Correctional System, Human Rights
Correctional System, Human Rights
Security Corner selected excerpts from Human Rights Watch’s most recent report on what we have in Mexico, which is what prompted us in Security Corner to take this issue & address it to Mexico City Prison System authorities. A written request for assistance presented to the Secretary of Federal Public Safety (SSP) met with negative results. Contrary to this position, Mexico City Government (GDF) no only provided all necessary information, but also invited this columnist to visit three of their busiest penitentiaries. The impression received was favorable. As usual in our monthly column, we start by taking a look at the Global Context.
The Global Context: Human Rights and Prisoners
On January 18, 2006 the World Report on Human Rights Abuses, in summary provides new Evidence -as demonstrated in 2005- that torture and mistreatment have been a deliberate part of the George W. Bush administration’s counter terrorism strategy, undermining the global defense of human rights. The policy has hampered Washington’s ability to cajole or pressure other states into respecting international law, said the 532-page volume’s introductory essay.
Statistics (as of April 2006)
These are – according to the Nation Master’s World Chart, representing a vast compilation of data from such sources as the CIA World Fact Book, UN, and OECD- -the 9 countries with the largest population of inmates in the world:
United States with 2,078,570 prisoners, China 2,078,570, Russia 846,967, 846,967, India 313,635, Brazil 308,304, Thailand 213,815, Ukraine 198,386, South Africa 180,952 & Mexico 175,253 prisoners. According to official records provided by the Mexico City Government’s Penitentiary Directorship (Dirección General de Prevención y Readaptación Social) the number of inmates up to January 12, 2006 was: 31,486. So, the difference in numbers is made up in Mexico by state, federal prisons.
Please click on each link and study its contents:
World Chart on Prisoners
United Nations Minimal Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners
Human Rights Watch: Prisoners
Updated Report by Human Rights Watch on Mexico
US Penitentiary, Leavenworth, Kansas
California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Sale of Criminal Records Information
Online US Prison Records .. for sale! Believe it or not for the cost of US $24.95 there is a 1-5 days Turn around. You will get information whether an individual has been, incarcerated in a federal corrections facility within the last ten years. Information returned will vary upon subject, but may include case numbers, charges, dates, offenses, and incarceration location. In Mexico, this is not permitted. Prisoners –once they served their punishment- they are granted the opportunity to rehabilitate. With this procedure –criminal records information- prospective employers will never hire a former inmate.
Death Penalty Information Center
More than INTERESTING Facts:
Russia has almost twice as many judges and magistrates as the United States. Meanwhile, the United States has 8 times as much crime. The United States puts 0.7 % of its population in Prison - a vastly higher percentage than any other nation. People trust Swedes! Swedish companies are the world’s least-likely to be perceived as paying bribes. 84% of people in Finland feel that they are at a low risk of experiencing a burglary - but just look at how many burglaries they have! 82% of people in Finland show confidence in police institutions, though only 41% of the Fins surveyed felt they could report a crime to the police.
Jail & PoliceCorruption Exists not ONLY in Mexico
DEA under suspicion. US Drug Wars: tremendous bias and blindness common to most US reports on drugs.
Corruption in US Prisons: Please, PLEASE make sure to watch video, turn volume UP.
In the United Kingdom – Suicides Increase in Jails 18 Sep 03, UK:
Prisoners Should Learn to Read and Write Before Facing Legal System Authorities 03 Sep 04/UK
Two Police Officers admitted burglaring an east London flat and taking 80kg of cannabis 14 Oct 98 –UK
Stealing £200,000 27 Jun 03 | London
A top policeman at the heart of a revealing BBC series about Merseyside Police was arrested and charged with corruption while the programme was being made for accepting £10,000 in a bid to derail an attempted murder trial on behalf of a drugs baron.11/12/1998
U. S. Punitive Drug Prohibition Policies
In summary, to end this introductory segment, I’d only add the words by Ethan A. Nadelmann, J.D.,
Ph.D., “punitive drug prohibition policies in the United States may well represent the most crime-producing government intervention ever devised. First, the simple act of producing, selling, purchasing and possessing marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other strictly controlled and banned drugs are crimes in and of themselves, which occur billions of times each year in the United States alone. U.S. law enforcement officials make over one million arrests for violations of these laws alone each year. U.S. prisons and jails now hold more than 400,000 people incarcerated for violations of these laws -- an eightfold increase from the 50,000 incarcerated in 1980..”
Dr. Nadelmann, is founder and director of The Lindesmith Center a drug policy research institute with offices in New York and San Francisco. He previously served, from 1987 to 1994, as assistant professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University. Further, he is an attorney and former director of drug control policy for the State of Michigan. More about his relevant background, here.
