it myself). It has to be called from inside TJ, obviously. It's 078.

The reason I mention this, is I was flipping through some "Visit TJ" brochures I picked up at the travel show earlier this year. ALL of them said, in English and Spanish, to call 078 and report any cop who takes money from you.

Anybody ever tried this?

PP

[Explorer8939]

When you approach the sentry drop off point, have your money IN YOUR HAND so that if they search you, they will not find it in your POCKET.

Repeat the above 100 times.

The cops are C R O O K S and you are giving them the opportunity to rob you.


Good advice. Never let a cop in Mexico take your wallet.

Better advice is never get let off by a taxi at the Sentri Lane dropoff point!

[Country John]

Anyone victimized by the criminal activity of the Tijuana Police Department is urged and encouraged to send a written account of the incident to: consulartijuan@ state.gov.

This is the US Consulate in Tijuana.

You really ought to complain. Get it on the record.

Country John

[Gilgamesh]

Well, SOMETING must have changed, because I walked past MANY polica on Friday and not a single one of them stopped me or tried to get my attention. THIS gives me hope that things are CHANGING and that I may return sooner rather than later. If it's more of the same, then I'll bring some more "friends" I love TJ, but some of my past experiences, soured me on returning. I use to go every other week, but now it's every other MONTH if I'm really HORNY! I've gone much more than that, but with a "welcomed" environment, I should hope to return MORE OFTEN.
Keep up the "tourist trade" if you want. If not we have "other" ways and won't hesitate to keep using them. Be safe and happy mongering.

[Gilgamesh]

I forgot to add that I gave some money to the guy on the bridge after having a "good trip." If you read my report on Denise, it wasn't the chica that made it such a good trip as the "OVERALL" Experience.
To whom it may concern...
Pay ATTENTION, because I ain't playing so shape up before "they" ship out!!!

[Jay Love]

Observed quite a bit of police all over the zona saturday night/I've never seen so many police on the streets. I was stopped once and had my ID checked without incident. They asked me if I had any drugs and what kind of work I do. Left saturday night around 2 a.m.; caught a taxi libre back to the border. The street leading to the sentry drop-off point was blocked off with a police car; so the taxi's were taking a detour route. I think this was done on purpose. I was dropped off about 100 feet east of the usual place. The street was very dark with no street lights/there were police on foot all along the walkway. A pair stopped me and asked me something; I couldn't make out what was said but I just said "no" and "chicas solamente"/then kept walking. LMAO. But I could sense that there was more of an edge saturday night but I still had a good time.

[Nero X]

Increased police presence in Centro area during the weekends....

Please don't drink and drive, they have them Breathalyzer devices (which probably aren't even calibrated each time they are used in different areas) at the checkpoints on 2nd street before the border entrance and on 3rd street coming to Centro from the border. Just 1-2 good drinks at a restaurant 30 minutes prior and that damn device is gonna test postive!!! Took a good 30 minutes of *****ing and whining before I was let on my way...

If your shit-faced and driving, well thats another story, have a good time in a cell :)

After 3-4am I have seen these check point are gone :)

[Country John]

I received a very solid lecture the other day. It had to do with keeping my car clean. No, not washed, clean. Clean meaning that there is nothing in the car that I don;t know about. Specifically I need to search the car for drugs that might have been planted. But by who?

By anyone who is pissed off because I am gringo living in Mexico, because I drive a decent car, because today is Sunday or whatever.

Someone can plant dope in your car for a thousand different reasons. The issue is not "how" or "why," the issue is what happens if you get caught riding dirty through no fault of your own.

The pilot in command of an aircraft is totally responsible for anything and everything about the aircraft, the flight, the safety of the passengers and crew as well as the cargo.

The DRIVER of a vehicle is held responsible for any boogers found int he car during a traffic stop. What happens next is not pretty.

You go to La Mesa State Prison on a drug charge or weapons charge. Both are major crimes in Mexico. Being gringo doesn't help. You lose everything and your family gets fucked up in the process. You could be in jail for years. Your life destroyed, your money and assets gone and you could be left cleaning windshields at the border by the time it's all said and done. Or at least that's how it might seem when you're sleeping on a concrete floor in October.

Now I might be a bit paranoid. Maybe spooked. But from now on when I drive in TJ, my car will be clean. My people ALWAYS do security checks (open the trunk, check inside under seats etc.) before driving off. One day last week I asked why and the above admonition was what came back.

The cops don't are why or how the dope got there and you can claim innocence all the way to La Mesa. Mordita might get you out but when you're standing there in the cold on the street with handcuffs on while other cars whiz by heading toward the border, you better realize it is probably going to be one hell of a mordita.

This is the second time someone actually gave me a solid reality factor on living in TJ. This one I'll abide by.

Memo to self:

Clean the car out and ALWAYS do a security check before driving off.

Country John

[Country John]

Heads up to all heading to TJ. Remember that there is a change in Government (city and State) coming up the first of November. This means the cops are going to get a bit more agressive so be on guard. This is normal after an election where government changes. The cops want to maximize their opportunities before they get clamped on by the new guys (which normally lasts about 6 months, then it's back to business as usual).

1. Don't be riding dirty.
2. Take your viagra or whatever IN THE STORE. Don't take it on the street.
3. No bling.
4. Dress down.
5. Have your ID in order.
6. IF you are driving, make sure your vehicle is clean and your paperwork is in order.
7. Obey traffic signals/laws (even if you are on foot - no jay-walking).
8. No being a drunkard in public.
9. Be respectful.
10. There is NO rule ten.
11. Have a good time.

Be safe and be nice.
Country John

[Chin Nuts]

I missed the last exit before the border and had no choice but drive into Mexico. Confused and lost, I decided to find a place to stop so I can figure out how to drive back to USA. I drove into a parking area and drove past two cops who had stopped a SUV. A left turn looked like strange highway so I made a uturn. Copped flagged me down for making illegal uturn. They searched me and took my wallet out and went through it while my hands were on the trunk. They took a 100 from my wallet while I was not looking because they were behind me. I found out later when I realized the 100 was missing. They ended up making me pay a 40 fine on top of the 100 they stole. Then they escorted me to the border but halfway there they stopped another car and told me to just go straight. I'm hiding my money in my shoes next time.

[Roguesta]

It's too late for you, now, but if you had stayed in the far left lane, you could have made a u-turn just before entering Mexico.

[Undercoverh]

I missed the last exit before the border and had no choice but drive into Mexico. Confused and lost, I decided to find a place to stop so I can figure out how to drive back to USA. I drove into a parking area and drove past two cops who had stopped a SUV. A left turn looked like strange highway so I made a uturn. Copped flagged me down for making illegal uturn. They searched me and took my wallet out and went through it while my hands were on the trunk. They took a 100 from my wallet while I was not looking because they were behind me. I found out later when I realized the 100 was missing. They ended up making me pay a 40 fine on top of the 100 they stole. Then they escorted me to the border but halfway there they stopped another car and told me to just go straight. I'm hiding my money in my shoes next time.


