BajaNomad - Police Shake Downs

Police Shake Downs

Pescador - 1-12-2008 at 08:10 AM

Most who travel baja by automobile have either experienced or heard of cops who pull you over for a "supposed infraction" and are willing to settle for some cash settlement to keep you going on your way. The newest twist that I am starting to hear about from several different locations is that the police pull you over and then when you say you would like to go to the Judge or Justicia, they say fine but we have to impound your vehicle and if you happen to be towing another vehicle or trailer, they are going to leave it there on the street until you return to claim it.
I think that using a camera to take the policeman's picture would be a big deterrent but what else could be done in this situation. If you had a cell phone you could certainly call the emergency number or the police station of the town you were in. This is an interesting new ploy and I am not sure that I really know how to combat this one. Maybe Ferna or some of the others up North can shed some light.

nobaddays - 1-12-2008 at 08:28 AM

Road travel in Mexico is really getting creepy. Something must be done.

Santiago - 1-12-2008 at 08:34 AM

1. I carry a copy of the "Tourist's Legal Rights" supplied by sindicatura. (http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Turismo/TouristGuide/English/index...)
2. I point to the section where it says it is illegal for the police to ask for payment and illegal for me to pay.
3. I show him the section that has the addresses to the local police stations that have 24 hour judges.
4. I tell him I will now drive to the nearest station and he can follow me if he wants.
5. I put it in drive and pull out without waiting for his 'approval'.

Well, I haven't actually done this, but I've fantisized.

Here's where I'm heading to: if after a short discussion where I insist on a written citation and none is forthcoming - I want to hand him a paper that says in Spanish and English that I do not want to be a part of illeagal activities and am now leaving the scene of an extortion attempt, and going to the nearest judge, put it in drive and just go. I really don't think they will follow.

islandmusicteach - 1-12-2008 at 10:17 AM

Santiago,
I think you have come up with a concise, practical and effective solution. I know others have had similar ideas, but you put it all together. Well stated, hermano.

Cardon Man - 1-12-2008 at 12:02 PM

Good stuff Santiago. I wonder if there is a Sindicatura for La Paz? I've had a number of run ins with mordida there in the last couple of years. I had one streak going where I had been pulled over on 4 out of 5 visits and in 3 different vehicles! Each time we were in a vehicle towing a boat or in a vehicle sporting lots of gear on the roof rack ( ie. looking like a tourista ). They correctly preyed on us knowing we were eager to get somewhere and would not want to bother with returning to the station.

Ken Cooke - 1-12-2008 at 12:19 PM

The police told me that my vehicle would be left on the side of the road in Mexicali while I traveled with the police to the station. I had to catch a plane in 48 hours, so money was paid and I was on my way. Sometimes, you just don't have the time to play games with the policia there.

Paulina - 1-12-2008 at 12:20 PM

With Santiago's info in hand, pull over to a well populated area and just say No. Then be ready to wait them out. Time is money and if it's obvious that they won't get any from you they'll eventually move on to the next victim.

My two pesos and it has worked for us.

P<*)))><

fdt - 1-12-2008 at 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cardon Man
I wonder if there is a Sindicatura for La Paz?

There is a Sindicatura for every city. The only fake and fraudalent one is the "aleged" Sindicatura that you send $25USD to and are in the US, those are robing you blind.

tjBill - 1-12-2008 at 01:22 PM

The one time I was pulled over, they gave the whole story about how my car would be towed etc., etc.

I just sat there and talked with them about crime rates in tijuana. After 5 minutes they drove off.

It seems being polite and waiting them out works.

gnukid - 1-12-2008 at 02:04 PM

I get pulled over really often for nothing and each time I get really scared, I start to freak out and almost shake which is normal, I guess. Then I pull together the courage to smile. I smile real big and shout go into friendly mode.

"Hola, Que Bueno Ver te, Que Milagro! Fue Mucho tiempo Que bueno que me recuerdes! Si todo bien amigo! Y la familia?, Tu Jefe?" Blah blah Talk it up it works everytime, talk going fishing y vacations, then say, "muy bien amigo, tiene un buen dia adios."

There is nothing to strike fear in a mexican cop like the idea that you know them and that are a friend!