Mexico’s Penitentiary System in brief.
On the other hand, Security Corner author wrote in December –in the middle of the holiday season- to Licenciado Antonio Hazael Ruiz Ortega who is responsible for Mexico City’s Prisons, requesting his assistance to prepare this article. The following day, we received a more than welcome invitation to become familiar with what exists today in terms of incarceration in one of the largest metropolis in the world, with about 10 million inhabitants. He delegated this responsibility to his Deputy Director for Technical Support. The name of this incredibly busy official is Licenciado Luis Miguel Licona.
It should be noted that a formal request in writing presented on January 18, 2006 to Lic. Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza, Secretary of Public Safety (SSP) in México met with negative results.
Life inside Mexico City Jails
When this columnist personally interviewed Lic. Licona the first time, he caused search of his records and revealed information that was highly surprising to me. His last census of the Mexico City inmates population as of January 13, 2006 was of 31,486 .. yes! This represents less than 1 % of the entire population of Mexico City. When questioned about what is the most serious problem his organization suffers of, he listed these, in priority order.
Racism, Human Rights, Stigma: a University in Crime, Productive Force
- Mexican Society is racist: we discriminate against those of dark skin color, especially the Indigenous people who live in Mexico, have their own language, mostly poor, uneducated. Also, women, the handicapped, old people and .. ex prisoners.
- His area of expertise is the result of years in close contact with inmates, assisted by psychologists, criminologists, social workers, sociologists and other professionals.
- On the downside, Licona reported not to have a constructive, positive rapport with those who are in charge of Human Rights organizations. Rather, they see each other as enemies to defeat, when the mutual collaboration should be of working arm in arm for same goals.
- The Mexican Government as the result of limited financial resources is unable to provide a serious, formal assistance program to those who for one reason or the other, ended up serving time in our jails. At this point in time, in the Federal District each prisoner costs $ 120 pesos a day. As in the United States, other countries, we seriously deny them of any opportunity to be reaccepted once they have complied with punishment and Society, as ordered by judges.
- Our source indicated that in many cases, prisoners enjoy in Mexico advantages not ever offered to them before being incarcerated: 3 daily meals, medical attention, sports, recreational and even educational activities, 24-hour installations’ maintenance, workshops, the chance to report abuses, a right many times abused or taken out of context by career criminals.
- Stigmas are created by unprofessional journalists, international media, politicians, common people like you and I by assuring that Mexican jails are so called “Universities of Crime!”..
- Instead we all should be part of the creation of what prison authorities refer to as a Support Web to help reformed criminals get back to being a productive force once they return to Society. Licona finds it as a vicious circle to find former convicts getting jobs as car washers, begging money at street corners, washing windows, selling chewing gum or looking for the first chance to commit a new crime to be sent back to .. prison, where for many life is better than what the rest of us can offer in terms of a real chance to get them rehabilitated.
The Concept of Support Web
We have in Mexico some of the wealthiest men and women that inhabit this planet. Some of these own important firms in beer, media, aviation and other areas. I have seen, corroborated their interests in investing –especially as we approach presidential elections- their money in governmental programs that will enhance Public Safety. Mexico City Government officials I interviewed during this report have disclosed a dream that I believe would function to benefit our Society, if put into effect, in three steps, needed URGENTLY:
- Effective Massive Programs for Crime Prevention.
- The promotion, sale of products made in prisons as offered to the public at the only store that exists in Mexico City, located at 124 San Antonio Abad, Colonia Tránsito, tel. No. 5132-5400. Some of these articles are art crafts, textile products and invariably they have a unique distinction. They are undoubtedly of good taste, each carries a personal touch that makes them different. I encourage my readers to visit this store and become familiar with these products, great for home, office decoration or as garments.
- The change of attitude by all of us will reflect in the long range in a safer environment. If you own a company, give a chance to people who were forced to commit crimes to subsist, out of necessity. The Mexico City Government would be willing to open a program recommending certain prisoners who have shown proven willingness to deserve a new chance. Should your company require hands-on support in areas that may require men and women who would be grateful until the day they die for this opportunity, you will also have a more vigorous economy and country to live in.
The Foreign Presence in our Jails
20 countries coming from every continent are sadly represented in Mexico City jails. Four countries have the largest numbers, in priority order: Colombia (39), Venezuela (32), Spain (19) and the United States of America (19). Licenciado Licona indicated that foreign prisoners are the “pampered” group in our penitentiaries. Unlike in other countries, once these are detained, they are provided with the right to contact their Embassies, Consulates, lawyers. Some Embassies complain that the food served to their prisoners makes their digestive system upset, arrange special delivery for some of these, to eat as used in their countries.