I stopped driving to TJ many years ago because you have a good chance of being ripped off my the cops. Why drive when you can park on the U.S. side, walk across the POE and take a taxi to any place you want to go in the TJ. I told my friend this many years ago and he never took my advice until he got stopped by the cops and got pushed around a little. He made the mistake of thinking he was in America and he had rights.

This past weekend when I was in a taxi going back to the POE, I saw an American girl in a nice car being pulled over by cops. She was saying loudly out the window she had to get back to the POE crossing. The cop told the shut up and stop the car. Bare in mind the TJ cops enjoy pulling over Americans and giving them a hard time.

[Country John]

I am getting rumors that some taxi drivers are teaming up with some of TJ's "not so finest" for shak-downs at pre-arranged stops. The cop gives the driver a cut of the action. The taxi drivers lurk outside AB and circulate in the Zona looking for stoopid gringos.

I have NO personal first hand knowledge of this, they are rumors. This would NOT be something new and original. It's been going on for years, just like the arrangement between the club and the taxi driver getting a cut for every person he brings to the club. This is a bit more sinister of course because one of the players carries a fucking gun.

As far as I can tell, the problems go both ways, that is to say on the way to the Zona and on the way back. The idea being that the gringo is cashed up going in or has left over cash coming out.

A "work around" if you are entering would be to tell the driver to take you to Calimax Zona Rio, then when he's almost there, tell him to take you to AB. This will alter his route substantially, same on the way out. It's about 3 more minutes in the cab but late at night when the bad guys are dripping with greed it's not so long after all.

Again, I am still working with this info and now you know as much as I do. I will come back and post more when I have it. Int he meantime if there is anyone else out there with more info, post it.

Country John

[Ninguno Especial]

Link to news article(SD Union) is encouraging but we have heard this before. Let's hope for the best and take what cums.

http://*******.com/2lgo4z

[John Rain]

Link to news article(SD Union) is encouraging but we have heard this before. Let's hope for the best and take what cums.
http://*******.com/2lgo4zHEADLINE: New Tijuana mayor vows to push for honest, professional force

That was sure good for a laugh! Thanks!

Hey, did you read this part of the story?

Just hours earlier, his top pick for a high-level public safety post fought off an attack at his home by heavily armed assailants.
ROFL!

Mike

[One Wing Low]

i have been ambushed by the brown pornos too many times while driving my own car at night around la zona roja.

each time they would accuse me of running stop signs or driving drunk etc...i would argue everytime and they had to let me go. one time the driver had downed copious amount of tequila and beer. he bribed $30 and we were escorted through all check points to the border.

what charge would they bring if you sit inside the taxis? [CodeWord125] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord125) their mothers?

i suggest that we not give money to the brown pornos too easily, as that only encourages them to stop fighting crimes and start squeezing tourists. demand to see the judges if they persist. they would likely drop the case to chase easier targets.

btw, country john, how's the country pussy eating if you are not eating any clam cocktails? :-)


i am getting rumors that some taxi drivers are teaming up with some of tj's "not so finest" for shak-downs at pre-arranged stops. the cop gives the driver a cut of the action. the taxi drivers lurk outside ab and circulate in the zona looking for stoopid gringos.

i have no personal first hand knowledge of this, they are rumors. this would not be something new and original. it's been going on for years, just like the arrangement between the club and the taxi driver getting a cut for every person he brings to the club. this is a bit more sinister of course because one of the players carries a fucking gun.

again, i am still working with this info and now you know as much as i do. i will come back and post more when i have it. int he meantime if there is anyone else out there with more info, post it.

country john

[Big John 1]

[QUOTE=Explorer8939]Good advice. Never let a cop in Mexico take your wallet. I am sure it is somewhere in the forum,but where is the best place to be dropped by a taxi?Thanks in advance.

Better advice is never get let off by a taxi at the Sentri Lane dropoff p

[Country John]

[QUOTE=Explorer8939]Good advice. Never let a cop in Mexico take your wallet. I am sure it is somewhere in the forum,but where is the best place to be dropped by a taxi?Thanks in advance.

Better advice is never get let off by a taxi at the Sentri Lane dropoff p


The best way to avoid the problem with TJPD at the boarder is to jump the fucking fence and make a run for it. It's easier to deal with boarder partol State-side than TJPD in Mexico when you are crossing.

That of course is not a practical solution and I, for one, would have trouble scaling the fence at my age although I'd love to see the expression on Boarder Patrols face when I show them my passport.

There is NO "good place" for taxi drop off. The cops have the area covered and not knowing the new administration (aside from the PR) it's probably safe to assume that rip-offs will continue for now.

The best approach is to be prepared. Don't be riding dirty, don't give attitude, be respectful despite all the reasons why you should not, have your money in your hand, present it and count it in front of the officer if they demand that you open your hand. They have the right to search you for Drugs etc but they do not have the right to rob you.

Don't present them with an opportunity or a motive. Develope a mechanism to dealing with it that does not include rude behavior etc.

It's terrible behavior on the part of the cops. It's a pity and a shame. It's a betrayal of trust and the good people of Mexico deserve better but it's a fact of life and you need to deal with it. Only when the shame of what the TJPD is doing eclipses their willingness to ignore it will you see a change (maybe).

Tourists must develope a mechanism for dealing with it that keep the odds in their favor and not shift the advantage to the TJPD who will most certainly not hesitate to take advantage of it.

Be safe and be nice
Country John

[Country John]

Here is an interesting article about two auxilliary cops shaking down a toursit in the Zona. This is a positive step for TJ, and an informative article. If you are stopped by the "white shirts," tell them you want to see a "black shirt."

============================================

UNION-TRIBUNE

6:53 a.m. December 13, 2007

TIJUANA: Two auxiliary police officers were detained Tuesday after they were accused of robbing a tourist of $100.

The officers are part of the unarmed commercial police, an auxiliary of the Tijuana police force. Commercial police provide security to local businesses and residential areas.

The city has about 300 such officers, who typically wear uniforms of white shirts and beige pants. Members of the branch don't undergo the same training as regular officers, and their salary comes primarily from donations paid by the neighborhoods they patrol.

The two commercial officers were detained by regular Tijuana police officers after the victim identified his assailants, according to a news release from the city police department.

The detained officers were identified as Saúl Solís López and Iván Hernández Vargas. –A.C.

=======================================================

Country John

[DrBrew1]

Here is an interesting article about two auxilliary cops shaking down a toursit in the Zona. This is a positive step for TJ, and an informative article. If you are stopped by the "white shirts," tell them you want to see a "black shirt."

