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Author: Subject: Police bribes
mtgoat666
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[*] posted on 1-23-2007 at 05:34 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by surfer jim
Just about EVERY person who has ever driven across the border should have some story to tell.....


Disagree. I have driven many hundreds of hours in Mexico and never been pulled over for a moving violation. I drive pretty well, and obey the posted signs. This leads me to believe that all of you that get pulled over frequently must be pretty bad drivers. While I know some cops are subject to soliciting a bribe now and then, I believe that the initial pullover is most always due to some valid traffic violation.
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villadelfin
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[*] posted on 1-23-2007 at 05:49 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Quote:
Originally posted by villadelfin
Have all forgotten the real question? She states that she is looking for people who have filed a report of complaint. I myself can see value in an investigation as to what happens if we use US government official offices to help us when we were asked to pay a bribe.


Common as mordidas might be, I find it hard to even imagine filing a complaint with a U.S. official about such a thing (what good would that do?). Does anyone know personally of such a case?

--Larry


Well, that's my point. She said she is looking for people who filed complaints so she can do a story on it.




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DENNIS
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[*] posted on 1-23-2007 at 05:58 PM


Mordida, in its purist form, is an ideal arraingement. Those who break the law support the law enforcement agency. Unfortunately, greed and power abuse ruin a good thing.
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MrBillM
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[*] posted on 1-23-2007 at 06:05 PM
Negative Stories ?


I'm having a little trouble with the thought that "Mordida" stories fall into the negative category. Personally, I have always been appreciative of the system and have participated (with one noted exception) willingly whenever asked. At the Border it has been, without exception, more pleasant than the "Legal" importation route.

Regarding Mordida and Traffic Infractions, although I haven't been in that situation often considering Forty-Five years of travel in Baja, I have accumulated more than a few. The most egregious was that of doing 50mph on Hwy 5 South of Mexicali in an area that was posted 40Kph. Five minutes, 20 bucks, no ding on the insurance and everybody was happy. You have to love a system that works like that. Before that it was the criminal act of towing a boat trailer with an expired tag. Also 20 bucks. The one time I took exception was a year or so ago when the Mexicali Motorcycle cop wanted 60 bucks for a seat belt violation. Since the station was on the way, that was enough dough to make a stop for. As it turned out, he let me go and went trolling for someone else.

Unlike just about everyone I've ever met who descirbes their experiences, each time I have been guilty of the act I was pulled over for. Everyone else seems to be completely innocent when they're preyed upon. Very ODD.

The only thing NEGATIVE I've found in the Mordida system is that lately it seems to have suffered from pronounced inflation.

BTW, Bruce, over the years I've had quite a few female "roomers" that I'd like to spread, but my wife would have objected.

[Edited on 1-24-2007 by MrBillM]
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BajaNomad
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[*] posted on 1-23-2007 at 09:00 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
...I believe that the initial pullover is most always due to some valid traffic violation.
I know for myself (and have read here the same for others) that the violation seems to sometimes be simply for driving while gringo. Two instances come to mind for me - one time in La Paz, and another time in Guerrero Negro.

Here, El Jefe notes being stopped in La Paz for the same:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=9447&page...

:D

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Don Alley
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[*] posted on 1-23-2007 at 09:18 PM


We've been pulled over five times. Oops!

Three were our fault. We paid the cop twice, got a warning once.

Two were not our fault, both in Constitution. One for speeding, while creeping along in the far right lane because we know the town's a speed trap. The other for an illegal left turn at green light. The police woman told us we had to wait for a green arrow.

That would be a really long wait, until such an arrow is installed.:lol: Paid at the station.