I paid once on the way to the airport.

bancoduo - 1-12-2008 at 02:18 PM

Quote:

If after a short discussion where I insist on a written citation and none is forthcoming - I want to hand him a paper that says in Spanish and English that I do not want to be a part of illeagal activities and am now leaving the scene of an extortion attempt, and going to the nearest judge, put it in drive and just go. I really don't think they will follow.

Why follow; I'll just shoot the "P-nche GRINGO" :lol:

DENNIS - 1-12-2008 at 02:20 PM

Good idea, gnu.........
Dump the high end of a bi-polar attack on 'em and they wouldn't know what to do.
Reminds me of a story........Years ago in Capistrano Beach, my neighbor who was always really drunk, was pulled over by the sheriff as he was on his way home. Driving while drunk wasn't as serious in those days as today but, while standing in front of the deputy he had to be held upright to keep from tipping over. He'd had a lot to drink and at the moment he decided he must relieve himself from the explosive bladder pressure so he asked to be excused to step into the bushes and, was refused.
The deputy and my neighbor stared at each other for a short time and the deputy looked down to see the front of neighbors pants dampen, then the legs and finally into his shoes to overflowing.
The deputy calmly returned neighbors paperwork and told him there was no way he was getting into his police car, said adiós and told him to go home.
Well, he said he had to pee.

Pescador - 1-12-2008 at 02:55 PM

Santiago, that is a great guide. I can not figure out how to get it in Spanish which would probably be a good thing in a pull over situation.
Also, I think that taking a picture of the offender is a good idea and would go a long way towards stopping everything at the begining. Also I wonder if there is a similar guide for outside of Tijuana since at least one of these incidences happened in Tecate.

gnukid - 1-12-2008 at 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
I get pulled over really often for nothing...

Nothing? I average far less than once a year. How to you attract this?

--Larry

I have no idea what they are doing or what the initial impulse is? I assume each cop will try to pull you over at least once in a while.

I drive the malecon usually at least once a day and normally go to the beach everyday and go out at night so I guess I travel a lot which would put me in the line of many cops.

To be clear, in the US and Mexico I have no tickets, not even a parking ticket, no accidents and never been arrested.

Recently the excuses for pulling me over were:

They thought I was someone else stealing my car x2.

They asked me if I had seen any other cops around cause they were looking for their boss.

They asked me if I was mexican and therefore shouldn't be driving a us plated car.

They asked me if I had a drivers license.

Maybe they are just doing their job?

Have fun,

Cardon Man - 1-12-2008 at 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
I get pulled over really often for nothing...

Nothing? I average far less than once a year. How to you attract this?

--Larry

The most common reason for being hassled by the Policia: DWW (driving while white. )

[Edited on 1-12-2008 by Cardon Man]

longlegsinlapaz - 1-12-2008 at 03:53 PM

I know that I haven't been pulled over since I imported my vehicle. Same vehicle with US plates I was stopped several times for bogus "infractions". When I had US plates I'd tell them I wasn't speeding/didn't run the light or stop sign & tell then I'm not a tourist, I LIVE here full-time & have for 9 years. I'm not fluent, but I can make them understand my "Mordita es no legal"! I have told the officer just as soon as he tickets those 8 Mexican plated vehicles which are streaming past & went through the light after I did, then he can write me up! :lol:

Having US plates is a bogus infraction magnet! :no:

Lencho, I can't remember if you have US or Mexican plates!

jeans - 1-12-2008 at 05:13 PM

Quote:

The most common reason for being hassled by the Policia: DWW (driving while white. )

My Ex will pull people over for DWHUA (Driving with Head Up A$$)

Santiago's LINK in Spanish...

Mexray - 1-13-2008 at 03:06 PM

...go here:

http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Turismo/TouristGuide/Espanol/index...

You could print both the English and Spanish versions for you travel files...Maybe highlight the 'mordita' sections...

[Edited on 1-13-2008 by Mexray]

tjBill - 1-13-2008 at 04:03 PM

I think having a Sentri pass sicker on the your windshield helps; then the police know you're a Baja regular with a clean criminal record.

wilderone - 1-14-2008 at 10:58 AM

Play their game and deputize yourself - become one of them! Como se dice "undercover"?? My badge is bigger than your badge.