============================================

UNION-TRIBUNE

6:53 a.m. December 13, 2007

TIJUANA: Two auxiliary police officers were detained Tuesday after they were accused of robbing a tourist of $100.

The officers are part of the unarmed commercial police, an auxiliary of the Tijuana police force. Commercial police provide security to local businesses and residential areas.

The city has about 300 such officers, who typically wear uniforms of white shirts and beige pants. Members of the branch don't undergo the same training as regular officers, and their salary comes primarily from donations paid by the neighborhoods they patrol.

The two commercial officers were detained by regular Tijuana police officers after the victim identified his assailants, according to a news release from the city police department.

The detained officers were identified as Saúl Solís López and Iván Hernández Vargas. –A.C.

==================================================

Country JohnA step in the right direction but it is hard to remove stripes from a zebra.

[Country John]

A step in the right direction but it is hard to remove stripes from a zebra.

I could not have said it better.

Maybe they can help prevent the stripes from being painted on in the first place......... :)

Country John

[Country John]

Heads-up.

Rosarito PD had their weapons taken away and all of the officers have been releived of duty pending a satisfactory security clearance and weapons check.

Federalies, State Police and Military are now on patrol. You do not fuck with these guys. They should not fuck with you but be very polite and respectful if they detain you for any reason.

Country John

[ToroRojo]

I've read reports regarding different parking lots. Has anyone had any issues that would show one lot to be better or worse than another?

I've only parked in the lot near the duty-free store, $9.00 I think, and no problem.

Just wondering the odds of a break-in at different areas.

I might be in tomorrow afternoon for some playtime.

Thanks

[D Cooper76]

'Two top Tijuana police officials found slain'

Sounds like they need their version of Wyatt Earp down there. Just so long as he stays away from the zona.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20080115-0232-bn15tjslay.html

[Country John]

'Two top Tijuana police officials found slain'

Sounds like they need their version of Wyatt Earp down there. Just so long as he stays away from the zona.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20080115-0232-bn15tjslay.html

Hours later the chief in Los Pinos (my colonia), his wife and kids were killed in their home. Cops had the place shut down for hours. These are connected to the foiled armored car robbery where one of the bad guys was killed by the cops earlier int he week.

[One Wing Low]

What are the motivation for murdering these cops?

Damn TJ is becoming more violent than any city I know.

If they can murder these cops, they would stop at nothing. Gringos could be swat like flies...

I dont wanna hang out where people, including wives and kids, get murdered left and right.


Hours later the chief in Los Pinos (my colonia), his wife and kids were killed in their home. Cops had the place shut down for hours. These are connected to the foiled armored car robbery where one of the bad guys was killed by the cops earlier int he week.

[Country John]

What are the motivation for murdering these cops?

Damn TJ is becoming more violent than any city I know.

If they can murder these cops, they would stop at nothing. Gringos could be swat like flies...

I dont wanna hang out where people, including wives and kids, get murdered left and right.

I do not work for TJ Department of Tourism, but let me try to put this into perspective.

There is no question about it, the violence is real, people are being murdered. It's happening, it's ugly and dangerous. But not for the monger who visits the zona to experience the hobby.

Most of the deaths are police and "narcos traficantes," or drug traffic guys. There has been an upsurge in this violence recently, and within the past week it seems like a bloodbath. IN many ways it is a bloodbath.

President Calderon sends thousands of Federales to TJ (including Military) to take over the cops jobs and to screen out the bad cops. Some of the cops have turned on their criminal clients either by ratting them out or not co-operating with the program of protection etc simply because they are not ABLE to provide the protection they could provide before. The reason? The federales and military are watching, and these bad cops do NOT want to do time in La Mesa State Prison.

The bad guys are getting desparate. They are losing money, having dope siezed, they are being thrown in jail - normal law enforcement stuff. They just don't have the protections they once had. Ever since the cartel was busted apart, smaller and less sophisticated groups are competing for the turf in TJ and it is one ugly mutherfucking battle.

Having lost millions on lost drugs and lost sales, they tried knocking over an armored car the other day (Monday) in TJ. The cops killed one and the other is currently in the hospital, alive. The general hospital in TJ right now is surrounded by the military. Stay away from the General Hospital. Stay away from the morgue, that's where the dead body of the other bad guy is.

The bad guys are not looking fo the monger who wants to visit Adelitas o get laid. But the street goon will notice your Rolex and your Mont Blanc. They will also notice you rolling up in the Jag, the MB or the BMW. Leave your bling state side. The street goons have less work now that the narcos have less dope to move and fewer directions to take.

So they are murdering the cops who either provided the protection and now refuse to do so, or who have ratted the bad guys out to stay out of prison themselves. Other cops who are being murdered are influential guys who were conducting investigations and getting too close for comfort.

They are now not stopping with just the cop, they are doing his family as well, something the cartels would not do out of "honor." It is not a good time to be a dirty cop in TJ. New recruits are learning that dealing with these narcos is like putting the end of your own service revolver in your mouth. Sooner or later, you're going to take one in the hat.

Is it safe for you to go to the Zona? It is as safe for you to visit the Zona as it is to visit your local 7-11. If you get whacked, it would be an accident. There are bullets flying in TJ as I write this post. A running gun battle in La Mesa. Federales and military have some bad guys cornered. One Minicipal cop is injured by gunfire. Getting whacked by a stray bullet is your concern unless you get between the cops and a narco.

This running gunfight is between the cops and the narcos. It is NOT between the narcos and the tourists who are the consumers of their products. The fact of the matter is that the bad guys (on both sides of the badge) are being flushed out. When that happens, there is bound to be some shit hitting the fan and the bad guys need to finance their operations by other means if they can't sell dope; that means selling your SUV if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

There are Mexican cops and military cops in TJ looking down the wrong end of some AK47's today, and bad guys have their fingers on the triggers. With all the bad press for all the bad things TJPD has done, know that some good guys are out there doing some good work today. Remember them too.

I live in Los Pinos, about 12 miles South of the border close to La Presa. Ordinary people are going about their business and staying out of the line of fire. That's all that you can do when you live here and that's what you need to do when visiting the Zona. So keep your eyes open. The narcos are not chasing you unless you are in bed with them - very unsmart. Be calm, collected and alert. The violence will probably take a while to subside, but you should be hearing about it mostly from news reports and your chances of getting in the middle of it depend on what role you play when you're there.

Country John

[Roguesta]

I actually feel safer with this going on. It's the same feeling I had when the feds took away the guns of the police, and they armed themselves with slingshots. The police seem hesitant to mess with anybody.

[Country John]

I actually feel safer with this going on. It's the same feeling I had when the feds took away the guns of the police, and they armed themselves with slingshots. The police seem hesitant to mess with anybody.

