BajaNomad - Stopped by police in Tecate

Stopped by police in Tecate

Dodginski - 6-4-2012 at 05:57 AM

A friend of ours was stopped in Tecate yesterday for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. The 2 policemen thoroughly searched his pickup finding 2 pocket knives. He was told they were illegal weapons if kept within reach while driving. He had a choice of paying a 4000 peso fine, or going in front of a judge with a possibility of 2 weeks in jail.

He is new to traveling Mexico and was by himself. Needless to say he was a bit scared, so he paid the fine to the policemen. They did not issue a ticket of any kind, let him keep his knives, and escorted him to the end of line at the border crossing.

So thought we'd give the "heads up" to those traveling through Tecate ...

DENNIS - 6-4-2012 at 06:41 AM

Another nail in the coffin of tourism. That person will never return.

Tecate is becoming the New Cd. Constitucion.

BajaBlanca - 6-4-2012 at 07:34 AM

we have a Canadian guest who arrived yesterday and he also was harrassed by police in Tecate 2 days ago. He went too far on a street, missing his turnoff and was backing up a couple yards. They stopped him and also "fined" him $40.

In this case, he was guilty, and paid up, but he said it was a really ridiculous scene and he felt harassed and does not want to go thru Tecate any more.

Taco de Baja - 6-4-2012 at 07:44 AM

The last two times (Dec and March) we have passed through Tecate heading east on Benito Juarez (Mex-2), the cops have been as thick as fleas on a Baja dog.

We poked along at or below the speed limit and fully stopped at the stop signs, with no issues. Lots of people passing us, but who cares.

We did get a laugh at the motorcycle cop in December who came up on us fast (above the speed limit) hoping for a ticket. He followed for a while but saw we were doing nothing wrong. The laugh comes from his failed attempt to make a u-turn in his heavy motorcycle and dumping it in the middle of the street. :rolleyes:

I should add that we did see both American and Mexican plated vehicles pulled over in several places along Benito Juarez, so it may just be easy pickings for the cops as the speed limit is rather low at 25KPH (~15MPH) and not just tourists are taking the hit.

traffic fines

captkw - 6-4-2012 at 07:50 AM

I'll take tecate..where I live in calif. we have a saying here in santa cruz county.. " come here on vacation and leave on probation" sherriff,ranger,local police,CHP,fish & game are damn near outnumbering the resadents and you wont see a $40 fine..more like $400 and a point on your driving record so an increase in your insurance and ALOT of grief if you even attempt to fight a ticket...$40 bucks isnt the end of the world !! and from my veiw, I know sooo many folks in this area that dont have a license any more because they were late,missed or forgot to mail a payment in the great "LAND OF THE FEE" the other side of the coin !! K & T :cool:

DENNIS - 6-4-2012 at 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Taco de Baja
The laugh comes from his failed attempt to make a u-turn in his heavy motorcycle and dumping it in the middle of the street. :rolleyes:

A "YouTube Moment" lost. Too bad. Maybe next time.

Ateo - 6-4-2012 at 08:34 AM

$4000 pesos is more cash than I usually carry......I'd have to go than ATM to pay that bribe.

Dodginski - 6-4-2012 at 08:58 AM

He pretty much had to empty out his wallet of both his US funds and leftover pesos to get up to the 4000 pesos "requested" ... the whole event pretty much left him rattled. Then he ended up in line for 2 1/2 hours only to be pulled over into secondary, too ... no issues there, just the hassle! Horrible day for him ...

David K - 6-4-2012 at 09:05 AM

Too sad he allowed them to harass him like that... NEVER pay the cops any large bribe (they legally cannot collect money for traffic fines). Traffic fines are low in Mexico compared to the U.S., and they obviously lied to him about the fine and 2 weeks in jail.

First off, don't break any laws and always come to a full stop at stop signs (and count to 3)... even if locals don't! Then face the cop with a good attitude and smile if you can... play nice.. it IS a game! IF you didn't do anything wrong then say so, don't pay, follow the cop to the judge (and before you get there he will stop and return your drivers license, not having scared you to hand over the dinero). If you did break the law, follow procedures and face the judge, fines in Mexico are low.

[Edited on 6-4-2012 by David K]

geomike - 6-4-2012 at 09:19 AM

Hey, I think I met the same cop about the 9th of May!

Was looking for the northbound border crossing dragging a 36ft fifth wheel.
Lights and sirens are going off from the cop I just past.

Good old "Polyanna" me figures this nice cop is coming up to the window to show me which way to go. And he did, lots of arm waving because my Spanish sucks and his English, tho better than my Spanish is not great.