Eastern Penitentiary
Lic. David Navarro Villa, an attorney at law from UNAM met this columnist in his busy office. He has been in public service for the last 15 years, mostly in the area of Human Rights. For about the last two years he has been in charge of the Males Eastern Penitentiary, located in Iztapalapa, one of the most crime-ridden areas of Mexico City. Lic, Navarro lives inside the prison. He said his responsibility requires full attention around the clock. Under his command he has a 24-hour staff consisting of some 900 employees who specialize in various areas of the Incarceration System. He reported to have –on March 3, 2006- a total of 9,418 inmates under his custody. This represents 30 % of the inmates population in the D. F. 230 of these, of Indigenous origin. Four U. S., two Canadian citizens. Also a reduced number of Colombians, Nigerians. Most of them were interned to respond to the most common crime: theft, assault. From statistics his assistants indicated that from a group of 500 of recent incarceration, 100 of these are repeated offenders. They worry about the dramatic increasing number of criminals that come in for the first time, average age 18-25. It is evident that lack of employment opportunities, poverty lead to criminal trends. He concluded that authorities in other areas of government must concentrate in ways to create new jobs, get entrepreneurs’ attention to .. prisons. They are the thermometer of social peace, public order. Ways that lead to providing for rehabilitation include promoting fine products made by inmates, while serving time.
Life Inside the Prison
Lic. Carlos Gómez Pachecho and Martín Meza, assistants to the Director, invited the writer to a physical visit to the penitentiary. The process to enter the jail is strict. No wallets are allowed and only one identification is demanded at the first check point. If you have other Ids in your possession, access will be denied. Before the tour, was notified that visitors are not allowed to wear white, beige, black, dark blue clothes not to get confused with colors that identify those inside the compound. Also, no cell phones, cameras. A meticulous physical search on all belongings –including a physical hand search- is conducted at the entrance, by security officers dressed in black uniform. The huge compound was inaugurated in 1976, has a total surface of 149,205 m2. and 60,171 square meters that occupy the building.
Unlike in other countries, what called my attention is the relaxed atmosphere inside. While there is surveillance inside, the number of security personnel is not that abundant. Most inmates identify “outsiders” –as I was- immediately. They are friendly, say hello, want to shake your hand. It is sad to see a great majority are younger people. I was taken to their gym, soccer field, bakery, inside stores (at street prices), was invited to sample bean tacos, fruit drinks they make in their kitchen and sell to other inmates. Interviewed a group of professionals: one female medical doctor, two lawyers, one male, the other female; a sociologist and a psychologist. They cover 24-hour shifts. All, full-time Mexico City government officials with a specialty in prison system. They have an elementary school that –when I visited- its classrooms were full. Their library is well stocked. Amazingly enough, that same day one inmate (inside the prison) was administered his professional exam by the Polytechnical (IPN) Institute to become a Textile Engineer. Many engage in recreational activities, such as chess playing, others spend time in their library or at the parish, praying. Many, simply lay on the grass, under a tree, asleep. Nuns, priests are seen walking around the hallways, busy, talking to the prisoners. The violent, aggressive are not wondering around, they live separately. Was not taken to check these out, as a precaution for my safety, but perceived had I insisted, would have been welcome to meet these. Those that operate their shops indicate that what is most needed here are businessmen and women who can promote what is sold at their stores. There are a few firms that use their services and in this manner allow them to have a limited income inside. Legislation in Mexico does not oblige prisoners to work, so this is voluntary. The three hours-visit left in this visitor a favorable impression.
A Special Message
You will be helping many human beings in bad need of support, providing for their support with dignity, buying products of the best quality at rock-bottom prices by visiting their store.
Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to call the attention of the many prosperous businessmen and women –we have 100 of the wealthiest in the world- to unite in an effort to support authorities who have a delicate mission on behalf of our society, by becoming interested in programs to create jobs inside prisons and provide for a chance of life to those young persons who sooner or later will again return to our streets. It is in the hands of all of us –Mexicans- to resolve the issue of Public Safety, Crime Prevention for the benefit of all, rich and poor.
End of Article
Security Corner is a monthly column, result of intensive research by Mr. Mario González-Román to serve as support to the International Community. In some cases, official support was received from the Mexican Government, non-profit private organizations and personal contributions in pursuit of the objective of each article. In others, information was acquired via Internet, by personal interviews or other channels. In each case, credit is given to information sources. Authors’ rights are reserved –copyright- and you are not authorized to reproduce or share its contents, unless you have PREVIOUSLY requested and received - in writing - permission from the author. Mr. González-Román is a retired FSN employee from the Embassy of the United States of America, where he worked per prior consent by Mexican Congress as evidenced in Federal Official Diary no. 16, dated September 23, 1981. Please visit his personal Site.