Me too. I get the sense that "something" is happening and they are being distracted from fleecing tourists to actually looking for bad guys.

More time for mongers to focus on their hobby!!!

Even the cops must be saying to themselves: "Enough is enough." The insanity has to stop sometime, why not in our lifetime?

Country John

[Nero X]

I hope these killings continue (crooks and crooked cops)

They searched my car and me the other day at a PFP check point. Must of been there for 20 minutes. There was like 6 bottles of booze and some bottles of wine in the trunk. I was gonna offer the guy looking in my trunk a bottle of Wine since he was looking at it pretty good. These PFP guys don't mess around though, had better, friendlier talks with AFI agents.

Whenever I get stopped at the Military checkpoints, I usually offer them any candy or water, sometimes even bottles of booze to them. They always take it with a great genuine smile and many "gracias". Good guys.

Just another lovely day in homeland (no sarcasm).

[Country John]

I hope these killings continue (crooks and crooked cops)

They searched my car and me the other day at a PFP check point. Must of been there for 20 minutes. There was like 6 bottles of booze and some bottles of wine in the trunk. I was gonna offer the guy looking in my trunk a bottle of Wine since he was looking at it pretty good. These PFP guys don't mess around though, had better, friendlier talks with AFI agents.

Whenever I get stopped at the Military checkpoints, I usually offer them any candy or water, sometimes even bottles of booze to them. They always take it with a great genuine smile and many "gracias". Good guys.

Just another lovely day in homeland (no sarcasm).

He He He....

Reminds me of the day a few summers ago when I was travelling along the 2 East from Mexicali. I got sent to secondary at the military ceck point. By the time I was done with these guys, we all posed for a group picture with high fives etc. Very funny. They were nice guys...when they were done tossing my car. To their credit they did a great job putting everything back. I still have the shot somewhere.

Co-operation and attitude is E V E R Y T H I N G with these guys, not to mention riding clean.

Nice story.

Country John

[One Wing Low]

Hi John,

It's very nice of you to provide a detailed analysis of the situation in TJ.

It's great to have the latest intelligence from a local bro who provides it in factual, impartial and balanced thinking. You should come back to the US and take over the CIA. We would probably be in better shape...hehehe.

Following your analysis, I went down to TJ and partook a few girls last Friday. The alley has about the same talents. Adelita has a few new girls, very young and good looking. These fine chicas are worth taking a little risk to fully enjoy life.

You are worth at least a few beers for your help to the bros. Will buy you a few next time I am in TJ.


I do not work for TJ Department of Tourism, but let me try to put this into perspective.

I live in Los Pinos, about 12 miles South of the border close to La Presa. Ordinary people are going about their business and staying out of the line of fire. That's all that you can do when you live here and that's what you need to do when visiting the Zona. So keep your eyes open. The narcos are not chasing you unless you are in bed with them - very unsmart. Be calm, collected and alert. The violence will probably take a while to subside, but you should be hearing about it mostly from news reports and your chances of getting in the middle of it depend on what role you play when you're there.

Country John

[Precocious One]

He He He....

Reminds me of the day a few summers ago when I was travelling along the 2 East from Mexicali. I got sent to secondary at the military ceck point. By the time I was done with these guys, we all posed for a group picture with high fives etc. Very funny. They were nice guys...when they were done tossing my car. To their credit they did a great job putting everything back. I still have the shot somewhere.

Co-operation and attitude is E V E R Y T H I N G with these guys, not to mention riding clean.

Nice story.

Country John


A while back, I got stopped at a military checkpoint coming from Puerto Nuevo to Real Del Mar and they searched my car for about five minutes. I was somewhat inebriated and had an opened tequila bottle in the back of my secured trunk. My idiot GF at the time started to argue with them and I basically told her to STFU. There is a good probablitly that if I was not there or if she was with another argumentative American, she probaby would have ended up in a Mexican jail. In my passable Spanish, I apologized for her behavior and they let us on our way. If you are looking for trouble, Mexico is a good place to find it, however, if you are not and you are respectful of their laws and culture, you will generally not be bothered.

I have never had a problem with the poilce in Mexico. Actually, the three traffic codes that I have violated there have cost me less than $50 total. Like a lot of things in Mexico, a complete bargain.

I believe that the most dangerouos streets in the US(Compton, Detroit, Oakland)are far, far more perilous than all of Mexico. Any American that's lived here and experienced both venues would tell you the same.

I don't have the link, but the US houses more criminals per capita than any other country in the world with over 2.2 million currently incarcerated. China is second with 1.5 million but also has over four times the population.

[Roguesta]

A slight correction, it's not per capita, the US has more people in prison than any other country in the world....period.

[Optic Guard]

Well guys I think that all of the green card holders that live here in TJ will maybe move back in to the US and things will get better as time goes on all of the Mexicans that live in LA will have a hard time getting good ID and that will make it a lot faster to get through the lines as a vast amount of illegals can not get good enough ID, and now that the police here are using rifles in there cars and more Americans are getting more afraid of TJ then things will be quicker at the line also.
The economy here in TJ has got just as bad as the US and even the girls At Ardelita's are complaining there are no guys so the prices will go down also, then after all of the mongers have less and less money for mongering then LIFE WILL BE GOOD. For me I live here and even for me it is getting better.
IF you don't have time to cross the border maybe it is better to use you hand less money and less time any way with all the foreclosures in SD. Maybe it better to buy a house lol
have a good day
TOM
Ps country is correct dont like Mexican Law stay in the US LOL

[Country John]

Well guys I think that all of the green card holders that live here in TJ will maybe move back in to the US and things will get better as time goes on all of the Mexicans that live in LA will have a hard time getting good ID and that will make it a lot faster to get through the lines as a vast amount of illegals can not get good enough ID, and now that the police here are using rifles in there cars and more Americans are getting more afraid of TJ then things will be quicker at the line also.
The economy here in TJ has got just as bad as the US and even the girls At Ardelita's are complaining there are no guys so the prices will go down also, then after all of the mongers have less and less money for mongering then LIFE WILL BE GOOD. For me I live here and even for me it is getting better.
IF you don't have time to cross the border maybe it is better to use you hand less money and less time any way with all the foreclosures in SD. Maybe it better to buy a house lol
have a good day
TOM
Ps country is correct dont like Mexican Law stay in the US LOL

I agree. I thought there would be a lot more time in line. People seem to have their documents in order when they do get to the gate, and the reports are that there are as many cars crossing with no new delays.

I ran ito Adelitas today to take a dump at about 11:30AM, there were about 10 guys and 3 or 4 girls. The girls were chatting together and the guys were drinking beer listening to ear splitting Banda. I had a great dump. I'm taking a drive in again tonight at around 9 to see what is up.