No, we filed no official complaint. Especially not to a US authority. That never even occured to us. But I did consider telling the furniture store there where we've spent hundreds of dollars that maybe HE should talk to the local police.
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abreojos
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 03:55 AM


Here is an undocumented story that may shed a little light on the subject. I was pulled over in November 2 days after my US tags expired. If I would have gone to the station to pay the fine, Iit would have cost me 300 pesos and 500 for a tow truck. The cop asked for 800 pesos and since they make so little and have such a crummy job, I figured he needed the money more than anyone else. I do not like supporting paying mordida, and do not recomend anyone paying it if they haven't done anything wrong, but there are times when it greases the wheel.
I have even been with the grandson of a former Mexican president and was stopped north of Loreto. We did not do anything wrong, but the former president's grandson was really tanked and offered the cop money. The cop would not take it with me watching , but eventually did when I wasn't and scurried off in a hurry afterwards.
I do not know how you plan on using this information, but I hope it helps you get the big picture.
Sorry you got ruffed up a little at the start of this thread. There are a few nuckleheads with too much time on their hands on this forum and get a little terratorial, but all in all this is a great place to find out what is going on.
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Bruce R Leech
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 07:27 AM


the problem with paying Police bribes is that you are the one that encourages it to happen for the next guy. if none paid Police bribes there would be no Police bribes. and a lot fewer people being polled over for miner infractions. don't be afraid to stand your ground and go to the station if necessary, it will take a little longer but you will be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

DON'T FEED THE BEARS.




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Spyderman
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 10:00 AM
Good read


Haven't been on for awhile, checked out this thread, thanks Nomads, it was great reading. LOL
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MrBillM
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 10:27 AM
Being Part of the Solution.


It seems to me that I AM a part of the solution everytime I pay Mordida. I am doing my best to support and preserve Traditional Mexican Culture. I keep reading complaints here that Mexico is becoming too much like the U.S. The Beat-Cop is much more deserving of that small stipend to enhance his family's economic position than is the Bloated and Dysfuntional Mexican Bureaucracy.

If Anyone thinks that changing the "Mordida" situation and reforming their justice system to emulate ours would be an improvement, I have a couple of Bridges over Swamps next to Great Real Estate in Amboy I'd like them to consider.

One of the most evident examples of the Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement in Los Estados Unidos is that it is considered a MAJOR revenue source by said Governmental Entities. I've seen more Traffic Traps in the U.S. and more Traffic Stops aimed at revenue enhancement than anywhere else.

IF the Mexican Bureaucracy was actually able to cure the Mordida situation and get the officers to play the game legally, they would realize such an infusion of assets that we'd see "Quotas" or "Expectations" determined for Traffic Officers as we do in the U.S. You'd be getting pulled over for having a Fly obstruct part of your License Tag.
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abreojos
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 11:30 AM


I agree with you 100% Mr. Bill. The point is there really isn't going to be any real solution any time soon. There are only 1 million Gringos living in Mexico. If a former Mexican president's grandson supports the system and pays mordida, how do you think the current population of gringos can change it? It's as pervasive as trash. Do you see an end to that problem any time soon? If you can't beat them, and you can't, well you might as well join them. After all it is their country.
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 11:31 AM


Have never been to court and had a judge dismiss the charges/fines etc. lodged against me, all misdemeanor sort of things.:saint:Thank God!:bounce: Only experiences have been in USA. Would just as soon pay on the spot and get on down the road.:tumble:
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 06:06 PM
More from Anna Cearley


Wow! I just checked in on the message board and was amazed at the conversation this topic has generated. I'll try and address a few of the points that were brought up.

First of all, I don't blame anyone for doubting who I am. It's very smart, and well-founded in this Internet age. I would hate it if someone was trolling around here saying they were me, so thanks for checking. You can reach me at my TJ office number : 664 634-0422 or email me at my Union-Trib address.

Second...I have actually written quite a few articles exploring the realities of police work here and the moral/ethical dilemnas police face.
My aim is not to slam the police force. It is , however, a problem that I think deserves attention because when this becomes accepted behavier it can lead to abuses. I'm afraid it's become so common that it's accepted and we simply don't report about it because it's accepted behavior .

Finally, it's my hope to explore the issue from all sides. I find it interesting that some people prefer the system as it it.

Thanks to all of you who have responded . It's obviously a topic that is worthdiscussing!

