Travelers can be assured that the Mexican military and the Federal Police, as well as their regional counterparts, are working together in a combined effort to discourage acts that adversely affect tourism. The effects of their endeavors are already becoming apparent as reports of negative events continue to drop sharply.

In regard to inappropriate contacts that might be made by sworn police officers, there is a public worker's union office specifically charged with investigating police matters, and firing corrupt officials. It is called the "Sindicatura," and it is a name you should remember. (It is pronounced: seen-dee-kah-too-ra.)

It does not matter if the officer speaks English, or understands anything that you are saying. When he hears that word, the game is usually over. It has been said by a Mexican observer, "Sindicatura to a dishonest police officer is like displaying a golden cross to a vampire." Sindicatura officials are truly the "untouchables" of local government in this regard.

COPY THE PHONE NUMBERS BELOW ONTO A SMALL PIECE OF PAPER TAPED TO THE BACK OF YOUR VALID U.S. DRIVER’S LICENSE. UNLESS THERE IS A BONAFIDE COMPLAINT OF AN ACTUAL TRAFFIC INFRACTION, YOU ARE LIKELY TO RECEIVE YOUR LICENSE BACK WITH A POLITE VERBAL WARNING:

SINDICATURA DEL GOBIERNO MUNICIPAL - CONTACT NUMBERS
Tijuana - (664) 688-2810, 973-7770, 973-7759, 683-4095
Ensenada - (646) 617-1561, 176-2222, 617-1561
Mexicali - (686) 558-1600 x1661