Mayor: Police Who Bother Tourists Will Be Fired

(Acapulco, JG 28 December) In a visit to Acapulco’s Department of Public Safety and Protection, Mayor José Luis Ávila Sánchez warned the traffic police that anyone discovered bothering tourists will be removed from the force. The notice came during a ceremony where the traffic police received three new tow trucks worth US$225,000, in the main building of the force. The Mayor said that the main complaints of visitors during the current holiday season are against the traffic police. He said, “Just as we recognize and hold in esteem the work of our police forces, I want them to reflect upon the trust that we have put in them. We are receiving several complains that some officers are being especially bothersome to the tourists, and we have counted at least six vehicles stopped in the Costera by traffic police. We cannot tolerate that the actions of a few might hurt the reputation of our police officers. “ Ávila Sánchez also recognized the great efforts of the city police: “We have our problems, as in most other places in the country,” he said, “But in general terms our city is peaceful, thanks to the efforts of the police; nevertheless, we will not tolerate acts of corruption.”