BajaNomad - TJ Mayor in San Diego says "come back!" announces internet site to let tourists report corrupt police...

TJ Mayor in San Diego says "come back!" announces internet site to let tourists report corrupt police...

Woooosh - 6-14-2008 at 06:01 PM

Tijuana Mayor Jorge Ramos visited San Diego yesterday to invite his neighbors to the north to once again visit his city.
To encourage them, the mayor announced a new method for tourists to file complaints about police officers or other city employees in English through the Internet from the safety of their homes. The link will also accept complaints about state and federal employees, which will be forwarded to the proper agency, and reports of crimes against tourists that occur in Tijuana.

The recent wave of high-profile slayings and gunbattles has taken its toll on tourism, a vital element of the city's economy, Ramos said. Since January, the city has seen a 70 percent drop in visitors, and many businesses that depended on tourist dollars have closed.

With the cooperation of the state and federal governments, the city has cleaned up the city's main tourist area, centered on Avenida Revolucion, Ramos said. More than 100 officers are assigned to patrol the area, and frequent police sweeps are made, the mayor said.

The city also fired 60 officers who flunked tests about their honesty, and 100 new patrol Online: To file a complaint; a go to consulmexsd.org and click on the green link that asks, "Complaints about your trip to Tijuana?" cars are equipped with microphones and cameras to monitor officers' activities.

While the mayor acknowledges that Tijuana still faces serious challenges in its ongoing struggle with organized crime, he is confident that visitors can return to his city and have a good time.

"It is safe to visit Tijuana," Ramos said. "The criminals know we are very committed to cleaning up the city." Complaints will be fomarded to the internal-affairs office at Tijuana's police department, and those who file them can expect a response within 72 hours, Ramos promised. They will also be kept up to date as to the progress of the complaint.

If an incident enters the judicial system, the complainant could be asked to come to Mexico to testify, but Ramos said the city will try to handle the matter internally.

The mayor said the city has gone about six weeks without the type of high-profile crime he blames for driving away visitors. He characterized the slayings of seven people last weekend in several apparently unrelated incidents as something typical of a city with a population of nearly 2 million.

"We want people to visit Tijuana like they used to," the mayor said during a news conference at the Little Italy offices of Maria de los Remedios G6mez, the Mexican consulin San Diego, who was by his side.

San Diego police will continue a program of taking courtesy reports of crimes that occurred south of the border and forwarding them to th proper agency, a spokesman said.

Jose Jimenez: (760) 737-7568; jose.jimenez@uniontrib.com

[Edited on 6-15-2008 by Woooosh]

Sharksbaja - 6-14-2008 at 06:31 PM

I'd like to believe it is so safe. If it weren't for the fact that Jose Jeminez was a character Bill Dana played on the Steve Allen show in the 60s I'd have more faith. He must be 100 by now. :lol:

"My name.......Jose' Jimenez"

[Edited on 6-15-2008 by Sharksbaja]

senor_dot.jpg - 11kB

CaboRon - 6-14-2008 at 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja
I'd like to believe it is so safe. If it weren't for the fact that Jose Jeminez was a character Bill Dana played on the Steve Allen show in the 60s I'd have more faith. He must be 100 by now. :lol:

"My name.......Jose' Jimenez"

[Edited on 6-15-2008 by Sharksbaja]

I had the same reaction ....

Their PR is even lame ...

They need to hire a good LA company to put the proper spin on their story ...

I mean really , Jose Jimenez :lol:

What happened to the 100 fired dishonest officers :fire:

Talk is cheap ...

CaboRon

postholedigger - 6-15-2008 at 10:13 AM

...and what is the URL for this website where we're supposed to lodge our complaints?

BajaGringo - 6-15-2008 at 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by postholedigger
...and what is the URL for this website where we're supposed to lodge our complaints?

You can access it from here...

Tijuana Online Complaint Form for Tourists

Every time they get a new programmer they reorganize the municipal webpage and link address. I will keep this link updated for you...

[Edited on 6-15-2008 by BajaGringo]

Capt. George - 6-15-2008 at 10:47 AM

baseball has made me berry, berry happy!

postholedigger - 6-15-2008 at 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Originally posted by postholedigger
...and what is the URL for this website where we're supposed to lodge our complaints?

Thanks, Brah! I guess I'll give it a try next time something happens.

