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Dealing with the police.

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Brendahalol
  11/12/2017 20:58 EST

Once upon a time, i took the time to read up on dealing with cops in the states. Things like ...
-when they can versus cant enter your home
-the difference between being detained versus arrested
- its legal for law enforcement to lie
- i can refuse to take a breathalyzer test

I’m wondering if anyone knows a good source for information pertaining to these very things in Mexico. Perferably in English. I feel more at ease when armed with good information.

mjohn1006
  11/13/2017 04:38 EST

check out the Facebook page for https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=208642242862409&ref=br_rs

Two Expats Living in Mexico good source for you

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hrlee7804
  11/13/2017 11:20 EST

What I have learned is be careful trying to tell a Mexican in a position of authority what your view of a situation is. Many others have said on this forum to not challenge those in authority as many times there is no set rule for their responsibilities or procedures....I suggest be careful trying to get them to see your side. Even rules to get a visa from the US is not the same with each office. Be careful telling them their job.

RVGRINGO
  11/13/2017 11:48 EST

Never challenge a Mexican official! You will always lose. You might even disappear. Paying “mordida“ is a felony, as is accepting it. So, you may always ask for a ticket, but you may not be successful.

Brendahalol
  11/13/2017 14:02 EST

Nice! Thanks.

Brendahalol
  11/13/2017 14:08 EST

I’ve heard this when it comes to dealing with the individuals in the consulates, but is it the same with cops?
As a young stoner (years ago) i read up on police procedures as a way of coping with any anxiety i might experience when high. So i know, in the US, an officer cant enter your place of reaidence unless they think someone needs assistence or there is something illega in plain sight. Smell alone, isnt even really probable cause because there are incense designed to smell like marijuana.
I’m wondering what the rules are for cops in mexico.
Just knowing, makes me feel safer and more empowered.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Brendahalol
  11/13/2017 14:10 EST

What scares me about bribes is that they may encourage law enforcement to harass you again. I wouldnt want to seem like someone who is an easy shake-down.

RVGRINGO
  11/13/2017 16:00 EST

What is it that you really want to know, Brenda? Or is there some specific fear that concerns you?
Mexico is completely different than the USA, and the legal system is really, really different. Rules? Ha !!!!

Songster
  11/14/2017 00:28 EST

I was shaken down very late at night in Ajijic about 4 years ago, and I heard of 3 or 4 others that it happened to during the time I was there. It was pretty scary, as you know that the cops there can do pretty much anything they want with you. I ended up giving 2 officers a 500 note, which got me off the hook (for doing nothing but walking at 3a.m.).

Here's the deal: these cops make about a hundred dollars a WEEK! so the shakedowns are common practice, keeps the cops and their families alive. I recommend you just be polite, pay the baksheesh, and keep everybody happy and away from the police station. It doesn't hurt very much financially speaking, and the system is not going to change any time soon, with or without foreigners' complaints.

louixo
  11/14/2017 08:35 EST

#Police in Mexico have authority for different things.. In most jurisdictions, especially tourist areas, they publish booklets that you can pick up at most police stations that outline their procedures. , For example. The transito police are traffic. Municipal police are the ones who respond to calls of disturbing the police, domestic problems, robbery etc. Both patrol with, or without, flashing lights. Now and then you get a rogue cop looking for a “bite”. In my experience it’s been mostly traffic cops, and 3sometimes municipals. Both can pull you over. If it’s a traffic offense, ask for the ticket then fight it later. Many times they do not wish to put anything on paper, or do not have actual tickets to write, and will give you a warning dor show.. If you committed the infraction and wish to avoid the court hassle, try offering the bite. I always tried $200pesos with the statement “that’s all i have”. It usually works, and if it doesn’t take the ticket and fight it later. Chances are the fine will not be much more for a violation. Yes, it is illegal, so if you’ re a “by the book” person, fight it in court. How much is your time worth? Where i live they have a booklet for traffic, that plainly states in spanish and english that if you are a foriegner they must give you a worning if it’s your fiirst offense. I have shown that book to a traffic cop, and had the ticket issued anyway, and later rescinded at the traffich bureau. There are no hard and fast rules, but for the most part, the police on the street are fair and will listen to your side.

longtimelurker
  11/14/2017 08:50 EST

Mordida has been around since the beginning of Mexico. 99.5% of the mordida is paid by Mexicans.

Not only police receive mordida, so does the cable installer, telephone installer, garbage collectors, etc. If you want things done, you have to pay.

It is hilarious to think that self-righteous gringos asking for a ticket will change 500 years of tradition.

Just avoid the police, In Mexico, you are guilty until you prove your innocence.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Brendahalol
  11/14/2017 09:42 EST

Wow. I guess it depends where you are. I’ve heard the exact opposite from some people. “Never pay the mordida!”
I’ll admit I think i would out of laziness/convienience alone. I dont want to go to the station.
I feel stupid for asking this question now.

longtimelurker
  11/14/2017 10:05 EST

Mordida is everywhere in Mexico, It is a subtle part of life.

How many times would you argue and "demand" a traffic ticket in the USA or CA? NEVER!!!!! But in Mexico you are to politely ask for the ticket?

I find this extremely funny.

Brenda, knowing the rule will not empower you. You have no power. Just don't put yourself in the position of haveing to deal with the Police.

Brendahalol
  11/14/2017 14:12 EST

I understand now. There is truth in what you say. No point in knowing policy and procedure when corruption is rampant.

GranJefe
  11/14/2017 14:41 EST

How about not walking around drunk at 3 a.m. ??? You are a target for low life drug addicts, etc.

louixo
  11/15/2017 10:16 EST

I was unable to edit my first reply and it posted with the errors. To be clear, I do ask for the ticket, just ro see if they really have one to write. If it fails, I go to plan B...the bite. I have been stopped many times for frivolous things, like my windows were too dark, tailight out, even because a cop wanted to admire my car. They start in with the dog and pony show of why I am being stopped to see what I will offer. My tactic is to do my own dog and pony show, so I say “ok, write the ticket” , to see if they have one to write. If they go for the pad, I very quickly reach for my $200 pesos.. In over 20 years, i have never gone to court. Sometimes I have had them hit me up for just a refresco. It is funny, but it works for me.

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