Police corruption in Mexico

Corruption among police officers in Mexico is a major problem that affects both the law enforcement agencies and the country's political system.

History of corruption

Corruption in Mexico traces its roots back to colonial times,^[1] when the arrival of Spanish conquistadors led the Spanish crown to grant positions of power to wealthy and influential individuals.^[2] These offices were often short-lived because officials were charged with collecting revenue, maintaining order, and sustaining their regions while only relying on local sources of wealth and sustenance. People began to influence their local political leaders and would hold fiestas to gain favor with them. This system of bribery and purchasing one's way into power and influence continued into post-colonial times, where the Mexican society organized itself into a pyramid-like hierarchy, with the rich and powerful at the top.^[3] After independence, corruption was used not only as a means of advancement, but also as a means to provide goods and services.^[4] Over time, the practice of using unofficial means became a way for bureaucrats to generate revenue for infrastructural and social projects as well as to supplement their incomes.

Corruption in the police

Corruption in the Mexican police can range from accepting bribes to overlooking criminal activity to active participation in criminal activity such as extortion, drug trafficking, and assassination.^[5]

Over 93% of crimes go unreported or not investigated in Mexico.^[6] The extortion rate is 11%. It's consistent with the daily life of many Mexicans.^[7] Only 18% of Mexicans expressed a high level of trust in public security institutions in 2017, and only 7% in the case of municipal police. Additionally, only 13% are aware of any action taken to tackle corruption.^[8] Many people have reported bribing the police for even minor incidents such as illegal parking and other traffic violations. ^[9] Police corruption is also, in part, to blame for the continued spread of illicit narcotics and the growth of the drug manufacturing and distribution industries.^[10]

Efforts to stop corruption

Under the administration of former president Andres Manuel Lopez between 2019-2024, efforts were made to impose justice on abuse of power by government officials and other authorities. According to a recent study by Forbes Mexico, the federal government has taken steps to stop and diminish corruption, such as arresting corrupt individuals in power and investigating corruption cases.