Cop gets me all straightened out and I'm about to pull away he says "Senior, the ticket" I says, "what ticket?"
He says, "you didn"t stop at the sign" (well now I'm pretty sure the bugger waved me through, certainly I did see him at the corner).
He says we have to go to the station I said where am I going to park this thing at your station?

He looks up and down the rig and waves me on.

I guess I seemed like too much trouble.

It seems like they have been honing their scam. I got lucky for sure and being half stupid helps ... on occasion.

Sorry to hear others are getting grief in Tecate.

I'll be back. If the Mexican people will still have me.

Mike

woody with a view - 6-4-2012 at 09:28 AM

never pay on the spot. ALWAYS INSIST on going to the station.

fines

captkw - 6-4-2012 at 09:32 AM

learn to say " yo vivas aqui,,muy pobre" ..... I aint good at spelling !! not a big thing on my list in life...lol...K & T :cool:

willardguy - 6-4-2012 at 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
learn to say " yo vivas aqui,,muy pobre" ..... I aint good at spelling !! not a big thing on my list in life...lol...K & T :cool:

how's that fly in santa cruz? :lol:

como?

captkw - 6-4-2012 at 09:43 AM

paranewbi - 6-4-2012 at 10:19 AM

Am I way behind or...wasn't there at one time the issuance of an actual ticket required by the police on the frontier zone? I thought that was to keep this kind of situation at bay and was instituted by the politico of the border cities.

I also carry printed copies of my Driver ID and hand that to the cop through a three inch opening of my window. I never relinguish my drivers license (although I do keep an expired on and have turned that over).

woody with a view - 6-4-2012 at 10:33 AM

well, i keep my 30" machete right between my seat and the console. the soldiers ask what is it for and i reply "Ratons". that gets a laugh. i guess the local cops, with their firearms consider a pocket knife (and a machete?) too much for close quarters combat?

:lol:

that explains a lot why their country is in the mess it is with the cartel :lol:

willardguy - 6-4-2012 at 11:40 AM

and his other choices were? :?:

DENNIS - 6-4-2012 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
2 pocket knives found? Broke the law again.

Only your assumption since no one mentioned blade length and you don't know the other laws either.

Gawwwdammmm..Lee....you really defend this type of law enforcement?? That's hard to believe. What degree of Facism do you consider sufficient to have everyone pressed benieth your steel-toed boot?
You, of all people, should be condemning the abuses of power that are demonstrated here. Instead, you support it because the effing badge is always right.
Your authoritarian criteria for law enforcement participation as a part of society, rather than the keepers of such is truely disgusting, and it's because of cops like you that a whole generation of young folks in America called you guys "Pigs."
I would truely fight off having any bad thoughts while in your jurisdiction. I'm sure you'd have a way to detect them, constrain and reeducate me.

Lee - 6-4-2012 at 01:15 PM

Dennis -- less emotion, please. I don't support cops wanting mordida. I didn't make the game or rules. If you're a cherry, don't travel alone. If MX cops intimidate you, stay home -- or pay them off. If you don't know how to negotiate, expect to pay for your inexperience. Baja is a gauntlet. Expect the worse in urban areas, hope for the best. DON't have knives that can be found.

STOP at stop signs. Don't speed. Expect to be stopped anyway. If you're guilty, man up!

Hey it's a game, folks. Let's have some fun!

Cisco - 6-4-2012 at 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by paranewbi
Am I way behind or...wasn't there at one time the issuance of an actual ticket required by the police on the frontier zone? I thought that was to keep this kind of situation at bay and was instituted by the politico of the border cities.

I also carry printed copies of my Driver ID and hand that to the cop through a three inch opening of my window. I never relinguish my drivers license (although I do keep an expired on and have turned that over).

Early 90's I was written a ticket that I deserved by a Tijuana motorcycle policeman.

Cut a check for the fine ($18 as I recall) and mailed it to a P.O. Box in San Ysidro. No problem.

edm1 - 6-4-2012 at 01:39 PM

This really makes me sad due to the extreme 4000 pesos amount. I feel for your friend. If it happened to me I'd go see the judge and be in jail BEFORE I pay that amount, make them work for it, besides them dealing with my killer dog that I could accidentally let go.

I hope and pray it doesn't happen again to someone else.

edm1 - 6-4-2012 at 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cisco

Quote:

Early 90's I was written a ticket that I deserved by a Tijuana motorcycle policeman.

Cut a check for the fine ($18 as I recall) and mailed it to a P.O. Box in San Ysidro. No problem.

Brilliant idea. Prepare checks with a certain amount with "traffic ticket" in the memo line. Now, take your pen and ask the cop his/her name and pretend to write it on the check!!! Ask the wife to capture the scene on camera - the expression on the cop's face would be a gem.