If people are staying away, it's probably more because people are afraid of the running gunfights between the cops and bad guys. The effect is still there though, money is tight. The girls have to pay the rent too.

So I agree and think that the mongers should use all that money they are saving by staying home, and try to save their property, or end the recession.

Country John

[Netman05]

I agree. I thought there would be a lot more time in line. People seem to have their documents in order when they do get to the gate, and the reports are that there are as many cars crossing with no new delays.

I ran ito Adelitas today to take a dump at about 11:30AM, there were about 10 guys and 3 or 4 girls. The girls were chatting together and the guys were drinking beer listening to ear splitting Banda. I had a great dump. I'm taking a drive in again tonight at around 9 to see what is up.

If people are staying away, it's probably more because people are afraid of the running gunfights between the cops and bad guys. The effect is still there though, money is tight. The girls have to pay the rent too.

So I agree and think that the mongers should use all that money they are saving by staying home, and try to save their property, or end the recession.

Country JohnI was just down IN TJ from 2/7-2/10 working in SD. I skipped the Friday/Saturday night crowds but the daytime was less than usual but still not empty by any means. I had my passport but I did see a few people turned back or delayed who only had a DL.

I also saw an American so drunk on Thursday 2/7. He was basically passed out at the bar in AB. The AB employees were removing him. I had seen him there for over 1h before they did anything. I felt bad for the guy as I had no idea what would happen to him. I tend to drink 5-6 beers but I also hang out 4-6h in the Zona before I head back to SD.

[Country John]

this is reprinted from the official government website.

traffic tickets

if you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation in tijuana or rosarito, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by mail. tickets issued in tijuana can be paid in the usa with a check or money order made out to: h. ayuntamiento de tijuana, 416 west san ysidro blvd. suite “l”, no. 725, san ysidro, ca 92143. tickets issued in rosarito can be paid in the usa with a check or money order made out to: h. ayuntamiento de rosarito, p.o. box 439060 san diego, ca 92143-9060. tickets issued in ensenada can be paid by sending a check or money order made out to: municipio de ensenada, pmb 147 p.o. box 189003 coronado, ca, 92178-9003 , for the cities of san felipe, tecate and mexicali, traffic fines must be paid at the police station.

when faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest the fine by filling an appeal (recurso de inconformidad), either in person or in writing, for a municipal judge to review. to do this, immediately go to the nearest municipal judge within the police station; if you need information on how to do this, call our tourist assistance hot line 078.

traffic fines vary by city: (fines are in mexican pesos)

for running a red light. from $ 226.00 up to $ 678.60 (around $20 to 62 us dollars)

for not having or not using seat belts. from $ 452.40 up to $ 678.60 (around $41 to 62 us dollars)

for using cellular phone while driving. from $ 452.40 up to $ 1,000.00 (around $41 to 91 us dollars)

for driving without a valid driver’s license or car registration. $ 452.40 (around $41 us dollars)

for drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets, sidewalks or public property. from $ 452.40 up to 904.88 (around $42 to 82 us dollars)

for exceeding the speed limit. from $ 316.00 up to 1,357.00 (around $29 to 123 us dollars)

for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (dui) in addition to the fine, you may also be detained. from $ 904.88 up to $1,923.00 (around $82 to 175 us dollars)

what should i do if i find myself in a traffic accident

dial the state-wide emergency response hotline 066 (equivalent to 911 in the usa) from any private or public telephone, to notify the authorities. ask that a policeman and a police accident investigator come to the scene. if you have any questions, call the tourist assistance hotline 078.

do not move the vehicles that are involved in the accident and wait for the police accident investigator to arrive at the scene.

you should call your vehicle insurance company representative.

once the police accident investigator has determined who’s at fault, you will be asked to go to the nearest police station, to discuss with other party involved possible mutual settlement agreement concerning payment for repairs, thus avoiding the state da’s office

at the police station, if necessary, you have the right to ask for an attorney.

if someone is injured in the accident, no matter how slightly, the person alleged to have been at fault must go before the state da’s office.

you should find out if your medical insurance policy applies when traveling abroad or overseas. many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

[Phordphan]

Had a brief, interesting experience last night.

It was about 12:15am. I caught a Taxi Libre going north on Cons., near the corner of Coahuila. Jumped in the front, told him to take me to la linea. He turns right on Coahuila, goes for a few blocks and turns right again, but I forget the street. Nothing out of the ordinary, standard route.

Next thing we know we're being chased down by TJ's finest. They light us up and pull us over. Great, now what? The driver wondered what the problem was.

The first cop comes up to the driver and begins to question him. Next thing, I hear a tap on my window. I roll it down and the cop asks for my identification. Shit. I hand him my passport. This rocket scientist apparently had never seen one before, as he started looking at it like a monkey looking at a math problem. He leafs through it, took particular interest in an old visa from Cambodia (my name was written on the visa, Phan, Phord), looks at me and says "Phan?" I say "yes." He hands it back to me and asks me if I have any drugs. Of course I tell him no. He then tells me to step out of the car. Arrgh.

I stand aside and he searches the floor of the front seat for any contraband I may have dropped. After finding nothing he comes to me and asks for my ID. I tell him he already saw it. He says, yes, but he wants my Identification, my ID, and holds his fingers apart. I assume he want a drivers license, which I no longer bring to TJ. I told him that I had nothing else. (He'd completely missed the front page of the passport where my picture, address, etc., are) He finally said OK, then told me to go to the front of his pickup and assume the position.

Then Dick Tracy starts going through all of my pockets and asking if I have any smoking drugs. I guess he didn't understand the first "No." He reached into my front pocket and retrieved my cash. I said something like 'whoa' but he just handed it to me, all $6 of it. For his efforts he found the afore mentioned $6, my passport, my car keys, my comb and my cell phone. Oh, and a few breath mints. Throughout it I was very deferential and polite, and tried to assist him with the search. But he kept telling me to keep my hands on the hood of the truck.

After this rousing send-off, he politely thanked me and wished me a good evening. I was happy he hadn't tried to rip off my last $6, as I would not have been able to pay the taxi. I'm also really glad I'd taken my last 1/4 piece of vitamin V earlier, and didn't have it on me!

The taxi driver was kinda embarrassed by the whole thing, but we laughed about it. We also discussed how many ladies I'd had, times, rates, etc. Seemed like an OK guy.

My guess is, now that they don't seem to be holding up tourists at the Sentri drop-off any more, they're finding more creative ways. Apparently, taxis are no longer sacrosanct, if they ever were.

PP

[Heyzeus]

Most likely you were in the wrong place at the wrong time and they saw you getting in the cab. There have been reports on other TJ boards about being pulled over in taxi's in this area early in the morning. From your description you were probably on Madero.

