Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Roguesta]

Hizark,

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

[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.

[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

[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]

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/m...m29tjdead.html

[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]

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

[Nero X]

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

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.