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-Mexican-Mexico-Baja-California-Tijua...

Martyman - 1-14-2008 at 12:34 PM

Santiago;
I like your idea but the officer will have your drivers license and your registration so... Maybe give them copies?
I paid $36 last time I went through Tijuana.

gnukid - 1-14-2008 at 02:05 PM

Larry

If you are insinuating something derogatory, as it appears you are for some time, its insulting as I am sure you intend. So now that you have insulted me repeatedly. Does that make you feel good or justified in some way?

Lets hear it, Lencho?

What is your point? Lencho?

kodiak - 1-14-2008 at 07:22 PM

I actually did have a negative experience in La Paz just a few days ago. I drove my wife to the dentist on Reforma Street. Dropped her off and went down to the next street, turned left, and parked by the curb...just like a half dozen other vehicles. I even pulled in my driver's side mirror out of the line of traffic since it does stick out quite a bit.

Not wanting to sit in the dentist's lounge for the next 2 hours, I decided to walk about town and check out the sights. Was gone for 45 minutes and when I returned, I saw a police officer on a quad, removing my license plate off my truck. I had my keys on me, so I hit the door unlock/lock button and it blips the horn. Just to let him know I was there.

He shoves a ticket in my face and proceeds to get on his quad and leave...with my plate!! I asked him what the citation was for and he stated, "Private parking" "You no park here". I look around and asked him where is the sign stating that this was private parking?? The curb is not painted. He told me that everyone knows this is private parking, and I will need to come to the "municipal &^%$#$%" which I did not understand since I am no fluent in Spanish. I asked him for directions to the "municipal" place and he says he no comprendo.....Okay..how about Policia station???? No comprendo.

He hops on his quad and takes off. Well, I am not going to let my plate out of my sight...so I jump in the truck and start following him for 5-6 blocks to the police station...He is in a large group of police and is frantically waving and pointing at me in the truck. So a guy in a white shirt with lots of bars and stars climbs up on the side of my truck and asks what is the problemo?? "No problem", I answer, "I just was trying to find out where to pay for this ticket, so I can get my plate back." The 'bars and stars' guy, tells me to find a place to park and come inside for directions.

This is where it gets interesting. Downtown La Paz, in the middle of the road , infront of the busiest streets in La Paz....and this guy wants me to park a truck that is 8.5 feet tall and is as big as a Freightliner?!?!? "Just where is it would you suggest I park this thing?" I ask. "Thats your problem", he says. Nice attitude he has....So I just pulled the emergency brake and shut the truck off. Now...I am effectively blocking the better part of 2 lanes on a busy one way street. THAT gets their attention!

'Stars and Bars' goes over to the quad cop and tells him to escort me to the place to where I can pay my fine. He does not look too pleased about this but motions me to follow.

We finally arrive at what must be the opposite end of La Paz, and I am instructed to wait in this line.....when I get my turn, I am informed that I must have a copy of the ticket made. I walk 5' away to the copier, get the copy made, turn around and see the guy behind the glass I was supposed to give the copy to, is closed. You must be kidding me?!?!?!

So...stand in another line and get the final judgement.....$13.

I pay the fine and quad cop hands me my plate and I make it back to pick up my wife at the dentist office just as she is getting out of the chair.

2 Hours of my time and $13 for parking in a supposed private area on the street. Look for me down there on the 24th...thats when her crown will be finished and ready to put on.

But this time..I have glued my plate on with gorilla glue and 6 self tapping bolts through the steel of my flatbed. :rolleyes:

[Edited on 1-15-2008 by kodiak]

DENNIS - 1-14-2008 at 07:51 PM

Kodiak.....

Is that their normal demeanor? What a bunch of crap. We hear a lot about nasty cops up here but not much about them down south. It sounds pretty bad.

kodiak - 1-14-2008 at 08:19 PM

Just my experience in La Paz. He may have been having a bad day.

Funny thing...when I got rear-ended in Ensenada, the police and federallys were very nice and helpful. Could not have met a nicer bunch of people.

Bajabus - 1-14-2008 at 08:24 PM

In mexico I have several full color high res laminated copies of a drivers lic, not my real one and not my real name and it's a NY one figuring they don't see those very often.