Airport
Airport Security
THE FULLY ACCESSIBLE GUIDE TO FLYING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
By Madison Blancaflor; May 31, 2018
Thanks to a suggestion by one of our lady readers from the Houston, TX area, we’ve ADDED this MUST-read! section with key Travel tips from the Transportation Security Administration Website
Reference: Mexican fails to make it home for Christmas over bomb joke (Philippine Daily Inquirer) Tue, December 25, 2007 12:23 GMT
Before the Airport
- Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport. Read the Permitted and Prohibited Items list. You can not, REPEAT, can not bring weapons, explosives, incendiaries, and include items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons – the so-called “dual use” items. If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint, you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or, at the least, asked to rid yourself of the item.
- Do not pack any liquids or gels in your carry-on baggage. Place these items in your checked baggage. These include the following:
Aerosol spray bottles and cans
All creams and lotions including Neosporin or first-aid creams and ointments, topical or rash creams and ointments, suntan lotions, moisturizers, etc.
Bug and mosquito sprays and repellents
Eye drops (See exceptions below)
Deodorants made of gel or aerosol
Hair styling gels and spray of all kinds including aerosol
Hair straightener or detangler
Lip gels such as Carmex or Blistex
Liquid lip glosses or other liquids for lips
Liquid bubble bath including gel or liquid filled bubble bath balls or bath oils or moisturizers
Liquid foundations
Liquid, gel or spray perfumes or colognes
Liquid sanitizers
Liquid soaps
Liquid mascara
Make up removers or facial cleansers
Non-prescription liquid or gel medicines like cough syrup and gel cap type pills (See our section on Medications)
Mouthwash
Nail polish and removers
Saline solution (See exceptions below)
Shampoos and conditioners
Toothpaste
- Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.
- Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
- All types of footwear are required to be removed and placed through the X-ray machine for screening.
- Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
- Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
- If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock
- Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport.
- Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.
- Mexico City Airport administration officials have indicated that if you have any questions, PLEASE address these to your airlines at the time your ticket is purchased. While this is the official TSA security restrictions, actual implementation of these rules may slightly vary from airport to airport.
- TSA to Maintain Its Ban on Liquids and Gels by Washington Post’s Del Quentin Wilber
At the Airport
We encourage each adult traveler to keep his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID available until exiting the security checkpoint. The absence of proper identification will result in additional screening.
- Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
- Mobile phones
- Keys
- Loose change
- Money clips
- PDA's (personal data assistants)
- Large amounts of jewelry
- Metal hair decorations
- Large belt buckles
- Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.
- Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers.
- FYI, all products bought at Duty Free Shops are individually delivered to passengers in a sealed bag before boarding.
INTRODUCTION
Mexico City International Airport
The purpose of this article is to make sure you have a happy stay when you arrive or leave Mexico City. We encourage you to read all articles in Security Corner to accomplish this. As in many other cities in the world, when you arrive at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport, you have to follow some basic common sense rules to protect yourself. First of all, before you leave the plane, as you are getting your passport, visa or other documents such as your luggage tickets in order for inspection, filling out customs declaration forms etc. make sure that you have the complete and correct address where you plan to proceed after arrival. Why? Because Mexico City is a huge place, many streets, colonias have same names repeated. You want to make sure that when you order your taxi cab you do not hold the waiting line with last minute questions you are unable to answer at the booth.
Preventing Kidnapping Express: Mexico City Airport's ONLY Authorized Taxicabs
It is always important to know where you are going, once you come out of the airport. Always plan ahead for the unexpected. One of the most common problems we have here is the kidnapping express. This is a criminal activity perpetrated by so called ”pirate” taxi drivers. Follow these simple rules to be safe: Never leave the airport without FIRST having purchased your taxi ride from the only authorized services in the link above. The taxicab booths have clearly visible signs in all 3 arriving points.
Domestic Arrival
If arriving from a domestic flight - anywhere within the Mexican Republic - the taxi booth is across from the luggage collection area in Departure Gate A. In the event you forgot to purchase the ticket in the restricted zone, one more booth is located just past the waiting areas.
International Arrival
If your international flight originated from the United States, Canada or Europe, the taxi booth in Departure Gate E1 is just past Customs, before you leave the restricted zone. If coming from the Caribbean, Central or South America, you will go through a rigorous checking process at Departure Gate E3 by Mexican Customs officials. They have a special mandate to carefully check luggage coming from these three regions. Possibly k-9 teams will be used to accomplish their goal. Once you have been cleared, come out of the inspection area, turn right and follow the hallway to the taxi booth across from the Freedom restaurant, inside the terminal. The Taxi sales person has 6 different zones and same number of price lists. Most of the time there will be long queues, especially in peak-season.