[Country John]

Sometimes taxi drivers are in on it. In other words they might have a deal with the cops to signal if they have a potential "fish" in the car. This might be because they owe the cops for a traffic accident, license issue etc.

The best bet is NOT to be riding dirty. No V pills, no dope etc. Be very clean. There are only so many ways out of the Zona and they are well travelled by taxis, cops and mobile tourists so there is no place to hide.

Tip: when you are pulled over and BEFORE you get out of the car, roll your money and keep it in your hand. They will ask to see it (you might have a joint or a line rolled up in it). When they ask, count it in front of them.

They like to see a drivers license because they can run them for wants/warrants. But a Passport is the "kings X" of IDs. Get a California ID card to carry in the Zona separate from the CDL.

You handled it well Phordphan. Be safe and be nice.

Country John

[Voyajer1]

Gentlemen: Spring break is approaching fast. Since TJ's finest largest source of income being that of ripping off tourists (Oh, sorry: Drug money payoffs, followed by foreign visitor's pilferage), try and go during the day. I cannot imagine going to a place where foreigners are being shaken down for their money by the Law Enforcement Agents, and yet they keep coming back for more. As I said previously, the only way this is going to stop is for people to stop going altogether to TJ. So far, there have been some cosmetic changes. But if you keep going back, the aggravation and danger won't go away. So, if you must go, go during daylight hours when everyone can see the scourge of corruption (The dishonest TJ Police department) of this once proud city. Spring break is coming up soon and expect the harassment to get worse, since there will be more idiots (Inexpereinced youngsters) on the street than usual. The best I can tell anyone is to go during the day. You will be much safer.

[Country John]

MANY mongers enter and leave the Zona every day without incident. WHENEVER you go to the ZOna, stay low profile and do not mis-behave.

IN the Zona, there are a lot of auxillary police who are nothing more than security guards. They wear white shirts and brown pants. It's easy to intimidate them. Ask for their names and unit number then ask to speak to a State Police officer if they are giving you a hard time. They are there for a reason however so be nice and co-operate, just DO NOT tolerate any bullshit from them.

There is a LOT of crime in the Zona. There are a LOT of rateros. MANY people buy drugs there and the cops are trying to clean that up. There is a lot more of that going on than shake downs, so be aware of that and be low profile. Get in, do your bizniz then leave. Get dropped at the club and spend the week there, and at all the clubs if you want, just be low profile and un-stupid.

Country John

[Member #4647]

Do the Mexican Police still shake down people at the taxi drop off near the linea?

[Phordphan]

Do the Mexican Police still shake down people at the taxi drop off near the linea?

Only my limited experience, but on my trips down in the last couple of months I've not seen them. I used to see them almost every time. I've arrived at the sentri line between 10pm and 1am and not seen them, Also, the lines are waaaay down, which is good for me! :)

PP

[Efjayel]

Tourism of TJ has gone down by 90% according to a recent news cast. Good for lines, bad for the economy and definitely the sex trade. The chicas don't earn big bucks from the poor locals.

[Country John]

Tourism has declined of course and businesses on Revolution are in dire straits financially. The tour buses are not as many or frequent and the tourists who arrive on them (mostly orientals) visit shops close to the bus stop, so they are probably being told to stay close by and not wander off.

A lot of what is happening now in TJ has actually been going on for many years. You're just hearing more about it now, recent shoot-outs not withstanding. I can't figure out what all the drama is about. You have very violent events happening state-side at least equal to what's happening in Mexico.

The main problem (in my opinion) is police corruption. Most people seem to know about the narcotraficantes and the kidnappings but the conversation always shifts to police corruption.

Right now, there is a major crackdown on unregistered vehicles. A recent law made importing any vehicle more or less than ten years old impossible. This gives them the chance to clean house and a mexican driving a car with american plates will have some 'splainin to do when he gets stopped by the cops. I just got plates for my girlies car, a 2002 Saturn.

So if you look Mexican and drive a car with USA plates, get your paperwork in order. You have a better than 90% chance of being stopped.

The kidnappers are targeting people with resources. The word I get is that they scope out their target, learning as much as possible about their financial situation then make a move if they think it will pay off. It is not a random act. Some groups actually have cops and lawyers working with them. Some even have people at the bank watching who walks in or out with money

The crime, although not a pretty picture, is not any worse now than in years past, and certainly not worse than the USA. Tourists have nothing to worry about and it's sad that they still stay away. You are exposed to violent crime anywhere in the world, wherever you have human beings.

The long wait coming back is not mexico's fault. Homeland Security is taking their time because they are almost dysfunctional as an organization so instead of making thier operation more efficent, they make YOU wait; you see, it's easier that way.

Nobody choses to be a victim unless they have a death-wish and you can become a victim of a violent crime any time, anyplace. To hang all this shit around Mexico's neck is an injustice if you don't look in the mirror. I wonder what part the San Diego Merchant's Association has to play in the run-up in hysterics.

[Cabroncito]

the crime, although not a pretty picture, is not any worse now than in years past, and certainly not worse than the usa. tourists have nothing to worry about and it's sad that they still stay away. you are exposed to violent crime anywhere in the world, wherever you have human beings.
.

tourists have nothing to worry about, are you completely nuts !!! ??

having traveling in mexico for many years, yes i would agree that mexico as a whole is not more violent than the usa, but tj certainly lives up to is reputation as a safe haven for criminals.

as you mentioned the police are completely corrupt and involved in many of the the murders and kidnappings. crime pays since the legal system serves no one except crooked and [CodeWord130] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord130) judges and attorneys.

if you are a victim of violent crime in mexico, you have absolutely no recourse. the entire system is is a filthy cesspool of corruption. the part that is so difficult for gringos to understand is that the people accept it as a normal fact of life, since it has been going on for hundreds of years.

i live 20min from the border, but have not been to zn in over 6 yrs. i would rather pay 500-1000 dollars and fly somewhere less slimy even though it means less trips per year.

[Country John]

tourists have nothing to worry about, are you completely nuts !!! ??

having traveling in mexico for many years, yes i would agree that mexico as a whole is not more violent than the usa, but tj certainly lives up to is reputation as a safe haven for criminals.

as you mentioned the police are completely corrupt and involved in many of the the murders and kidnappings. crime pays since the legal system serves no one except crooked and [CodeWord130] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord130) judges and attorneys.

if you are a victim of violent crime in mexico, you have absolutely no recourse. the entire system is is a filthy cesspool of corruption. the part that is so difficult for gringos to understand is that the people accept it as a normal fact of life, since it has been going on for hundreds of years.

i live 20min from the border, but have not been to zn in over 6 yrs. i would rather pay 500-1000 dollars and fly somewhere less slimy even though it means less trips per year.

i will stipulate to being slightly insane at certain times. kidnappers are not looking for the low profile tourist.

bring your $100,000.00 rig across along with your bling and you present the bad guys with a unique opportunity.

i agree about the "no recourse" issue.

no question about it, the legal system is a mess. there are many many criminals living in the usa etc. the hysteria surrounding the violence in mexico is what frightens the tourist. if one tourist is hit, it might as well be a thousand of them. it is unreasonable for anyone to expect any country to be crime free.

i said it somewhere else and i'll repeat it here: mexico is a way of life.