The plates on the car are old expired plates I never turned in. The real ones are locked in the trunk shoved down where they would be hard to find. Whenever I can get my hands on old plates I bring them down so I have a supply.

I make my own little stickers for the plates and glue them on so it looks current.

The cabo cops and various other cities must have several of my "items" and I get a big kick out of handing it over or seeing the plate gone.

Two can play this game and it can be fun when you always win.

comitan - 1-14-2008 at 08:47 PM

Well I guess its out its a terrible place here in La Paz. :yes:

gnukid - 1-14-2008 at 09:44 PM

FYI When you arrive en el transito en La paz there is a window to contest the ticket and a discount for arriving soon. They will throw it out if you ask.

Also, You can buy mini-alan head bolts to attach your plates. The cops only have standard philips and flat head screw drivers.

longlegsinlapaz - 1-14-2008 at 10:38 PM

The cop who TORE my rear plate off for parking in a line of cars on an unpainted curb destroyed my plate holder & broke the bolts/screws because he didn't have a screwdriver!!!!! All he had to do was reach under & unscrew the blasted wing nuts! My plate wasn't in too good a condition when I retrieved it either! :lol:

So no all La Paz cops don't carry screwdrivers!!!!

Kodiak, I don't suppose you complained about the officer's attitude at the station? There ARE people there that speak English....you just have to FIND them!

BMG - 1-14-2008 at 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
They will throw it out if you ask.

Always?

longlegsinlapaz - 1-14-2008 at 10:43 PM

NOPE!!!! When I was parked in front of this upholstery shop buying fabric for two ratty old chairs......................... :lol:

BMG - 1-14-2008 at 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz
So no all La Paz cops don't carry screwdrivers!!!!

There is a proper sized hammer and crowbar for every job.

I kinda like the Gorilla Glue idea. Wonder how long it would take them to just remove the bumper?

Gadget - 1-14-2008 at 10:48 PM

Great info all of you.
So here is what I just did.
I printed out a copy in both languages. Pretty colors too. :rolleyes:

Folded the pages in half, it prints out 2 booklet pages per printer sheet.
Punched some holes in em.
Bound them into booklet.
Numbered the pages, pages folded so the yellow dot is to top outside corner each page with number on dot.
Wrote a short index on inside front cover of english version of most important info for me to refer to.
Printed out a separate copy of Police and Judge locations as back ups.

If I get stopped again and don't have a gun up my shoot, the nice officer will get his copy and we can have a civil conversation on topics such as;
Sindicatura
What to do if a Police officer asks for money
Judge locations
Traffic fine amounts
What a vehicle can be impounded for

If we all had this handy, and attractive, little packet with us when stopped, along with our cameras rolling, a sugar donut balanced on our head and the desire to find out every detail of the nice officers family life while we performed for him the latest version of River dance, well just maybe this would all come to a rapid end :tumble:

Crazy enough??? like a fox

[Edited on 1-15-2008 by Gadget]

Pescador - 1-15-2008 at 07:22 AM

Gadget is right, maybe we should send all of this to President Calderon who is trying to go about the whole thing in the wrong manner by sending in masses of military troops when a few well armed tourists can accomplish the same thing. Why maybe we can market disposable drivers licenses, extra plates (we can even get you a special discounted personalized plates) computer mounted cameras with live feeds to the local police department, and special training in how to become just a little loco when when pulled over.

kodiak - 1-15-2008 at 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz

Kodiak, I don't suppose you complained about the officer's attitude at the station? There ARE people there that speak English....you just have to FIND them!

Nope...I just wanted to get my plate and get gone. I guess I need to work on my Spanish.....I tried to communicate with my broken Spanglish...and that just seemed to irritate them even more. :lol:

I do have 2 drivers licenses, but the idea of extra plates is pretty good. :light:

kodiak - 1-15-2008 at 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
Well I guess its out its a terrible place here in La Paz. :yes:

I did not want to imply that La Paz is a terrible place Comitan.....It is not one of my favorites...too large and too much hustle and bustle for me.

Personally, I prefer smaller, quieter, areas...like Santispak :yes:

But, if everyone liked Santispak....there would be no place to park there either! :lol:

DENNIS - 1-15-2008 at 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajabus
In mexico I have several full color high res laminated copies of a drivers lic, not my real one and not my real name and it's a NY one figuring they don't see those very often.

