BajaNomad - Corrupt cops at Tecate border

Corrupt cops at Tecate border

wilderone - 12-6-2004 at 04:45 PM

Today, a co-worker related this story:
He, his wife and another couple spent Saturday night at a very nice hotel outside Ensenada and decided to cross the border at Tecate on Sunday. Not having crossed there before they were unaware that you need to turn right to find the end of the line (despite the signs that point to San Diego, Hwy 94 which would direct you straight or left). Of course when they attempted to get in line there others in line began honking their horns and a policeman appeared on the scene. The policeman took all of their drivers licenses, and told them that they were going to give them a ticket or go to jail, and if they wanted to pay up right then, it would be $185. The driver objected somewhat, and the policeman said he would escort them to the end of the line. Once there, he again told them he would give them a ticket and they could pay then or at the station. The driver paid the policeman $175 because he needed to get across the border without delay.

I'm relating this because the police have not cleaned up their act, and continue to intimidate tourists (and apparently upped the ante -- $185?). Of course, my friend's wife refuses to go into Mexico again because of this.

TMW - 12-6-2004 at 04:50 PM

Wow, I cross at Tecate all the time and I've seen the police just tell the cars trying to break into the line to go to the end. If it were me (I don't cut the line) but if it were, I'd go to the police station rather than give the cop any money.

Oso - 12-6-2004 at 04:53 PM

I believe that's called the "Impuesto Sobre Idiotas" and is a very important segment of the local economy.

Too funny

jrbaja - 12-6-2004 at 05:21 PM

:lol:

MICK - 12-6-2004 at 05:38 PM

Bummer, I cross there all the time and have seen many people pulled out of line and sent to the back. I have never seen any of the cops write a ticket or stop anyone for any amount of time. I agree I would have told him to take us to the station and he more than likely would have just let them go. It has been my experience that their looking for the easy marks and anyone who gives then trouble they just let go. Sorry to here about this because it was one crossing I never gave a thought to going thru.
Mick

Don't forget

Keri - 12-6-2004 at 05:41 PM

It's christmas season. They need extra money for presents . k :no:

JESSE - 12-6-2004 at 05:47 PM

I have to agree with many here, if he paid 185 bucks, he deserves it.

And as Keri said

jrbaja - 12-6-2004 at 06:04 PM

expect for this kind of thing to happen a lot down here at this time of year. As unfortunate for some that it may be, it is the way it works!
So be very careful while driving at this time of year, there will be more police out looking for the slightest little things. Kinda like in the u.s. during holiday season but no courts or insurance increases involved. :light:

Hey! You Guys

Baja Bernie - 12-6-2004 at 07:18 PM

How quickly we forget. Christmas is always bad because of the party's. But New Years is always the worst because then then they have to pay for everything including the headaches.
A smart Baja Person never expects to cross the border, in either direction, between December 15th and January 10th. without a five dollar bill in hand/or is it now ten or twenty. Smile and pass it on and you will not go to the end of the line and the fine will never happen.
Es Verdad!

Barry A. - 12-6-2004 at 08:13 PM

Baja Bernie----I can't believe you said that.

Oso - 12-6-2004 at 08:30 PM

Aw, c'mon, it's xmas, a fiver is a tip, just a little grease to speed things along, not a reason to make a big deal out of it. $185 for a misunderstood wrong turn is entirely another matter. No way in hell should one allow such extorsion. It's all relative to the circumstance of the moment.

Me No - 12-6-2004 at 09:42 PM

Oso.

I've come to call that, the gingo sir charge. :lol:

thekookbuster - 12-6-2004 at 10:32 PM

I unknowingly did that once and the officer on a mountain bike was polite and told me where the back of the line was. Guess sheeet happens huh?

MICK - 12-7-2004 at 07:40 AM

One has to wonder if this person was smart enough to get the officers name and badge number? At least they could report him. I have been sent away without paying just for asking for these things.
I guess if you were smart enough to pay that kind of money you wouldn't think about who you were paying it to!

