Federal Police in Tijuana uses Citizen Journalism to Denounce lack of Pay

As I read eluniversal.com.mx online news, my attention was instantly drawn to a citizen journalist report. A federal police officer, recently deployed to Tijuana in attempts to stave off an imminent increase in cartel violence following the arrest of Teodoro Garcia, has reported they have yet to be deposited their bimonthly paycheck.

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Policías federales sin pagos

jacobo

21-01-2010

Hola, soy policía federal y estoy desplegado en Tijuana así como otros 2 mil compañeros más en toda la república, a la fecha no nos han depositado nuestra quincena y los jefes no nos pueden dar solución al respecto, sólo dicen que nos pagarán con cheque y que la persona de Recursos Humanos viene en camino con ellos, es una incertidumbre con el pago que dicen. Eso sí, te obligan a trabajar normal como si uno hubiera cobrado y sino te elaboran boleta de arresto y eso no es bueno. Ojalá pudieran venir a entrevistarnos hoy ya que viene la primera dama a Tijuana (según eso nos dijeron), y le daremos seguridad aunque no hayamos cobrado.

Hello, I'am a federal police officer deployed in Tijuana, the same as 2000 other officers from allover the republic, to date they have not deposited our bi-monthly paychecks and the bosses have been unable to give us any solution, they just tell us they will pay us by check and that the person from Human Resources is in route, there is incertitude concerning the payment in question. One is forced to work as if having collected payment and if not, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and that's not good. Hopefully you can come to interview us today being as the First Lady is coming to Tijuana (at least that's what we've been told) and we will maintain her security even though we haven't been paid.

There is no hiding what is happening in Mexico. Daily international headlines of gruesome drug cartel torture and deaths have become the norm. Not only is our entire nation in the midst of a Federal War against Drugs and corrupt authorities, but also we lie in the crossfire of warring cartels as they fight for control of territory and trafficking corridors into the United States.

These men and women risk their lives daily in a war, which in the eyes of the world, cannot and will not be won. They receive less than mediocre pay and benefits, yet continue in hopes of aiding in the creation of a better Mexico, a safe Mexico.

We must correct the err in our ways. We have lost too many officers and troops to corruption by turning our backs on their basic needs. They have too have families and necessities.

While these brave men and women are out fighting for our lives, the least we can do is insure they and their families have their promised pay and food on the table.