Destination Address Handy
Carry a piece of paper with the exact address, colonia and if possible, the names of the streets that cross or meet your destination point. This will facilitate the work of all involved. Remember: Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world; we have many streets like Reforma, Juarez, etc. that are repeatedly identified in our city map. So, the more prepared you are to answer simple questions, the better you will be to arrive at your destination without any complications.
Proceeding to your Taxi Cab
Once you have your ticket in hand proceed to the parking lot. Once you past Customs, be prepared to go through a human wall during the peak season. Lots of people welcoming passengers. Among these, drivers carrying large signs, men pushing rollers called “diablitos” offering to help with your luggage. It is always best to carry your own possessions. However, should you have a large number of pieces, welcome anybody as long as they carry their ID tag on them. Their tip will be proportional to the amount of luggage you are carrying. Pay what is the norm in your country. A supervisor wearing a visible badge that reads "Transporte Terrestre" with a photo and his name will place you in the waiting line. Luggage equipped with rollers prove useful then. Place your luggage in the trunk, always. When you enter the cab, make sure you take note of the car number, lock all doors from inside. Extra caution should be observed if carrying luggage or backpacks in public transportation other than your own taxi cab. This is an extremely useful airport ground transportation website that includes subway, collective taxis, bus lines connecting other cities nearby such as Puebla, Cuernavaca:
Local Security Tips
- The Mexico City airport, inaugurated in 1939 has been serving an ever growing number of passengers for more than 67 years.
- The main terminal has been completely surrounded by populous neighborhoods, where crime is a serious problem.
- Never, repeat, NEVER, walk around DAY or night –especially if carrying luggage from the airport terminal.
- While inside the airport, police and private security make it a reasonably safe place to be in. Despite this, it is especially important that while at the airport you enhance your sense of alertness.
- Always keep an eye on your luggage, possessions.
- Should you require to make any financial transactions, money exchange it is safer to do this inside the restricted area exclusive for passengers.
- Use only authorized cabs as urged to you in this article. Always place luggage in trunk, whether in your own car or a taxi cab.
- When you approach the metal detector for security inspection, have your boarding pass in hand. KEEP AN EYE on all your belongings. Quickly empty your pockets and place all items in the small plastic container –wallet, keys, cellular, passport, etc- and place carry on luggage on the x-ray rotary belt. Ladies should empty purses placing purses directly to belt.
- Laptops, cameras or similarly looking pieces of luggage have been lost or stolen while you are distracted returning your belongings to pocket or purses. The same when asked to remove your shoes.. Beware!
- This link gives you ample information about airport services -everything you need to know.
- In the upper horizontal tab it shows you a number of pages that will connect you to the corresponding authorities in the event you may require their assistance.
-
In the case of an emergency, our Federal Preventative Police recommended phone numbers are 5133 0823, 5133-1117. Unfortunately, these numbers must routinely be updated as they may change without previous notice. The airport switchboard number is: (55) 2482-2424.
Airport Map
Flight Information
Luggage
BEFORE you leave home make sure each piece of luggage works perfectly. Opens and closes without any complication. Detect any openings or fractures that may result in spilling the contents from one destination point to another or in transfers. Consider the mistreatment received as cargo. It is best to carry just one large size than several small ones, keep in mind the weight allowed, the fact that it’ll be X-rayed and photographic films may be damaged. You have doubts? Call your airline. Keep in mind look-alike luggage. You may end up with one not yours. So get a durable tag – metallic, if you can order it- containing basic information such as your name, phone numbers or email address, place of residence, business, in the event of loss. Otherwise, the airline will make you fill out one made of paper, which may be easily lost. The use of cardboard boxes as luggage is not recommended especially if these get wet due to rain, snow or any other reasons, easily resulting in damage.
General Information
Always arrive to the airport with PLENTY OF TIME for your flight. At least 1 hour and a half for domestic flights. 3 hours, for international departures. Arriving, departing flights are visibly announced on monitors throughout the airport. Normally most passengers take between 20 minutes (domestic) and up to 50 minutes (international) to physically come out of the airport’s restricted area, once their plane has arrived. If waiting for a passenger it is recommended to agree on meeting a short distance from the actual arriving point –in a restaurant or business you previously selected – especially during rush hour.