I have a good friend who lives in baja sur in a small town and he just goes up to the police station on the first of Dec and gives them 250.00 as a present. He said he got tired of getting stopped all the time just before Christmas and now they leave him alone. How sad it has to be like that
Mick

Don Jorge - 12-7-2004 at 08:35 AM

The good news is he doesn't have to take his wife to Mexico anymore.
The bad news is she will go shopping while he is in Mexico and the 185 bucks will seem like a bargain.

Now that's cold!!

jrbaja - 12-7-2004 at 09:03 AM

otherwise know as a "blessing in disguise" :lol:

wilderone - 12-7-2004 at 09:48 AM

The cop did ask the driver, menacingly, "now I suppose you're going to take my name and badge number and report me to the commissioner", insinuating that if he did there would be more trouble. When you find yourself in that position - trying to get out of the country - it's difficult to learn your options and take action. BTW, he didn't make any wrong turn - he followed the signs; but the "end of the line" protocol is an entirely different matter - and not signed -- probably on purpose so this band of thieves can prey on their victims at will. I bet the police chief gets his cut too.

Yah buddy

jrbaja - 12-7-2004 at 09:53 AM

These guys are regular "monsters" :lol:

Dave - 12-7-2004 at 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
I bet the police chief gets his cut too.

That would be a safe bet. Police officers give propinas to their superiors to get and maintain their jobs. Consider yourself the lowest on the food chain. :biggrin:

Taco de Baja - 12-8-2004 at 08:34 AM

I'll bet $175 that on his next trip into Baja (without his wife) that he does not cut into line again.... :lol:

synch - 12-8-2004 at 10:31 AM

$175 bucks and he STILL had to go to the end of the line?

For that kind of cash, he should be escorted to the FRONT!

Then again, there's one born every minute...

wilderone - 12-9-2004 at 09:25 AM

You guys are merciless!!

Braulio - 12-9-2004 at 09:56 AM

Yeah - I'm with you guys - this pair of idiots deserved exactly what they got - just for being unsuspecting pendejos.

Actually the gringo couple really didn't lose much - they'll get along just fine spending their time and money elsewhere - in fact the Tecate cop might just as well have taken a few thousand dollars out of the pockets of his own paisanos (assuming subsequent cancelled trips by the couple).

And you can multiply that by the number of people this cop has fleeced - and then that by the number of corrupt cops there are.

And it all comes out of the mexican economy.

Yeah - right on - absolutely hilarious.

Qu? pendejos.

crossing at Tecate tales...

velella - 12-11-2004 at 12:27 AM

I have crossed at tecate many time and usually it is a breeze. Two tales though. First in my motorhome I dinged a corner of a stop sign heading for the end of the line. The two cops worked me for a while and finally (and $75 that I had negotiated down from 150) they walked me to the front of the line and cut me in. Maybe it was worth it. At Thanksgiving a Hummer cut into the line about a half hour out and the cops did not do anything... until the turn to the border and then they pulled him out and sent him back to the end of the line. That was great. Enjoy :lol:

FrankO - 12-11-2004 at 09:00 AM

Thieves in uniform ought to have their balls cut off. In public would be good.

Germanicus - 12-14-2004 at 05:37 PM

cutting into that line is >>sometimes!! unintentianally.
I saw that line lining far more than 3 blocks parallel to the border.
Now, if a car comes from downwown yo the border, what's his choice if he is a 'first timer'?
I also was driving along that line and thought they are all parked as the cars are standing still and close to the sidewalk.
Being fined for cutting in is a common parctice in Tecate. But the official fee for is NOT for cutting in but for doing anything else wrong.
Like crossing that barrier (yellow stripe) etc.
And the official fee is $65.
BUT: Mexican Officials are NOT allowed to take foreign currencies.
It is practiced but against the Mexican Law.

bajabum - 12-14-2004 at 08:13 PM

I cant believe there are so many people that are surprised or offeded by this.

Even though Baja is conected to the U.S it is owned by Mexico, it is a foriegn country and they play by a different set of rules. I think it actually adds to the adventure of travel in Mexico!

Corruption is part of the Mexican culture, it is an every day occurance that happens at all levels. The higher up the totem pole ya go the higher the level of coruption is.