[Edited on 6-4-2012 by edm1]

DENNIS - 6-4-2012 at 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
I hope and pray it doesn't happen again to someone else.

You gotta be kiddin. Do you think this was an isolated incidence?
Really....do you?

edm1 - 6-4-2012 at 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
I hope and pray it doesn't happen again to someone else.

You gotta be kiddin. Do you think this was an isolated incidence?
Really....do you?

Yes Dennis, specifically 4000 pesos or more. $20 mordida yes, common, but $400 direct payout to a cop? I hope this is very rare.

[Edited on 6-4-2012 by edm1]

Bajafun777 - 6-4-2012 at 04:57 PM

There is the letter of the law and the "spirit of the law," to which a law enforcement officer should consider both when dealing with people. It appears that the "spirit of the law" should have prevailed in the cases of someone getting turned around in an unfamilar area or having a pocket knife on them. Additionally, if someone did not see a stop sign which in most off street areas in Mexico are very hard to see or just hidden behind trees or other signs. Best thing to do is basically stop at all intersections and just believe that a stop sign is there or someone stole it!!LOL Take Care & Travel Safe------ "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

tickets

captkw - 6-4-2012 at 05:20 PM

I have learned to try and time to drive through problem towns EARLY sunday morning (constution) the cops are getting ready for church to repent for their sins !!!

DENNIS - 6-4-2012 at 05:29 PM

I can't believe some of you are fixated on the amount of the "fine"......4000 whatevers being excessive....and not outrageous, as it was.
It's not the amount of the mordida...it's the fact that it happens.

Only you can put a stop to it. Start recording your encounters with film, tape, digital....what ever. All of you...get out of the car with recorders and cameras and put this baloney on record...right in the faces of the highway robbers that pulled you over. Tell them that they're gonna be moviestars. YouTube heroes.

Be proactive in your well-being. Plan for this occurance and react accordingly.

dennis

captkw - 6-4-2012 at 05:36 PM

I agree when your around other people..but if your out of town,by yourself.. caution may prevale and you my have to act with moderete actions...but in almost all cases I think your a 100 percent right and always give them your old license..and to lee this is not a game.. its a way to control the mases and you call it a game...uumm,,I won... driven to alaska tp panama without a stickin license!! :lol:

send some e-mails

bajaguy - 6-4-2012 at 06:12 PM

Tourism Secretariat of Baja California
Juan Tintos Funcke
Secretary

José de Jesús Quiñónez Ramirez
Undersecretary of State Tourism
jjquinonez@baja.gob.mx

Héctor Reyes Orrantia
Planning and Investment Promotion Director
hreyes@baja.gob.mx

Maria Guadalupe Rivera Aguirre
Administrative Director
mgrivera@baja.gob.mx

Arturo Martínez Esquer
Facilitation and Tourist Assistance Sub Direction
amartineze@baja.gob.mx

Roberto Karlo López Paéz
Communications and Public Relations Sub Direction
rklopez@baja.gob.mx

Our Offices

Central Office
Juan Ruiz de Alarcón St. No.1572
Zona Rio, C.P. 22320
Tijuana, B.C.
Phone (664) 682-3367
Fax (664) 682-9061

Tecate Sub Delegation

Sub Delegate:
Eva Raquel García Rocha
ergarcia@baja.gob.mx
Libertad Alley Downtown
Tecate, B.C.
Phone and Fax (665) 654-1095

David K - 6-4-2012 at 08:35 PM

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SHOWING COPS THE SINDICATURA STICKER?

DENNIS - 6-4-2012 at 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

send some e-mails

Why would you even bother?

Do you actually believe that predator street cops are an aboration? That the little chickenchit functionaries in some office of the police, who know every move of the street cops...their methods of extortion that includes the share for their commandate, is going to give a sht what your problem is?

Gawwwwwdammmm, Terry..........you actually think you're dealing with a pure system here......doncha.

Dodginski - 6-4-2012 at 09:45 PM

Thanks, BajaGuy ...

I'll encourage our friend to get an email out to those addresses. Worse case scenario ... and most likely scenario ... nothing will come of it. But now, at the very least, he's got a new experience under his belt in regard to traveling in Mexico ... very exciting to tell at his local pub, for sure! And he'll be back ... all the wiser and more cautious the next time.

He certainly gets that he didn't know how he should have handled the situation, and figures that for what he was led to believe by those policemen, that $300 (4000 pesos) beat the heck out of 2 weeks in jail.

