THE POLICE IN MEXICO: AN X-RAY OF CHRONIC DELAY (2018-2022)
- To shed light on the institutional neglect experienced by the police in Mexico, Causa en Común has conducted the report “The Police in Mexico: An X-ray of Chronic Delay (2018-2022).” This work compiles various research efforts carried out by the organization, focusing on budget, police mobilizations, police killings, non-compliance with security agreements made by institutions, and the effects of militarization.
Police officers in Mexico work under precarious conditions while extreme violence permeates the entire country. The abandonment of the police is reflected in the failure to fulfill the agreements of the National Public Security Council regarding job dignification, budget cuts, and stagnation, as well as the advancement of public security militarization.
During the current government, the Public Security Contributions Fund (FASP) has stagnated, and the Subsidy for Strengthening Performance in Public Security Matters to Municipalities and Territorial Demarcations of Mexico City (FORTASEG) was eliminated in 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, the precarious working conditions of police officers have been confirmed. They often work shifts of 24 hours or more, receive inadequate salaries and benefits, lack sufficient equipment and training, and, in some cases, endure degrading treatment and violence within their departments. This explains why at least 152 strikes, 60 strike notices, and 119 police protests have been recorded in most states of the country during the current presidential term. Additionally, according to journalistic records, from December 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, at least 1,818 police officers have been killed, averaging approximately 1.21 police officers per day.
In contrast, the militarization of public security and other civilian functions continues unabated and without tangible results. During the current presidential term, the deployment of the Armed Forces has increased, along with their budgets, and they have been burdened with numerous civilian responsibilities. It is worth noting that this strengthening of the Armed Forces comes at the expense of police forces.