Mordida is considered proper usage of tourist dollars and is depended on for survival.

There seems to be 2 main thought streams on this issue:

1) Its just part of the game and should be expected. Play, pay and git on down the road

2) They are like pigeons, if you keep feeding them they will never go away

I have played the mordida game many, many times over the last 25 years. Most of the time I am anxcious to get to where Im going so I negotiate down to as low as they will go (usually less than $20), pay em and get back on the road. I have paid mordida to police officers, PGR, federale comandantes, hotel managers, dept de pesca officers, gasoline attendants, etc. Mordita can get you things that dont exist!

I have also taken the other road several times and refused to pay the "fine" asking to be taken to jail instead. After following them for several miles they mysteriously get a more important call and let you off with a warning.

My experience has been that if you tell them you are going to pay thier "fine" but want to know there name and badge #...they will back off and go away. Never be intimadated by there efforts to make a living. It may seem like a terrible thing when viewed through gringo eyes but it is simply a way of life in a game with a different set of rules. Remember, you arent going to jail, you certainly arent going to die, and you really dont have to pay if you dont want to play. There is an agency in place that is set up to police the police (cant remember the name of it) if you mention the name they will back off in a hurry.

If you want to learn more about the rules go to: www.rulesofbaja.com.

FrankO - 12-14-2004 at 08:29 PM

I cut in line inadvertantly once and a local went a got a cop. He told me I had to go to the back of the line and when I said no way he just looked at me and left. Wasn't a big deal.

It's only a big deal

jrbaja - 12-14-2004 at 10:24 PM

if you make it one!
It's the way it works down here. Always has been too.
So what. Don't like the way it works, don't put yourself in a positon to have to deal with it.
Stay home where it's "safe"! :light:

HotSchott - 12-15-2004 at 07:13 AM

As I pass through Tecate every couple of weeks, the people cutting in line and getting turned back is a timeless ritual. I have always believed that it is an indication of the honesty and integrity of the local police in Tecate, which is far and away the coolest border town I have ever been to. I have never seen anyone asked to pay a fine or be escorted anywhere for cutting - even by accident.

The funny part is that the people were probably led to police station which is often where the line starts at the rotunda on busy weekends. To be in a big hurry such that $175 seems like a better idea than a trip to the station for making a wrong turn tells me that these folks were easy prey and have learned a valuable lesson. I can't remember a trip where I was in possession of $175 - especially at the end of the trip! Were they keeping this dinero on hand for this exact opportunity?

To recapitulate: SUCKERS

Braulio - 12-15-2004 at 10:16 AM

I still say the real suckers were the cops - they're taking a leak in the same pool they're swimming.

Last night I talked to my girl friend in Mexicali - she has an old brooch she wants repaired for her mother for christmas - so where does she take it? - El Centro, CA - because she's afraid a mexican jewler might pry some of the stones off. And she's no pendeja.

So another 40 bucks needlessly exits the mexican economy.

Corruption in Mexico might be OK for some americans who can afford it - or don't have to support a family in Mexico - folks who can pack up and leave when they've had their fill.

I also have a problem with guys in uniform that intimidate women - yeah - she had a guy there - it doesn't matter. The cop was a cobarde.

[Edited on 12-15-2004 by Braulio]

We have a great jeweler here

jrbaja - 12-15-2004 at 10:40 AM

in Rosarito. :light:

Braulio - 12-15-2004 at 10:47 AM

We do in Mexicali also - and they can do anything the El Centro ones can - but corruption is so endemic in the mexican system that she doen't want to trust an heirloom with ANY mexican ones.

Just like the lady who got hit up for the ticket in Tecate - people with an option just aren't going to put up with it.

Same thing happens in industry - companies go elsewhere. (it ain't all a matter of wages).

I just hope that those people

jrbaja - 12-15-2004 at 10:58 AM

that are considering buying homes in the developments are reading this!
When the population increases in the gringo communities, so does the crime rate and corruption.