Mostly he just wanted to pass the information on to other travelers heading to and through Tecate ... as I said in the original post ... just a friendly "heads up" ...

chuckie - 6-5-2012 at 03:01 AM

I once suggested to a cop who had stopped me several times, that they could just put a 2 lb coffee can at the border for Mordidas. Saving everyone time and hassle. He laughed, and said have a good trip.

Marla Daily - 6-5-2012 at 06:05 AM

It appears the Tecate police corruption is getting worse. It certainly isn't going away. There is a multi-page thread on the same topic from January 2012. We have been stopped twice in the past year—once for dogs in the cab of the truck allegedly being illegal; once for speeding. We were going 20 MPH up the hill headed south out of town and the two motorcycle cops who tag teamed us claimed the speed limit is 15 KILOMETERS per hour on that hill! Never heard of such a slow speed limit on a major artery! In both cases, after asking their names and writing them down, we were allowed to leave with a warning.

It's up to you

bajaguy - 6-5-2012 at 06:38 AM

You can either do nothing, complain on this board, or write the tourism officials.........if nothing else, after receiving several letters regarding the situation, it may wake somebody up and motivate them to do something......

larryC - 6-5-2012 at 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
This really makes me sad due to the extreme 4000 pesos amount. I feel for your friend. If it happened to me I'd go see the judge and be in jail BEFORE I pay that amount, make them work for it, besides them dealing with my killer dog that I could accidentally let go.

I hope and pray it doesn't happen again to someone else.

Most likely it will happen again and see this post:http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=57908#pid691854
It has happened before.
Larry

Hook - 6-5-2012 at 07:45 AM

When we are traveling in towns outside of our own in Mexico, we ALWAYS make a point to keep only a few hundred pesos in our wallets. My wife keeps the rest near her privates.

I HIGHLY recommend only keeping a small amount in traditional cash locations like purse/wallet so it "APPEARS" you are giving him all your money. I've even negotiated keeping a hundred pesos for the tolls ahead.

Certainly that 4000 peso fine could have been "negotiated" down significantly. But not if one clearly has 4000 pesos in your wallet.

My take on mordida? If I'm innocent, I fight it. If I'm guilty, I gladly pay it. A few hundred always does it.

DENNIS - 6-5-2012 at 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dodginski
The 2 policemen thoroughly searched his pickup finding 2 pocket knives. He was told they were illegal weapons if kept within reach while driving.

This is what I question, first and foremost. It simply makes no sense and I doubt there's a law on the books that covers this.
In addition, there are search and seizure laws in Mexico as well. Did these extortionists follow the proper procedure for a search of someone who, as they say, didn't come to a complete stop? There was no probable cause to implement a thorough search and the procedure sounds excessive.
These cops are nothing less than armed robbers and they shouldn't be given any benefit of the doubt. On their historical track record alone they don't deserve it.
Some here go out of their way to see these thugs as upstanding protectors. They arn't. They're thieves....not only individually, but collectively as well. The whole police system is tied together with power abuse and personal enrichment. Everybody knows this. Ask any Mexican not wearing a badge.
Why do so many foreigners ignore this fact when they have enough information to know what it really is....extortion by fear.

gnukid - 6-5-2012 at 09:35 AM

Whenever you get pulled over, you must gather your wits, stay very calm and still and take in necessary info, the slower you move the more convincing you are that you will waste the time of the cop. So practice moving very very slowly, almost stop motion, you'll need to time it so it takes about 10 minutes to pull out a sheet which is your reg and talk very very slowly, be exceptionally polite and firm and friendly.

Police in both the USA and Mexico are required to show their identification card, actually in the USA it's three forms of ID and the uniform/badge #. Get it write it down, take a photo of the id for personal use in case it's required, if they won't show it they are outta luck. You'll want to know the full names of the officers, if they refuse there you have an issue to focus on. They are breaking the law.

Bring a blank form in the registration folder, to gather data from an accident or traffic issue, start gathering all the facts in a very respectful manner. You should know where you are, what streets, identify all parties with three forms of id.

Absolutely take photos for your personal use to note the location, the cop identification and the circumstances.

It helps to talk in code, "we are gathering info for the program" "the agency is working to support the good police" "I prosecute criminals", memorize key names of district attorneys, military, procuradors, not to brag but question do you work for ...?

And of course digress into a discussion about food, recipes, where to buy supplies and focus on the food, "voy hacer un pavo con frijoles, arroz y papas blah blah blah. As soon as you reach the 20 minute mark the cop will know he's screwed and will turn and walk!