The plates on the car are old expired plates I never turned in. The real ones are locked in the trunk shoved down where they would be hard to find. Whenever I can get my hands on old plates I bring them down so I have a supply.

I make my own little stickers for the plates and glue them on so it looks current.

The cabo cops and various other cities must have several of my "items" and I get a big kick out of handing it over or seeing the plate gone.

Two can play this game and it can be fun when you always win.

I've quoted the entire post because, well........I just like it.

Osprey - 1-15-2008 at 09:16 AM

In Mexico, having in your possesion an unauthorized copy of an official document (like a driver's license) carries about the same legal penalty for shooting 2 or more clerks/customers while robbing a bank. Cuidado!

kodiak - 1-15-2008 at 09:33 AM

Beheading??

Bajabus - 1-15-2008 at 11:13 AM

Osprey, warning duly noted.

However how on earth are they ever going to be able to check, I sincerely doubt any of them has ever seen a NY lic let alone the ability to call in a check on a USA issued drivers lic. Right now at this point in time I am not too worried about it.

I am tired of their crap, especially that fat motorcyle cop that hangs out at the end of the malecone in LaPaz near the DHL office.

I refuse to play by the rules anymore. They don't and the deck is stacked.

Woooosh - 1-16-2008 at 12:06 PM

I must see a dozen or so cars with out-of-date tags crossing into the USA every time I'm in line to cross into the USA. If the CHP would station themselves on the border and ticket/turn around all illegal cars trying to re-enter the USA, it'd be a huge chunk of change for the CA treasury..

Bielefeld - 1-17-2008 at 08:33 PM

How about the faked stickers? Someone wrote the other day, the cops check the reflection with a flashlight. I ones did a photoshoped one covered with nailpolish from my wife... guess I need some nailpolish with glitter in... :light:

I like it also!Great idea!

juangrandebigjohn - 1-17-2008 at 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

I've quoted the entire post because, well........I just like it.

Appreciate your creativity.Bigjohn

Bajabus - 1-18-2008 at 01:26 AM

if you go to a high quality paper place or look around on the INTERNET you can get sheets of super high gloss photo paper and run them through your ink jet. Or even better On canal st in NY you can get sheets of very shiny holograph paper that has a repetitive symbol on it like the statue of liberty, boats, trees, and if you look hard enough Even the outline of states.

google holographic paper or holographic metallic paper

Just be real careful after it comes out of the printer and let it dry completely. You can also give it a spray with high gloss clear coat.

With a scanner and photoshop you would be surprised how creative you can get.

Paulina - 1-18-2008 at 03:15 PM

Bajabus,

Have you ever had to show your registration?

I also applaud your creativity.

P<*)))><

Roberto - 1-18-2008 at 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
I also applaud your creativity.
P<*)))><

1. He's of Italian origin.
2. He lived in New Yawk.
3. He knows about Canal Street.

'nuff said. :lol:

Bajabus - 1-18-2008 at 04:14 PM

I have never been asked to show a registration card but I am ready to answer "NY does not require one...you just get the sticker for the plate senor"

the late 60's and early 70's were a golden era on canal st, you could get anything down there. We even bought a 50 watt FM radio station complete with antenna that we used for our pirate radio station in NY.

First it was WINO, then WSEX then WEED. Complete with posters we would put up of a big old fashioned mike in the middle of a pot leaf and the flyer said " Turn on to WEED" lasted 2 years until the Feds took all the equipment on a raid. Made the front page of the Herald statesman. Big picture of a cop up in a tree pulling down the antenna.

Those were the days.

DENNIS - 1-18-2008 at 04:23 PM

"Those were the Days"

Paulina - 1-18-2008 at 06:17 PM

Thank you, and now I'm going to be hearing that song in my head for probably the rest of the evening...

P<*)))><

Acuity - 1-19-2008 at 11:12 AM

I'm interested to know if the people who fake their license tags do the same thing in the US? Or is it that one only does things legally where there may be consequences?

Bajabus - 1-19-2008 at 02:23 PM

I definitely DO NOT do it in the states.