Braulio - 12-15-2004 at 11:06 AM

I'm with you on that one JR - like in Mexico City where there are relatively few gringos (%-wise) - levels of corruption and crime are extremely low.

I just wish the chilangos would spread even more of their culture to Baja.

Bigs cities are always an exception

jrbaja - 12-15-2004 at 11:41 AM

Like what Loreto Bay will do to Loreto, and what all the development in Cabo San Lucas has already done to that area.
Before it was TJ, Mexico City, L.A. and New York that were famous for crime.
I say it's high time to give them some competition!

Dave - 12-15-2004 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabum
you really dont have to pay if you dont want to play.

You have no clue.

EVERYONE pays whether they are aware of it or not.

Shoddy workmanship, poor worker productivity and unsafe products, increased costs for goods and services, lax or nonexistant law enforcement, exploitation of the poor and middle class, inferior health care, substandard education, corruption of the democratic process.....and most importantly:

No respect for the rule of law.

You would feel very differently about corruption if going home meant NOT crossing the border northbound.

Dave - 12-15-2004 at 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
I just wish the chilangos would spread even more of their culture to Baja.

I like the way they dispense justice for perceived crooked cops, don't you?

(See most important reason above)

Bruce R Leech - 12-15-2004 at 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
I'm with you on that one JR - like in Mexico City where there are relatively few gringos (%-wise) - levels of corruption and crime are extremely low.

I just wish the chilangos would spread even more of their culture to Baja.

god god where on earth did you ever here that corruption and crime are extremely low in Mexico city . check any source do an INTERNET search , you go and live in D.F for a month and if you survive you will be begging for Baja. D.F. is hands down the crime capital of th world . I cant believe you made that statement

Dave - 12-15-2004 at 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
god god where on earth did you ever here that corruption and crime are extremely low in Mexico city .

Bruce, stick your tongue into your cheek. Report back on how it feels. :rolleyes:

Crime ???

jrbaja - 12-15-2004 at 12:46 PM

I ran a crew of 18 carpenters from Churasbusco Studios in Mexico City building the Titanic set here in Rosarito.
They stayed in Tijuana during production and 2 of them were robbed and beat up on different occasions there.
I just watched something about some ex Crypt members from Long Beach. The least amount of people each one individually had beat up or robbed was 400. (Each) Glad it wasn't me!!

Bruce R Leech - 12-15-2004 at 12:57 PM

Give me a small town at least 300 miles from the nearest city any time. the people are friendly and you can walk down the street with your watch on. :yes:

Dave - 12-15-2004 at 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
you can walk down the street with your watch on. :yes:

What's a watch?

#1 - 12-15-2004 at 01:45 PM

A device people used to tell time before cell-phones were invented. :biggrin:

Pompano - 12-15-2004 at 03:30 PM

I have a few tales to tell of rampant crime in Mulege. A few years ago..1989..I parked my open Jeep as usual in the square. When I returned a few hours later I noticed my handheld VHF I had left in it's holder was gone. I thought that I could have lost it bouncing into town, but figured I might as well ask around about it. A few local friends asked how much it was worth and I said about $200 US and they all said they were hard to get in Mulege. Everyone said he was sorry for my loss, because they knew I used the radio a lot for fishing, the morning town net, and gassing with pals. I figured that radio was either lost on the road somewhere between the Bay and town or indeed, it had been stolen! It was disappointing to think it could have been heisted in Mulege.

About 2 weeks later I drove into town, parked the Jeep, and walked into the Hacienda for a cool one. A couple of those later I came out and found my radio sitting on the drivers seat...no note, nada..just my handheld sitting there like a present. Nobody ever said who had returned it..and there was no need to ask. I gave a little more that year to our local charities.

Oddly enough the same thing had happened years before that with a DC tire inflator. Taken and returned in the same evening from my old Suburban. The rampant crime in Mulege was hilarious...the thieves couldn't live with their consciences!..or maybe their fathers and mothers!!