If you go to the station, repeat this process ad infinitum, they will be asking you to leave in no time.

willardguy - 6-5-2012 at 09:45 AM

could you just ride with us? seriously, thats great stuff!

gnukid - 6-5-2012 at 10:11 AM

When they have masks and guns, introduce yourself as "El Choyero", su amigo, me recuerdes? Tell them a long story about the cold of the north and when you wore a mask to go 'hunting' and it was so claustrophobic, you accidentally shot your friend and you got a cold from the mask. Now you don't wear a face mask...

DENNIS - 6-5-2012 at 10:16 AM

Paul....you forgot to mention the time-tested, most effective method of diversion.....standing in front of the cop having a polite discussion, and peeing in your pants. Just stand there and unload a twelve-pak into a puddle around your huaraches.
Freedom guaranteed. :lol:

DENNIS - 6-5-2012 at 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

What about probable cause up North do you think applies in Tecate?

Mexico has laws.

Quote:

Try to put yourself in the shoes of someone without a lot of experience.

If I thought I couldn't handle the pressure, I wouldn't be on this side of the border.

Quote:

Think I asked this question of you and DK about the guy who went to the station in Tecate months ago and never got an answer. Why is that?

You mean this??

Quote:

In a past thread of mordida in Tecate, the ''victim'' went to the station. It was not a positive outcome -- or for a friend of mine who was stopped in CC (who went to the station).

I don't know. I wasn't there.

.

Cisco - 6-5-2012 at 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Paul....you forgot to mention the time-tested, most effective method of diversion.....standing in front of the cop having a polite discussion, and peeing in your pants. Just stand there and unload a twelve-pak into a puddle around your huaraches.
Freedom guaranteed. :lol:

DENNIS. QUIT IT!!!

Jeezus, just spit a whole mouthful of coffee all over the machine.

Cisco - 6-5-2012 at 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
This is what I question, first and foremost. It simply makes no sense and I doubt there's a law on the books ......

Dennis you are about as angry as a nomad comes. This isn't about law, or civil rights, or anything else. These cops have no right to shake down a tourist but it's being done.

What about probable cause up North do you think applies in Tecate?

Can you gather your wits for a moment and address the issue here -- without going off on cops in the street and losing your cool?

IF that's not possible, answer my question about what you would do in a similar situation!

Try to put yourself in the shoes of someone without a lot of experience.

Paul has some great advice -- unfortunately, it's for the advanced traveler and doesn't apply to the rest.

Think I asked this question of you and DK about the guy who went to the station in Tecate months ago and never got an answer. Why is that?

Sorry Lee, I don't know how to put the individual question to be answered in it's little box so here goes. Hope you understand.

" These cops have no right to shake down a tourist but it's being done."

And will continue to be done if you pay off. When you stop paying it will quit for everyone. Several months ago there was a heart-felt posting of a guy who was going to get his vehicle and trailer impounded, separate cells for he and his wife, his dog killed...all kinds of crap if he didn't pay up. He did pay up and now everyone down the pike will pay.

"What about probable cause up North do you think applies in Tecate?"

What about PC up North? Do you think it applies up North??? My civil liberties are being abused and denied every time I am stopped NOB.

"without going off on cops in the street and losing your cool?"

I bite my tongue bloody not going off on CBP, ICE, DEA and Arizona Sheriffs because they do want you to b-tch about their lack of PC so they can really phuc over you.

Sorry, no sympathy here, I'll take Mexico every time and his solution of off-loading a 12 pak is brilliant.

willardguy - 6-5-2012 at 04:13 PM

LOL! is anyone else imagining an arrogant blowhard in a peeed stained suit behind mexican bars with a stereotypical fat mexican jailer in poor broken english saying "hey,its a game, lets have some fun"? :lol:

Cisco - 6-5-2012 at 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by Cisco
" These cops have no right to shake down a tourist but it's being done."

And will continue to be done if you pay off. When you stop paying it will quit for everyone. Several months ago there was a heart-felt posting of a guy who was going to get his vehicle and trailer impounded, separate cells for he and his wife, his dog killed...all kinds of crap if he didn't pay up. He did pay up and now everyone down the pike will pay.

Mordida has existed for hundreds of years. I truly admire your idealism (and Dennis') that if just enough people stop mordida, it'll go away.

As for the fool above who paid mordida believing everything you've written, it looks like more hysteria (the kind Dennis spews lately) from newbies who fear MX cops.

Unload a six pack? Brilliant? Play the gringo dim-wit. It's becoming some nomads. It's got to come naturally.

But, hey, who cares. I'm having fun.

Unloading a 12 pack will wait for that little room in the trailer they take me to for refusing a vehicle inspection NOB, on old 94, after I just crossed at Tecate.

willardguy - 6-5-2012 at 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
Didn't come to a complete stop? Sorry. Broke the law.

2 pocket knives found? Broke the law again.