Switchboard, Information Booths, Parking, Lockers, Pets, Duty Free (all these services and more by clicking on the upper horizontal tab HERE)
English/Spanish 24-hour switchboard no. is (55) 2482-2424. Information booths are strategically located inside. Access to parking lots are clearly marked, however, always expect to spend quite sometime going in circles inside the lots to find one spot. If you are late, valet parking is available. Ask for it. More information, including parking fees, below. Lockers –a private service- are available inside the airport. If your luggage for some reason did not arrive, you must file a report in person with your airline. Loud speaker announcements can be made through any information booth. Up to two pets –dog, cat- may travel with passenger, must produce health certificate vaccinations shots issued by vet. Fill out SAT format 5.
Forbidden Items on Board
Sharp blades, tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, umbrellas, inflatable balloons, balls, food and beverages, scissors, nail cutters, explosives, incendiary fluids, firearms or replicas, only two sealed –unopened- bottles of liquor will be allowed, plants, matches, ropes, cables, glues, measuring tapes, powders that may include detergents, salt, flour, similar products.
Welcome to Ciudad de México! Tourism Department.
Other Airports Information
ASURoperates and administers 9 airports in Mexico’s southeast: Cancún, Cozumel, Huatulco, Mérida, Minatitlán, Oaxaca, Tapachula, Veracruz and Villahermosa.
GAP operates airports at these locations: Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, La Paz, Los Mochis, Morelia, Mexicali, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Tijuana, Manzanillo
In closing, if the contents of this article were useful, please tell your friends about the Security Corner monthly help column, and help us make the world just a little safer for everyone.
ABOUT Security Corner: Legal Notice is found in Featured Articles page. This monthly column is the result of intensive research by Mr. Mario González-Román to serve as support to the International Community. We do not pursue commercial or political interests. If a product or service is mentioned is because we believe it is in your own benefit. In some cases, per our request, official information was received from the Mexican Government. Contributions include those coming from non-profit private organizations and individuals volunteering to the usefulness of the objective of each article. In others, information was acquired by navigating in the Internet, by personal interviews or other channels. In each case, credit is given to information sources. While this information is for public use, it would be appreciated that when you reproduce or share its contents, that you include the name of its author and a link to Security Corner. All suggestions are welcome. If we made a mistake, we’ll be happy to correct it. English is not my native language. Readers have been extremely useful in the past: Welcome to edit articles. THIS IS TRULY A JOINT COLLABORATIVE EFFORT. Thanks to your input, messages we are be able to determine what topics interest our audience the most. Mr. González-Román is a retired FSN employee from the Embassy of the United States of America, where he worked per prior consent by Mexican Congress as evidenced in Federal Official Diary no. 16, dated September 23, 1981. Please become familiar with his Biography.
Important Notice: Should you report a crime, neither Solutions Abroad nor myself are able to take any legal, otherwise official liability or become personally involved in any case. We only intend to serve as a possible bridge of communication between foreign visitors requiring assistance and the officers charged with responsibility to provide it. We reserve the right to publish only selected materials that meet our criteria of objectivity for the benefit of the community. Should you require professional and private advice, feel free to write to me: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Weapon Permits
Weapon Permits
References: The Bloodstained Trafficking in Guns from the US to Mexico, Poll: Canadians do not Believe their Foreign Service would Help if Arrested Abroad, AMERICANS Arrested abroad: a rare glimpse of trips gone wrong, BRITISH Nationals Arrested Abroad, Car full of weapons lands US soldier in Mexican jail & US says it nabs gunrunner arming Mexico drug gangs
Extract from the U. S. State Department Travel Warning: "In its effort to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are urged to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways."
We have received many requests from our readers to address the issue of weapon permits in our Security Corner. A specific email came to our attention, originating from Puerto Vallarta. The person in concern had heard about the kidnapping of a local resident and the successful, safe release (at gunpoint) by privately hired investigators of the victim’s family. He wanted to know what the law in Mexico is regarding firearms possession and my opinion on this delicate issue. First, I’d like to inform our readers that while I worked for the American Embassy Regional Security Office I was authorized, through a collective license, by the National Defense Secretariat to carry USG firearms. This license was issued by the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service in order to fulfill my obligations in protective assignments of dignitaries and high-risk VIPs visiting our area of responsibility (anywhere in the Mexican Republic). This weaponry included .357 magnum S&W, model 36, the .12 gauge Remington shotgun with a short barrel and the .9 mm UZI submachine gun.