BajaGringo - 6-15-2008 at 11:20 AM

I am here to serve...

toneart - 6-15-2008 at 11:21 AM

Even though this is an online form, I have printed it out to lay in obvious view on the dashboard as I pass through the area. Last year I also printed out a Sindicatura card which I have taped to my (copy of) driver's license. :light:

BajaGringo - 6-15-2008 at 11:30 AM

When dealing with cops at traffic stops, your best ally is the ability to speak coherently in Spanish and demonstrate a knowledge of the system and rules. Also carry a cell phone (you can get the telcel Amigo plan - pay as you go for almost nothing) and tell them if you can't agree that we can call "078" - tourist assistance and get another point of view. If cell service is not available, having one of the tourism brochures that details what the straight line is with traffic infractions and paying of fines in Mexico, including paying to a US address.

I would definitely keep that brochure on the dash.

Do you know the one I am talking about?

toneart - 6-15-2008 at 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
When dealing with cops at traffic stops, your best ally is the ability to speak coherently in Spanish and demonstrate a knowledge of the system and rules. Also carry a cell phone (you can get the telcel Amigo plan - pay as you go for almost nothing) and tell them if you can't agree that we can call "078" - tourist assistance and get another point of view. If cell service is not available, having one of the tourism brochures that details what the straight line is with traffic infractions and paying of fines in Mexico, including paying to a US address.

I would definitely keep that brochure on the dash.

Do you know the one I am talking about?

B.G. Please be specific as to which brochure and how to get it, so that others including myself, are clear.

Regarding cell phones. I have a Movistar cell phone which is currently inactive. I merely pass through northern Baja on my way to Baja Sur; the quicker the better. I won't be able to reactivate phone service until I get further down into Baja, say Ensenada. Not likely I will go into TJ to do it, not because of fear but because it is not a convenient stop.

The Sindicatura printout that will be on the dash is just another tool to let them know I know the rules. My Spanish is more than adequate to demonstrate my " knowledge of the system and rules". Some here have suggested that to play dumb and act like you don't understand anything will frustrate some traffic cops into giving you a pass. I prefer to speak intelligently, in Spanish, and politely request the we go to the station. Of course, if you know you are guilty of a legitimate infraction, give them respect and don't fight it.

You don't have to cave into the mordida. Each individual must decide for themselves whether they accept the mordida system or if that violates their personal cultural ethic. But you must show respect and be friendly and be prepared to spend the time at the pace they set. They gets me a lot further in Mexico. In fact, that is my code of conduct anywhere in the world, including the United States.

BajaGringo - 6-15-2008 at 12:11 PM

Wise advice my friend. Playing dumb will only lead them to think that you really are and make you an easier mark.

I like the plan Amigo as it is a pay as you go plan. The minutes need to be added to every 60 days but do carry over. If you miss the cutoff there is a grace period in which you can go back, add $ and recover the service and minutes on account. The great news in that you don't need to go to Telcel to add minutes. Most OXXO's are connected to Telcel so you can just give them your cel number and $ and they can add them to your phone instantly at the register in real time. Or you can do it online before you travel:

Telcel Plan Amigo - Add Minutes Online

I will get a copy of the brochure, scan it and put it online in pdf format to download...

BajaNomad - 6-15-2008 at 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
You can access it from here...

Or more directly, straight from the source:

http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/english/

BajaGringo - 6-15-2008 at 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
Or more directly, straight from the source:

I used to give that link out in forums but if you have followed its history they have changed the url several times as different personalities get involved with the website and its management. When that happens, someone searching the threads in the forums will find a dead link and believe that the service no longer exists.

I keep the link previously mentioned updated, so it will always be good no matter who is running their website and whatever party won the last election. The website I gave linking to it is not commercial and I receive zero income from it...

[Edited on 6-15-2008 by BajaGringo]

Mayor Jorge Ramos forgot to coordinate his PR with the local press

fulano - 6-15-2008 at 04:48 PM

"No ha regresado la tranquilidad a Tijuana"

Peace has not returned to Tijuana"

http://www.oem.com.mx/elsoldetijuana/notas/n735037.htm

"Tijuana, Baja California.- Con enormes cartelones la comunidad médica ayer a las 8 de la mañana en la Garita de San Ysidro y el Puente México exigió seguridad para los bajacalifornianos, por lo que 60 galenos además llevaron a cabo una encuesta en donde la mayoría de los cuestionados coincidieron en que no se han dado cambios importantes por parte del gobierno para otorgar el derecho de vivir tranquilos."

Tijuana, Baja California .- With huge banners, at 8 am yesterday at the San Ysidro border crossing and the Mexico bridge, the medical community demanded security for baja californianos. 60 physicians conducted a survey where most of those questioned agreed that there has been no significant changes brought about by the government so that people may live in peace.

Woooosh - 6-15-2008 at 08:13 PM

stop it fulano... we're going to be banished to the off topic forum again. :lol: