Cops Not Patroling The SENTRI Drop Off

[uchaboo]

I honestly never knew about the judge part till I researched it out here.

I figured it was worth it just to pay. I did a lot better with my little white boy south SD spanish.. cop wanted $75 x 5.. got him off for 95 for everyone. I guess it worked

As far as the "crackdowns" you're right, very cyclical. Usually happens when someone makes a scene on SD TV or a newspaper and word gets to the TJ Mayor's office and they make their customary checks on cops. Sometimes happens when a big deal politician from the US or Mexico comes to visit.

it's still pretty bad but ask any TJ veteran, after the 1994 peso crisis, it got a ton worse and it's a lot better than those days.

 

[in my own world :D]

dirtysouthballin...sorry to hear you had problems. Also, that you didn't stand firm but institing on seeing a judge (if you didn't do anything wrong). If you had you'd probably be $100 richer. The cops are experts at intimidating people--as I'm sure you can testify--so most people "pay up."

The situation with the cops in Tijuana and especially at the SENTRI drop off ebs and flows. Periodically the "powers that be" crack down on the cops and things are good for tourists for awhile. Then the cycle begins a new.

 

[parijatha]

Last time I was in Tijuana there were cops at the SENTRI drop off point right by the pedestrian bridge, I think.

One guy took off. I don't think he was walking for months after they cracked his knee cap.

That was the same night my friends and I got "arrested" and had to spend close to $100 to get the cops off our backs.

Never, ever again. I moved from San Diego anyways... but those cops are the reason why I don't trust law enforcement anywhere.

 

[mr_j526]

It's been a long time since I read the Mexican constituiton, so I won't comment now about specifics.

Speaking in generalities, the Mexican constiution and laws grant many rights, protections, etc. that are similar to those found in the US. On paper at least, Mexican law is more progrssive than most realize. Of course, what happens in practice is often different than how things are "on paper"...which is true in many countries.

 

[Victoria]

Fireballs, we have to rely here on our Mexican Cultural/Legal "counsels" (Amigo, Sampson, Burt).
And BTW, married men shouldnt be roaming the streets of TJ, spoiling pretty little (and not so little) girls
I agree with you, I wouldnt push it the whole way with the Cops, never know might run into one nut. And if one is time constrained (due to being married or otherwise), thats a disadvaneforum.xxxe. Well, If one were to live in TJ, it would be a different approach.

 

[Froggy McFrogfeet]

Burt wrote:

Doesn't the Mexican constitution say pretty much the same thing that Mexican police must charge you with a crime within 48 hours? Meaning you could get put in prison in Mexico and not get charged right-away? I know that's not the practice in Tijuana, but I'm just looking out for the married man. What happens if you are one of the few they just throw in prison over night without seeing the judge. What will you tell your wife? I'll have to re-read the Mexican constitution in the meaning time if your married, protest your treatment and stand you ground, but don't push it with the TJ cops.

 

[Greg B]

Burt, Amigo, Sampson
Thanks, now its clear, especially when Burt clarified that Judges are on call/duty 24/7. Cool, I never seen this anywwhere in the world including Saudi Arabia ! Then we have a good handle here. If one stays firm and polite and insists on Judge the cops will back away. I was afraid earlier because I thought I wil be stuck on the weekend languishing in a jail waiting for monday morning, and then being fired from my job for not reporting to work
Usually the cops avoid me, never been stopped, nor did I do anything out of the way except once !

 

[this kitty needs a hug]

In the US, cops put you in jail and must take you before a judge for an arrenment hearing within 72 hours. It's different in Tijuana.

In Tijuana judges are on duty 24/7, 365 days a year. The cops must get a confinement order before they can actually put you in jail.

That's why sometimes they drive tourists around in cars to intimidate them. That's also why most of the time they'll move on to easier prey if you insist on seeing a judge with stopped for a BS charge.

So if you did something wrong it's time to play "let's make a deal." But if you didn't do anything wrong normally the cops will cut you lose if you stand firm.

 

[Aly]

Yes Jeremy sound advice to your deaf ears.
Read Sampsonricos post above yours.
He agrees too.

 

[Brickfists (Again)]

No the judge will see you right away. What will happen is the corrupt officer will let you go, as he doesn't want to waste and oppurtunity to lose money. Asking a cop to take you to the judge is like telling a prostitute you have no money....time for them to move on.

 

[bigbossmamma]

Brilliant advice. And you can sit in jail for a few days which is how long it might take the judge to see you.

 

[LiL iNNOCENT]

The cops are indeed up to their old games; in fact they're worse than "normal" at this writing.

The earlier it is in the day the less likely you are to have problems. Other ways to avoid them are to drive or take the Mexicoach (which I think stops running at 9pm).

If stopped: hold your money and wallet in your hands, make eye contact, don't show fear, ask their names, etc. Be assertive, but not disrepectful. Above all, don't let them intimidate you (which is what they want) and you'll be let go without having to pay a bribe.

 

[LFC Fan]

They generally are not so aggressive early in the day like 5pm or earlier...or when there is a long line like on weekends...but if you read on how to deal with them, then you should be able to handle the situation without losing anything.

 

[nas88car 300 nice race #9]

Does anyone know if the TJ cops are still stopping americans crossing the border late at night?

If so, when is a good time to avoid them? What hours?

thanks

 

[Uhg.......]

Actually further south when you are driving on a freeway and you get extorted the officer gives you something to show in case you get stopped a little further down the road.

 

[summer222008]

If you know you will be a drunken fool can you just pay the fine in advance and go out to party? The pigs could stamp your wrist like at a club. Well...nice concept anyways.

 

[gretcho]

Guys, I would fully recomend for you to read the following link, from the Municipio de Tijuana site:

http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/turismo/TouristGuide/English/pag6.asp

Wandering in the streets under the influence of alcoholic beverages or toxic substances: $135.72 to $316.68 pesos

Drinking alcoholic beverages or toxic substances in a public street or road, in private places without authorization or inside any vehicle: $ 226.20 to $ 904.80

When ever stopped, ask the reason. It should be #1.
Insit to be taken to the judge and I really mean INSIST. Get them out of the loop... let them know, YOU KNOW.

 

[Andy J.]

You avoid Tijuana because the police might ask you some questions and frisk you? If you don't have weapons or drugs, there is nothing to worry about.

 

[Caboose]

Zyb

I'm glad I read this thread. I was going to go to TJ to party this weekend but after remembering how the cops harassed me and probably stole some cash out of my pockets, I decided not to go and check the reports on this site.

I guess they won't stop until something drastic happens.

in the meantime, I will avoid TJ like the plague and go to Costa Rica and other countries instead.

Besides, the sex in TJ was a far second from any other countries like central or south american countries.

 

[Dentist]

Me and my friend came back from strip bars (Adelita, Chicago, Honk Kong, Miami and street action). We have been approached by three policeman at 11.15 PM yestarday night, one asked my friend to put all his belonging on the blou mailbox standing next to a tree, later on the same with me. We empty pockets (passports and money), they searched us and we were robbed, they took 50 dollars banknote from me and 20 dollars from my friend. One very toll policemen, and one short with wire glasses the last one complaining he cannot afford to go Adelitas Bar and all usual bull shit you would expact from the beggar rather then from officer. Took even cigarrete (after asking) from my frient box. I have been visiting Tijuana for years, but now spending more of my time in my native country, I would rather skip that joint and do mongering at home, or south east Asia.