Drove from Mulege to La Paz today. Only my third day ever in Baja.
Entering Loreto, there were several police officers stopping all traffic in both directions. The inbound guy was talking on his cell phone though, so
I didn't have to stop.
Exiting Loreto, again there were several officers. This time it looked like maybe they were taking some kind of collection (there was a little
collection box thing), although once the officer saw I was a gringo, he just handed me a paper with some nice things written about the police, and
waved me on.
Then when driving through Ciudad Insurgente, both lanes of traffic going my direction were stopped, with police officers talking to the cars at the
front of the line. I was behind a local guy who drove onto the dirt to the right in front of the buildings (sort of forming a third lane), so I
followed him, and we both kept going, without stopping.
I'm guessing the Loreto stops were voluntary (?) contributions to the police for the holidays.
But what were they doing in Ciudad Insurgente? Any ideas?
David K - 12-22-2016 at 06:23 PM
Likely the same... every little town has sometimes the Red Cross collecting to raise funds. The government gives very little to emergency services,
they have to raise their own money.
Other than that, the police (usually federal in black uniforms) will have random road checkpoints if they suspect cartel trafficing or escaped
criminals on the road.
You are already familiar with the military drug and gun checkpoints, such as those at El Rosario, San Agustin, El Tomatal, San Ignacio, Loreto...BigBearRider - 12-22-2016 at 06:30 PM
I saw a police check point between San Lucas Cove and Santa Rosalia earlier this week. I haven't seen that before, but that doesn't mean much given
that I've spent relatively little time in the area. I wasn't stopped in either direction.gnukid - 12-22-2016 at 06:45 PM
Today was police day in BCS, which was marked by announcements of collaboration with police agencies to increase security for christmas time. In La
Paz it was announced that police are prohibited from asking for donations "today".Police headed out in groups to show support for vigilance.
Seat belt check by the federal cops.willardguy - 12-22-2016 at 10:55 PM
30 miles east of ojo negros 4 fed cars in the middle of the road checking for.....open containers.
this is the new baja folks...surfinggrandpa71 - 12-23-2016 at 04:31 AM
The 21st of December has always been " pay the police day" for as long as I can remember. Their personal bonus collection day throughout BCSbajaguy - 12-23-2016 at 08:06 AM
During holidays it is not uncommon to see four or five DUI/Seatbelt checkpoints in Ensenada conducted by the municipal police, state police and the
federals.....been going on for years and I for one are glad to see them
The 21st of December has always been " pay the police day" for as long as I can remember. Their personal bonus collection day throughout BCS
Yep,Dia del transito. AKgringo - 12-24-2016 at 10:09 AM
I just drove from La Paz to Tecate via Mex 5, leaving on the 21st, and saw no signs of extra police activity or shake downs! The military checkpoint
just north of Loreto was the only checkpoint on my entire trip that asked me to exit the vehicle, and did an abbreviated search!
Based on observing the interaction of the officer with the soldiers, I think it was training day for some new troops! It is amazing how often I get
waved through with a big dog in the car!willardguy - 12-24-2016 at 10:25 AM
I go through a military checkpoint daily, if you're a young chica you WILL be asked to exit the car, for inspection of sorts!
old gringo's? we're just in the wayAKgringo - 12-24-2016 at 03:26 PM
Old Gringo? Are you talking to me?
I resemble that remark!