Training
Every member of my office, including myself, had to re-qualify every 3 months at a firing range. Every year we had to pass a strict medical clearance that included not only 20/20 vision, random clinical blood and urine tests to detect drug use or alcohol abuse, and contagious diseases. We were required to subject ourselves to physical training, the Health Unit regularly had us under observation to make sure that our clinical tests reflected cholesterol, uric acid at acceptable levels. We partook every year, with no exception, in updated training, conducted by DSS agents that came in so called Mobile Training Teams from their headquarters in Washington, D. C. Their mission was to fine tune techniques in armored limousines security driving, receiving the latest information available on threats against the US Government, familiarity, detection of explosives, protective formations, breaking of ambush situations, advance requirements, first aid, automotive mechanics, etc. During my 28 year tenure at the Embassy, my office provided support to all law enforcement agencies requiring weapon permits, through our military contacts. In Mexico, unlike in the US and other countries, it is the National Defense Secretariat or SEDENA, the organization charged with responsibility over the issuance of weapon permits. On the other hand, I continue to this day, running 8 kilometers daily and participate with the Mexican Government in every training session they invite me to participate in, or if such is the case, to share my own experience with their police officers.
Possession of Firearms at Home, Office
Officers who must regularly carry firearms are not automatically experienced to overcome an extreme condition. Adrenaline-pumping must counterbalance emotions, allow the shooter to perceive reality. Poor judgment may lead to lethal results. After years on the job, the lesson that one learns is NEVER to pull out a gun, unless you are ready to use it. Many policemen who have seen combat are no longer with us to tell what happened, went wrong. It’s is NOT the same to aim and shoot at a paper target than it is to shoot a real person who may have the same, if not more training, than the law enforcement person. One never uses a firearm to “scare” anybody, a situation that may backfire. Actually, a concealed weapon is only effective until that time when you must show a criminal you are determined to shoot him/her to defend your life or others’ in the best interest of society. If you asked me, I’d say, don’t bother buying a gun that your assailants may take away from your hands, if you do not know how to use it. The worse scenario would be if at your home or office- your kids, spouse or coworkers find it and are unaware of the mechanism and safe handling of these, and accidentally shoot themselves. You will live for the rest of your days with a huge sense of guilt that you can avoid easily. On top of this, regulations in Mexico that pertain to gun registrations are very strict.
The US Weapon Permits
In the United States, each individual State has its own laws, regulations that pertain to gun control and weapon permits. This is only one example: Arizona In summary, each State reserves its right to issue Weapon Permits to its citizens. Further, they have what they call Reciprocal Permits with other States signatory of laws that allow certain citizens to carry their weapons, locally, when they visit that region.
• Be a shall issue state
• Perform criminal history checks on all applicants
• Have standard disqualification, suspension & revocation requirements
• Have required training which covers the following
• Deadly force issues
• Weapons care/maintenance
• Safe handling/storage
• Marksmanship
• Have a minimum age issuance of 21
• Require applicants be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
• Deny for mental illness
• Deny for misdemeanor domestic violence convictions
• Deny for felony convictions
• Have an expiration date on permit
The Mexican Law
On November 10, 2005 Mexico’s National Defense Secretariat, via Brigadier General Efrén Martínez Guzmán, Chief of Liaison at that time, in writing responded to a number of questions that Mario Gonzalez-Roman, author of this column had presented him with.
• Are foreigners allowed to carry firearms in Mexico, to include those working as members of private security details?
IN ACCORDANCE TO ARTICLE 27 OF THE CURRENT LAW INVOLVING POSSESSION OF FIREARMS, NO FOREIGNERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO CARRY FIREARMS IN THE MEXICAN REPUBLIC. THE ONLY EXCEPTION, AS ESTABLISHED IN ARTICLE 28, IS WHEN THESE HAVE PROVIDED DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE THAT PROVES THEY ARE LAWFUL IMMIGRANTS.
• Has the National Defense Secretariat authorized foreign security agents to carry firearms?
THIS SECRETARIAT HAS NOT AUTHORIZED ANY FOREIGN SECURITY AGENTS TO PROVIDE PRIVATE ESCORT SERVICES IN MEXICO.
• In the event of foreign VIP’s visiting Mexico, requiring protective services in Mexico, what companies have been authorized by the National Defense Secretariat to carry firearms, to protect their clients?
THERE IS NO COMPANY LEGALLY ESTABLISHED IN MEXICO AUTHORIZED BY THIS SECRETARIAT TO CARRY FIREARMS, IF ITS STAFF IS NON MEXICAN. FURTHER, THIS SECRETARIAT HAS NOT ISSUED PERMITS TO ANY PRIVATE SECURITY FIRMS AUTHORIZING THESE TO PROVIDE SECURITY FUNCTIONS TO ANYBODY (THIRD PARTIES).
• Is there an English translation of relevant parts of the current law pertaining to the issuance of weapon permits to foreign nationals?
More Information:
Information Center,
Av. Ejército Nacional, Esq. Anillo periférico S/N.