[Roguesta]

Here's to insanity!!!

[Bunky]

While I defer to experts like Country John for in depth analysis of the ground truth in Tijuana, I think it's important to draw a distinction between what's happening in the metropolitan Tijuana area (or the rest of Mexico) and the scene in the Zona Norte.

My visits stick very close to the tried-and-true paradigm made famous by the Brockton O'Toole guide. I park on the U.S. side, take a yellow taxi to the Zona, check out the Big Three Clubs, take care of business, and reverse my steps. I'm inside a club 95 percent of the time, and when I'm on the street I know enough to avoid the street hustlers and the areas where the muggers lurk. I don't get too drunk, I don't do anything to stand out, and I've always got a few words of Spanish and a tip for the waiters and bartenders.

In 15 years of trips I've never had a waiter try to rip me off, I've never been stopped by the police in the Zona, and I've had zero problems with any of the locals. (I did endure one police stop at the Sentri taxi dropoff last fall. But nothing came of it and and it appears this practice has come to an end.) In fact, the folks who make a (legitimate) living in the Zona Norte have been unfailingly polite.

I realize that I am arguing via anecdote. But I suspect that there are many lurkers on this board (and Zona Norte regulars who aren't online) who haven't noticed any change for the worse. I theorize that no matter what troubles plague Mexican society in general, they almost never trickle down to those parts of the Zona Norte that cater to the Norteamericano trade. Some my deride those who make a beeline for the Adelita Bar to do the trophy fuck thing. But what others may find boring and trite at least seems to offer the value of increased safety and security.

Bunky

[Supermonger2]

Right now, there is a major crackdown on unregistered vehicles. A recent law made importing any vehicle more or less than ten years old impossible. This gives them the chance to clean house and a mexican driving a car with american plates will have some 'splainin to do when he gets stopped by the cops. I just got plates for my girlies car, a 2002 Saturn.

So if you look Mexican and drive a car with USA plates, get your paperwork in order. You have a better than 90% chance of being stopped.


This may be irrelevant information for those living close the US border, but further south, we import/nationalize an extra vehicle. With an FM-3 residency visa, you are allowed one vehicle for the duration and continuation of your FM-3 status. If however, you wish to bring in another vehicle, try to find a low-mileage one, ten years or older. That way you dodge the 35% import duty.

Vehicles with US certified salvage titles can also be declared far, far less than their Blue Book value. For instance a $20,000usd car with a salvage title could be valued at $1,000usd and thus only be levied 35% or $350usd in taxes.

[Smut Villain]

While I defer to experts like Country John for in depth analysis of the ground truth in Tijuana, I think it's important to draw a distinction between what's happening in the metropolitan Tijuana area (or the rest of Mexico) and the scene in the Zona Norte.

My visits stick very close to the tried-and-true paradigm made famous by the Brockton O'Toole guide. I park on the U.S. side, take a yellow taxi to the Zona, check out the Big Three Clubs, take care of business, and reverse my steps. I'm inside a club 95 percent of the time, and when I'm on the street I know enough to avoid the street hustlers and the areas where the muggers lurk. I don't get too drunk, I don't do anything to stand out, and I've always got a few words of Spanish and a tip for the waiters and bartenders.

In 15 years of trips I've never had a waiter try to rip me off, I've never been stopped by the police in the Zona, and I've had zero problems with any of the locals. (I did endure one police stop at the Sentri taxi dropoff last fall. But nothing came of it and and it appears this practice has come to an end.) In fact, the folks who make a (legitimate) living in the Zona Norte have been unfailingly polite.

I realize that I am arguing via anecdote. But I suspect that there are many lurkers on this board (and Zona Norte regulars who aren't online) who haven't noticed any change for the worse. I theorize that no matter what troubles plague Mexican society in general, they almost never trickle down to those parts of the Zona Norte that cater to the Norteamericano trade. Some my deride those who make a beeline for the Adelita Bar to do the trophy fuck thing. But what others may find boring and trite at least seems to offer the value of increased safety and security.

Bunky
I would definitely agree. What's going on down there is the same old stuff that's been happening for years. I haven't been a TJ regular for at least 10 years or more but the stories I'm hearing now were happening back then, too. I think the real difference is that the internet has become so ubiquitous in recent years that knowledge of these situations tends to become more widespread and in a much quicker manner. IOW, it's the "same ol' same ol'" but it only seems to have gotten worse than it really is because news spreads so much faster to so many people now.

[Country John]

This may be irrelevant information for those living close the US border, but further south, we import/nationalize an extra vehicle. With an FM-3 residency visa, you are allowed one vehicle for the duration and continuation of your FM-3 status. If however, you wish to bring in another vehicle, try to find a low-mileage one, ten years or older. That way you dodge the 35% import duty.

Vehicles with US certified salvage titles can also be declared far, far less than their Blue Book value. For instance a $20,000usd car with a salvage title could be valued at $1,000usd and thus only be levied 35% or $350usd in taxes.
Thanks for clearing that up. My understanding now is that anything other than the above must be 10 years old, no more and no less.

A note regarding crime: I had a meeting with several business associates on Friday night to discuss risk and our activity. The recent arrests of high profile kidnap ring leaders is interesting (and welcomed) news, but it is NOT time to let your guard down.

Remember that these king-pins employed nut cases to do their dirty work. Now that the ring leaders are in jail, there are a lot of unemployed nut cases out there who know the game and who will be less selective about who they grab. They are not looking for the big money, they'll take you for $10K if mom will pay it. They tend to be much less sophisticated, lacking the equipment and intelligence provided by their previous employers.

My understanding is that they will prowl the backstreets and alleys looking for strays. So you must remember to stay in populated areas that are well lighted and the Alley should be perfectly safe. DO NOT stray out of the Zona unless you are able to take care of yourself.

Lacking the organization, equipment and command structure they had before, they might be a little rough around the edges operationally, but do not let your guard down. Leave the bling at home, don't carry LARGE amounts of cash or credit cards.

Take a separate wallet with your ID, monger money, temporary ATM card (that you can get at the bank just for asking) and appropriate contact info State-side in case you have an accident.

[Docholiday101]

I've been hearing mixed details on the whole passport thing. Are we required to have a passport to walk across the boarder now?