Anna

p.s. sorry for the delay for posting this. I've been out of the office. I'll get back to those who shared their info. once i'm done with some stories.

[Edited on 1-25-2007 by Bordernews1]
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 08:10 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Bordernews1

I'm afraid it's become so common that it's accepted and we simply don't report about it because it's accepted behavior .

[Edited on 1-25-2007 by Bordernews1]


Anna, How common is it? What are the statistics and how were they generated?

Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks.
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DENNIS
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 08:59 PM


Anna ----
Thanks for the response and sorry for the abuse. You have here a mine of information and willing participants. I dont know if the public forum would generate your most useful responses but a private dialogue may.
If that's your choice, we will all miss the gang fight that this issue could generate but, we'll entertain ourselves in other ways.
Thanks for your interest.
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Sharksbaja
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 09:04 PM
deal or no deal?


Quote:
Originally posted by oxxo
Quote:
Originally posted by Bordernews1

I'm afraid it's become so common that it's accepted and we simply don't report about it because it's accepted behavior .

[Edited on 1-25-2007 by Bordernews1]


Anna, How common is it? What are the statistics and how were they generated?

Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks.


Hello! Look how she states that. "I'm afraid it's become" not "it's become" and "We" can mean her and and any number of people. Another case of IMHO perhaps. :lol:

I wonder how much forums are used in researching a story. I can see problems with that. Like someone said, how would you know if someone is spinning a yarn? I suppose there's a certain amount of credibility expected from reporters. We do have some wonderful fiction writers onboard here tho so buyer beware?. But then, why would anyone make up a story when it's not necessary? :rolleyes:


Remember:
Not every writer/reporter is evil.

Just those who work for the NYTimes;D;D:lol:




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DENNIS
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 09:12 PM


Hey Sharky --------

What does it matter? Who cares? What can she do that would affect my, or your life?
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Sharksbaja
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 09:51 PM
Dennis, sometimes


it's about everybody, not you or me. Maybe a viewer could or will, deal with a future situation more appropriately with info from an article. Maybe not.
Education sometimes comes in the form of journalism. It's the benefit of the doubt for me in this case. Probably because I can relate directly to part of her quiery.




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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 10:54 PM


Sharksbaja


Quote:
Originally posted by Sharksbaja
I wonder how much forums are used in researching a story. I can see problems with that. Like someone said, how would you know if someone is spinning a yarn? I suppose there's a certain amount of credibility expected from reporters. We do have some wonderful fiction writers onboard here tho so buyer beware?. But then, why would anyone make up a story when it's not necessary?


I think both Anna and Sandra Dibble believe that the Nomad board and it's posters is a reliable and valuable source of information regarding all subjects Baja. When Nomads have informed them about the crimes, etc. and asked for their help in getting the word out, they've cooperated in spreading the word regarding them.

I'm sure they know that this board is often the first place where some of that information is available. I bet they check this board first thing everyday, to see what's going on in Baja.

Amo Pescar :yes:
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[*] posted on 1-24-2007 at 11:20 PM
Mordidas viven


Some of you are lucky bastards, or full of something. If you have never been pulled over in Baja in 40 years, put a surfboard on top of your car and drive into Tj or Rosarito. It is just a matter of time. I can remember driving down the street and being pulled over. I was pulled over for a light out, that's what he told me. It was a brake light. He pulled me over before I ever used me brakes. It was just the excuse he used once he got behind me and noticed it was out when he pulled me over. Meanwhile there are cars all around me on the streets without lights at all, cracked and missing windshields, all owned by the locals. I do not get pulled over much anymore. I think that fact that I am older now and traveling with children, I don't fit the profile much anymore. Like I said, put a 20 something in a car with a surfboard and your gonna get it. I have never been pulled over for speeding and often do speed. However, I have been pulled over for fantom infractions. These cops focus on tourists because that is where the money is. If you don't bone up with cash, they just move on to the next gringo willing to pay.

I am not bashing, that is just the way it is.
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