A bit scared and rattled? Bet the cops saw how scared he was.

2 choices: pay fine or see judge? Naw. He had other chocies but that's the way he saw it.

Hey if you're easily intimidated by MX cops, break MX traffic laws and weapon laws, Tecate is not for you.

For the rest of us? No sweat.

just so we all understand, what were his other choices? :?:

DENNIS - 6-5-2012 at 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
-- just a feeling I have about MX cops and how they put the screws to travelers.

Historical vengeance.....not only for the cops. It's been built in to the culture. That's why people here, who feel there's a sympathetic ear somewhere up the chain of command, are delusional.

Osprey - 6-5-2012 at 06:20 PM

It's never the same. So you have to consider what happens and where. Then, of course, there's your mood, there's, lots of other things going on.

Last time through C Constitucion I was hot, tired, in a bad mood and had not slept well the night before in GN. So I was going a little too fast for the town, the signs and got pulled over.

Cop #1 was a little, mean looking guy but he wanted 5K pesos for speeding. I countered with not reporting him to the local sindicatura. He wanted to take me to the calabozo. I jumped out, grabbed him and b-tched slapped him right in front of his partner.

They were shocked and non plused, got back in their truck and drove off.

Like I say "Whatever works".

The solution starts at the top

thebajarunner - 6-5-2012 at 07:23 PM

One more nail in a rapidly closing coffin lid of economic woes.

If the government really got it (or if they really care) they would fix this stuff, and quick,
cuz lots of folks avoid Baja for the violence, for the drug crap, etc,
but lots of folks have had these experiences with local cops and/or know someone who has, and thus they decide to go to Santa Cruz instead.

I'm continually amazed at how out of touch the chiefs are, to let the indians run rampant on the visitors.

Just my sense of the issue

(Sure hope that was not a racist post- these days you never know)

Cisco - 6-5-2012 at 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
It's never the same. So you have to consider what happens and where. Then, of course, there's your mood, there's, lots of other things going on.

Last time through C Constitucion I was hot, tired, in a bad mood and had not slept well the night before in GN. So I was going a little too fast for the town, the signs and got pulled over.

Cop #1 was a little, mean looking guy but he wanted 5K pesos for speeding. I countered with not reporting him to the local sindicatura. He wanted to take me to the calabozo. I jumped out, grabbed him and b-tched slapped him right in front of his partner.

They were shocked and non plused, got back in their truck and drove off.

Like I say "Whatever works".

Jorge I would have never thought that of you, but, "Whatever works".

Good call. Probably won't be messed with again either.

mooose29 - 6-5-2012 at 11:45 PM

So back a couple of years ago while passing a very slow semi truck going up a grade outside of Ensenada I ran a cop off the road when I failed to check my mirror and did not realize that I was being passed by a cop at that very moment. Talk about wrong place wrong time.

Boy was I scared!!!! He pulled back on the road and promptly pulled me over and I was sure I was going right to jail, never been so scared in my life. 2 cops get out one old and one young and start laying into me. They are speaking a million miles an hour and I am getting one out of every ten words. But I get that I am getting a ticket and that I will have to pay the judge. I say but I am on my way home and can't I just pay him and he pay the judge for me since the judge is not there on Sundays. He says something like, no es mi problemo.
He turns around and heads back to the car and starts writing.

The younger cop is feeling a little bad for me at this point and let's me know that I have 30 days to pay the fine and get my license back. The old guy comes back hands me the ticket for reckless driving and keeps my license. I am thinking I will never see that license again and of course get a new one when I get back to San Diego.

3 weeks later I head back to Ensenada, go to the court, pay my fine it was something like 30 bucks, go to anther place to get my receipt stamped, go back to the court with my stamped receipt, where the nice clerk opens up a drawer sorts through a bunch of papers and files and pulls out my license hands it to me with a receipt and tells me to have a nice day.

I was blown away in this case the system worked and I was trying to pay a mordida as I had been asked to do one other time in the past. But the cop played it by the book.

We also had one other time in Todos Santos where we got pulled over for something made up, refused to give him my license and he gave up after about 5 min and moved on to someone else.

EdZeranski - 6-5-2012 at 11:49 PM

Quote:

So thought we'd give the "heads up" to those traveling through Tecate ...

Came throughTecate this morning on the way back to San Diego after a couple of weeks in Baja. I saw one Tecate Mexican cop in a new pickup pull over a Mexican plated car, blow the uturn, then drive off, just before the frontage road that becomes the border access. The border line was only 17 minutes, 11:07-11:24, and the route 94 check was open...less than 2 cars.