Now Tecate, TJ, or anywhere north of that old Baja Feeling is another matter

Germanicus - 12-15-2004 at 04:20 PM

Cutting into line by mistake is one thing.
It can happen to everyone.
BUT: Not willing to correct the own mistake shows best Gringo-Behaviour.
JR. you (as always) said it right : Guys, stay home if you don't want to accept Baja living and rules and lifestyle and, and, and.
Don't need no flocking Gringos not capable to adjust to Baja.
Only adjustables are welcome >>> can I say that this way?

Braulio - 12-15-2004 at 04:24 PM

Bruce - yeah - I was pulling your collective piernas - I lived in Mexico City for most of the 90's. At the time I was there even the police would not enter certain areas of the city unless they went en masse. It's worse now.

So you guys think that the "gringo" invasion has changed things in Baja?

jajajajaja - I can guaranfreakingtee that the invasion of the chilangos has changed it a lot more than anything a few silly-arsed gringos ever did.

In case you're not aware - Mexico was set up just like Rome - with all roads leading to a center city (the DF). And in Mexico's case Mexico City controls/exports all things related to economics/culture/government. As the world gets smaller the infuence has increased.

You don't think drugs have a big influence in the non-gringo communities (big and small) in Baja? Think again.

I could go on - suffice it to say that I don't think corruption is good for Mexico.

"Pulling your collective piernas"

jrbaja - 12-15-2004 at 04:58 PM

Now that's funny! :lol:

What you are saying is true. But, it has taken longer to take effect in Baja than elsewhere. Perhaps it's because the builders are importing the chilangos for cheap labor as the Titanic movie did.
But, they are here to build for the gringos, canadians, foreigners that vacation and move here.
And then came the drugs to supply the demand. And, I don't think a local construction worker or fisherman had enough money, or interest in drugs to spend some of his $30.00 a week on them.
And, with drugs comes crimes. Seguro!

I have not met one local person from Baja (away from the cities) who I would not trust with anything of mine including money or my children. And that's a fact!

Braulio - 12-15-2004 at 05:05 PM

JR said:

"I have not met one local person from Baja (away from the cities) who I would not trust with anything of mine including money or my children. And that's a fact!"

manomanoman - You and I have had some very different experiences.

Tommy A - 12-15-2004 at 05:09 PM

One of the best quotes I've ever heard about Mexico was this:

Good roads bad people, bad roads good people.

Bruce R Leech - 12-15-2004 at 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
Bruce - yeah - I was pulling your collective piernas - I lived in Mexico City for most of the 90's. At the time I was there even the police would not enter certain areas of the city unless they went en masse. It's worse now.

So you guys think that the "gringo" invasion has changed things in Baja?

jajajajaja - I can guaranfreakingtee that the invasion of the chilangos has changed it a lot more than anything a few silly-arsed gringos ever did.

In case you're not aware - Mexico was set up just like Rome - with all roads leading to a center city (the DF). And in Mexico's case Mexico City controls/exports all things related to economics/culture/government. As the world gets smaller the infuence has increased.

You don't think drugs have a big influence in the non-gringo communities (big and small) in Baja? Think again.

I could go on - suffice it to say that I don't think corruption is good for Mexico.

Oh my leggs are longer now.

you are right 10 years ago I never locked my car or house here But you would be making a big mistake if you did that now . :lol:

Only if you live in

jrbaja - 12-15-2004 at 10:56 PM

a gringo enclave or border town. The rest of the people are still honest.
Not only are there interesting swimmen holes and cave paintings that aren't in books, the local folks haven't really learned greed yet.
But, they will! Fortunately, I've met them prior to being americanized!

Dave - 12-16-2004 at 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrbaja
a gringo enclave or border town. The rest of the people are still honest.

I'd be interested to hear how you arrived at these conclusions.

Oso - 12-16-2004 at 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrbaja

I just watched something about some ex Crypt members from Long Beach. The least amount of people each one individually had beat up or robbed was 400. (Each) Glad it wasn't me!!

Um, I believe that's "Crips", JR.

Bruce R Leech - 12-16-2004 at 10:25 AM

Now Iv done it . I have started a trend now every one wants to be a bad speller :lol:

Germanicus - 12-16-2004 at 02:14 PM

well, Bruce, the difference is: >> we do it for fun.