I know when driving down to Ensenada they require a passport to pass back thru to the U. S. We've been warned a number of times and they claim (boarder patrol) that next time (this was in Feb 08) if we don't have a passport or paperwork we're going to be detained.

I don't like carrying my passport in Mexico and especially would worry if on foot in the Zona. I plan a visit soon but am really concerned about the whole passport thing.

[Samurai0907]

I've been hearing mixed details on the whole passport thing. Are we required to have a passport to walk across the boarder now?

I know when driving down to Ensenada they require a passport to pass back thru to the U. S. We've been warned a number of times and they claim (boarder patrol) that next time (this was in Feb 08) if we don't have a passport or paperwork we're going to be detained.

I don't like carrying my passport in Mexico and especially would worry if on foot in the Zona. I plan a visit soon but am really concerned about the whole passport thing.You have to have either:

Passport or

DL plus original birth cert.

I forgot my BC a few weeks ago and they let me pass, no problem. Tonight I saw 4 guys together, from LA. None had bc. Just showed dl and were let through. Now, I know that if they want to be hard-assed, they can and will, and will detain your ass for several hours. It depends on who and when I guess. You can also get the new passport card, which is like a dl.

[Country John]

The day will come when passports will be the law of the land and some returning Americano will be bleeding from the asshole while being detained because they will claim that they didn't know about it. Then comes the lawsuit, book deal, movie etc.

Homeland security is trying to get the message across that Passports will be required by a date certain.

Most will comply. Some will try to bullshit their way through and create for themselves a delay that they will then ty to convert into a cause of action that will go nowhere.

Do yourself a favor: familiarize yourselves with the law of the land, then comply. You'll be glad you did.

Be safe and be nice
Country John

[Malo9517]

Hey Guys,

Anyone not familiar with the new travel rules should just log on to www.travel.state.gov for info. Until around June 2008 you can still use your D/L but you also need proof of U.S. Citizenship, i.e birth certificate. If you are not a U.S. Citizen then you already have a passport from your home country, so make sure you have that and your green card etc.

There is a guy on the radio in San Diego named Rick Roberts in the morning on A.M. 760 KFMB. He has a report weekly called This week in Mejico (Mexico). He is trying to discourage people from traveling to Mexico because of the crime and violence. he reads every news story about how many cops, soldiers, people who are murdered, shootings in broad daylight, kidnappings, etc. He even mentioned some gringo being kidnapped for a $1,000 ransom.

Well I'm happy to report that I visited Tijuana on 4/9 and 4/10 at night. I saw nothing unusual taxied in taxied out. On 4/9 that night the lines were out the door going through immigration. During the day I made a day trip by bus and it took about 1 1/2 hours to go through immigration and I was on the bus. The lines were backed up to the taxi drop-off. So I guess the stories aren't scaring anyone away.

Remember guys just use the tips from this board and everything should be OK
Check the AB section for my detailed report in a couple of days.

[B Dulles]

Doing some research on the TJ situation. I do not think I can post a link here, but go to the Los Angeles Times website and do a search for Tijuana. They did a great in-depth look at TJ in an article titled "Tijuana tourism plunges amid drug violence. "

The article paints a realistic picture of things, not too bad and says clearly that the violence is not targeted at tourists.

However, I did just do a google search of Tijuana and Crime and found that the state department issued a travel warning yesterday about crime in the northern areas, including TJ. Included was this line:

"Thousands of U. S. Citizens cross the border safely each day, exercising common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas of border towns during daylight hours. It is strongly recommended that travelers avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing occur."

If I had never been before, it would scare me more. I still plan to go again. Read the O'Toole guide and stick to it, at least that is my plan.

[JourneyQuest1]

I walk around on Friday nights up and down constitution and revolution no ptroblems, walk to and from my car on us no problems, cops standing on the corners no problem lots of beautiful girls, feel pretty safe. Just look like a tourist don't get too drunk or loud be cool and probably no problems. Make trips to the cash machine when you need it don't carry too much at one time.

[Country John]

I am still looking into this and maybe you already know about it but effective May 3, any vehicle with window film tint will be towed by the cops with a size large hassle to follow.

The cops want window tint film removed from every car having it in a effort to flush out more bad guys. Factory tint (embedded in the glass) is exempt, so if you have a worthwhile vehicle, then you are OK. The bad guys will be swapping the tinted glass for factory glass I am sure....great news for glass guys.

This is how it is supposed to go down: You are stopped for having tinted windows, the car is towed, you have to go to the pound and remove the tint, pay the towing/storage/ticket then drive off. There is a zero tolerance policy on this and I am not certain if USA plates/Drivers are included

Someone might mave more info than me, so please correct me if I am wrong.

Be safe and be nice
Country John

UPDATE...

The following is a rough translation from one of the local newspapers:


The Town hall of Tijuana will distinguish between glasses smoked and polarized at the time of applying fines and towing vehicles.

The next third of May the reform comes into force to the regulation of Public transport that it allows to undivide and to gather the vehicles that circulate with polarized glasses.

The juridical adviser Raúl Corona Sesma told that there are differences between a smoked glass that brings the vehicle from the agency to a polarized glass, which was darkened by the specific intention of which it is not possible to see anything to the interior.

The smoked glasses, pointed out the lawyer, will not be an object of sanction since with them yes it is possible to see to the interior of the cars.

The polarized one, on the other hand, is that one that is altered in some workshop and that prevents any type of visibility towards the interior of the automobile.

Against this type of glasses there will not be any flexibility and any vehicle that is surprised circulating from third of May will be towed to the corralón and object will do to a fine of ten minimal salaries.

Crown told that the only ones that are authorized to circulate with polarized glasses are the tall officials on the subject of public safety.

[Member #4450]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24328980

[One Wing Low]

Watch out for some Libre taxi when they suggest you pay by the meter.

I caught a guy cranking up his meter by a switch hidden in his door. His cab number is 699. Asshole.

I hope he finds himself in front of the Felix Arrelano gang when they do the shoot out....

[Country John]

Apparently cars with USA plates are exempt from the no-tint laws. You MUST however have your registration current, have a current drivers license with a state-side address etc.

I decided t leave the tint on my car for now. I have a feeling things will get clarified further soon, but the above was announced on the news in TJ.

Country John

[Country John]

Apparently cars with USA plates are exempt from the no-tint laws. You MUST however have your registration current, have a current drivers license with a state-side address etc.

I decided t leave the tint on my car for now. I have a feeling things will get clarified further soon, but the above was announced on the news in TJ.

Country John


Update...

Cars from the USA are NOT exempt. You must remove the film from your glass. The fine is $50 if you do not remove it on the spot when you are stopped. If you take the ticket, you could get another one 5 minutes later and so-on.

Country John