EdZ

thebajarunner - 6-6-2012 at 08:09 AM

I have told this one before but....
Some years back I was committing the serious offense of DAPIM (Driving a Porsche in Mexico)
Going up the free road toward LaGloria on an early Sunday morning- well around 8 a.m. Got pulled over for no apparent reason. Cop wrote me up, took my license, motioned me to follow him to the station,
arrived at a little station on the outskirts of TJ- he called out "Capitan, aqui" and this old guy shuffles out of the back room, carrying a dripping mop.
Reaches under the counter, puts on his cap, charges me about ten bucks (in peso) writes a basically illegible receipt very carefully, hands me the license, we all shake hands and I keep on for the border.
So, yeah, once in a while the system works,
just leave the 911 at home.

Sprocket - 6-6-2012 at 12:37 PM

After the Baja 1000 last year,we came back through Tecate. It was late on sunday, so we were moving through town pretty fast and got stopped. The cop was pretty cool and I played dumb ( no spanish and acting lost ). After he explained that he stopped cause the trailer lights were off (disconnected). I reconnected them and he directed us to the end of the line, NO CHARGE!

Brian L - 6-6-2012 at 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EdZeranski

Quote:

So thought we'd give the "heads up" to those traveling through Tecate ...

Hey, didn't I see some of your articles while you were in Baja? God Bless the internet, it allows you to have a vacation and still make some cash...

woody with a view - 6-6-2012 at 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner
I have told this one before but....
Some years back I was committing the serious offense of DAPIM (Driving a Porsche in Mexico)
Going up the free road toward LaGloria on an early Sunday morning- well around 8 a.m. Got pulled over for no apparent reason. Cop wrote me up, took my license, motioned me to follow him to the station,
arrived at a little station on the outskirts of TJ- he called out "Capitan, aqui" and this old guy shuffles out of the back room, carrying a dripping mop.
Reaches under the counter, puts on his cap, charges me about ten bucks (in peso) writes a basically illegible receipt very carefully, hands me the license, we all shake hands and I keep on for the border.
So, yeah, once in a while the system works,
just leave the 911 at home.

sounds like the entertainment value far exceeded the $10! :light:

You are correct

thebajarunner - 6-6-2012 at 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote:

sounds like the entertainment value far exceeded the $10! :light:

Headed for the station we were a little shaky,
headed on up the road after the trial, conviction and settlement of sentence we laughed out loud.
I still see that little wizened guy with the mop, so dead serious, putting on his official cap and dealing with us in such a serious and professional manner.
Up here we have "trial by your peers"
down there I guess it is "trial by Janitor"

durrelllrobert - 6-6-2012 at 06:19 PM

Motor Cycle Cop pulled me out of border line up into left lane for not wearing seat belt. Checked my license/registration and told me to get belt on and back up to end of line.no bribe or trip to station. Just exercising his authority. :fire:

willardguy - 6-6-2012 at 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Motor Cycle Cop pulled me out of border line up into left lane for not wearing seat belt. Checked my license/registration and told me to get belt on and back up to end of line.no bribe or trip to station. Just exercising his authority. :fire:

bob, I gotta know. Is it true you were denied a sentri pass for a loud exhaust ticket in 1957?

DENNIS - 6-6-2012 at 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
Let's try to set a better example here?

Awww..c'mon, Lee. You must be looking through toilet paper tubes when you drive down the road here. Didja ever notice how the Mexicans drive? It ain't our place to set good examples. It's our host's job to guide us.
So far, I've learned from them that ALTO means IGNORE.

J.P. - 6-6-2012 at 08:56 PM

We went througn Tecate twice today this morning going North 5 min. wait to cross this afternoon going south stopped by Mexican customs we bought a new flat screen tv in San Diego had to pay a small tax agent asked if we were Residents and I said yes he didnt even look at our fm 3 and cut the tax in half we proceded south up the big hill being careful to stop at all stop sings and each time almost got ran over buy a local.didnt see a police car anywher nice plesant ride and a very good day.
Oh and the tax was legaly collected with a stamped reciept and all. :cool:

DENNIS - 6-7-2012 at 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
Heh. Mexicans are our hosts? Oh, that's good.

Well....it helps if you have a sense of humor. :lol:

DENNIS - 6-7-2012 at 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
agent asked if we were Residents and I said yes he didnt even look at our fm 3 and cut the tax in half

That's a new one. There's no end to the various procedures they employ. Totally unpredictable.
Ohh welll....eeees meseeco.

willardguy - 6-7-2012 at 02:24 PM

Quote:

okay now im really confused. come on lee, what was the other choice?

DENNIS - 6-7-2012 at 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
Always wear my seatbelt, but lets say I was playing my radio loudly and the cop called me on it stating that it's a violation for a gringo to play a radio loudly while in line to cross the border.

When I hand him my registration/license, I'm hoping that he will graciously accept my 200 pesos (discretely tucked under the license), and give me a PASS. In fact, moving me to the front of the line would be acceptable too.

We are definitely on a different page of this issue, Lee. In fact, a different book..nonono....a different library. You not only support this extortion, you pay for the pleasure of it.
Is this your mindset in the states, or have you found a way for the invisible border line to seperate this moral issue?
I honestly don't understand your reasoning.....your acceptance and willingness to join in a corruption, regardless of it's antiquity.

willardguy - 6-7-2012 at 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

More law breaking in Mexico? What is it about this crowd -- rolling through stop signs, speeding, not wearing seat belts. It's a matter of time before Mexico fines people for talking on cell phones or texting. Let's try to set a better example here?

im totally lost, "more law breaking here" " set a better example" whats the matter lee, not having fun anymore?

DENNIS - 6-7-2012 at 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
More law breaking in Mexico? not wearing seat belts.

The incident I recall being reported here about seat belts concerned dogs and their dangerous habit of not buckling up.

It was DOGS, Lee.

Them damned pooches should be so ashamed for corrupting the fibre of society in Tecate as they did. When will they ever learn?

willardguy - 6-7-2012 at 03:11 PM

wait a minute, did the dogs have pocket knives?

DENNIS - 6-7-2012 at 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
wait a minute, did the dogs have pocket knives?

They were Christian dogs and never left home without these:

http://www.weapons-universe.com/Martial_Arts/Throwing_Stars/...

willardguy - 6-7-2012 at 03:21 PM

WOW! and we worry about pitbulls

Lee - 6-7-2012 at 06:53 PM

Not having fun? Contributing to corruption? Me?

Guess paying so I wouldn't (HYPOTHETICALLY) move to the end of the line is wrong with the moralists.

Joke's on you suckers. Now, move to the end of the line.

Dennis? You need to chill bro. You're really just looking for an excuse to unload a 12 pack, aren't ya?

Lee - 6-7-2012 at 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
More law breaking in Mexico? not wearing seat belts.

I'm referring to durrell's seat belt post a few back, Dennis, you're having trouble keeping up aren't ya? Still, I can understand how this stuff is confusing.

OK. All those who are PO'd being racially profiled by Mexicans for being white, dim-witted Gringoes, please raise all your hands?

durrelllrobert - 6-8-2012 at 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy

bob, I gotta know. Is it true you were denied a sentri pass for a loud exhaust ticket in 1957?

yep, that's true but the issue Was that I didn't report it as an arrest. According to their records I was finger printed which constitutes an arrest

Lee - 6-9-2012 at 01:34 PM

Quote:

bob, I gotta know. Is it true you were denied a sentri pass for a loud exhaust ticket in 1957?

yep, that's true but the issue Was that I didn't report it as an arrest. According to their records I was finger printed which constitutes an arrest

The SENTRI application question is: ''Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense (including misdemeanor or felony traffic violations) in the USA or any other country?''

In the US, a person is ''arrested'' and then ''fingerprinted.''

If you skipped over this question, and you had a past arrest, or conviction, the application would have been voided.

Can someone be fingerprinted and NOT KNOW they aren't being arrested?

Were you photographed too and still not think you hadn't been arrested?

So, were you convicted or was the charge dropped?

Ignorance is, unfortunately, not an excuse with SENTRI.

rules about knives

WideAngleWandering - 6-24-2012 at 04:26 PM

So this post really has me thinking ... what are the best ways to carry/transport knives in Mexico? What are the official and unofficial rules?

I've always carried a pocket knife with me pretty much everywhere I go. In the past that meant sometimes getting creative to dodge the metal detectors in mexican bus stations and shopping malls but otherwise no big deal. I never had any encounters with law enforcement.

It's almost inevitable that I'll be pulled over driving on this trip. My kit includes a clip-on folding pocket knife (~3" blade) in my pocket for miscellaneous duty, a fixed blade neck knife (~2" blade) and a 30" machete between the seats for opening coconuts.

I'm not a knife freak or anything - it's just that a blade is one of my most oft-used and handy pieces of gear.

Am I going to jail?

woody with a view - 6-24-2012 at 04:36 PM

i carry a machete between the seats. when the army checkpoints ask i tell them "Para Ratones" and they all laugh.

city cops are not you friends
hiway cops are
military are

acadist - 6-24-2012 at 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
i carry a machete between the seats. when the army checkpoints ask i tell them "Para Ratones" and they all laugh.

city cops are not you friends
hiway cops are
military are

Well put Woody!