Col. Irrigación, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, C.P. 11500.
Teléfonos: 5626-5911 Ask for Dirección General de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos
Please do not risk your personal safety, or create the possibility of legal complications while conducting business or enjoying a pleasure trip to Mexico by contracting private companies that have foreign, other than Mexican, agents. Some of these hardly speak the language, ignore the daily challenges in Mexico City streets, familiarity with the local scene lack delegating responsibility to Mexican bodyguards who are ill trained and poorly paid. Visit above Site and learn the advantages of going through this officially recognized organization and I assure you that we will provide you the best possible professional service. Security Corner thanks the National Defense Secretary, for allowing us to share above information, through his former spokesperson, with our readers. We send our heartfelt congratulations to Mexico’s armed forces for their current struggle in the Drug War and permanent struggle to help the needy in areas of Mexico devastated by deadly hurricanes.
End of Article
Security Corner is a monthly column, result of intensive research by Mr. Mario González-Román to serve as support to the International Community. In some cases, official support was received from the Mexican Government, non-profit private organizations and personal contributions in pursuit of the objective of each article. In others, information was acquired via Internet, by personal interviews or other channels. In each case, credit is given to information sources. Authors’ rights are reserved –copyright- and you are not authorized to reproduce or share its contents, unless you have PREVIOUSLY requested and received - in writing - permission from the author. Mr. González-Román is a retired FSN employee from the Embassy of the United States of America, where he worked per prior consent by Mexican Congress as evidenced in Federal Official Diary no. 16, dated September 23, 1981. Please read his Biography.
Navy Tribute
MEXICAN NAVY
This article is dedicated to the many brave men and women who form part of the Mexican Navy. Daily they risk their lives providing emergency assistance to victims of natural disasters. Quietly, they engage in the fight against crime and terrorism. Some of these officers die anonymously in the name of their country along with numerous members of police forces. This is a consequence of the current Drug War plaguing Mexico in unprecedented levels. Their parents, children, spouses, lovers and friends are mute witnesses of their pain, sorrow, loss. These officers who are no longer around with us had one common goal: despite their low salaries, poor working conditions, deficient training due to limited resources they still wanted to make ours a better society. Perhaps new generations of Mexicans will see that their deaths were not in vain, pursue their ideals. What we –Mexicans- need is political leaders with a better vision of the global context. Hopefully, this article will serve that purpose as a Tribute in rendered to the Mexican Navy. “.. In 2004, 19.1 million Americans, or 7.9 percent of the population aged 12 or older, were illicit drug users, according to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.”
Drug Enforcement Agency
June 16, 2006: The National Synthetic Drug Control Strategy”, News from DEA, Congressional Testimony
April 26, 2006: Transit Zone Operations: Can We Sustain Record Seizures With
Declining Resources? News from DEA, Congressional Testimony
Mexican Navy, seen -in the Drug War- Beyond our Borders
“Steve” wouldn’t identify himself (understandably), but publicly provides more than interesting Testimony about Mexican Marines. Using such a parapet, made accusations not only against our police, military but also alleged serious corruption by US federal agents. Not that we are naïve, find this hard to believe. The goal here is to enhance our GLOBAL view: the problem lies on both sides of the Mexico- U. S. border. More than fighting the drug traffic, has anybody asked the U. S. Government what they are doing to REDUCE the demand for drugs? Their internal punitive drug prohibition policies? More about this, at the end of the article.
These are excerpts from Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, a public non–profit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 348 public television stations:
'Steve' grew up in the San Diego/Tijuana area and was involved in drug trafficking and money laundering with Mexican cartels. He asked FRONTLINE to protect his identity. “We still got everybody paid off (in Mexico). We got the Mexican marines that patrol Rosarito and Encinada and those areas paid off. We got air surveillance paid off. We got the patrol cars that are going to carry some of it. We got the truckers that are going to come in. you'd better have everybody paid, from interception to federales to Mexican marines--everybody paid along the coast--stashers, protection, everything. Because now it better work like a Swiss clock. Nothing better go wrong.
What about corruption on the US side?
“If you get a corrupt US Customs agent, when I was in the business, they were charging, I believe it was 30 grand a carload. And they don't care what it is in the car. It could be a body; it could be drugs; it could be a hundred kilos; half a kilo, a ton. Obviously, usually you're paying up front 30 grand. And usually you're packing that car to the hilt, getting it across. And he'll fly you. He'll let it go by. There is definitely corruption in the Customs Service.
Twenty percent of your cars are going to get busted at the border. The other eighty percent is going to get through. I know that, because that's how I used to do it. I used to send 12 cars at a time. The way I figured, as long as six cars--fifty percent--got through, I was making a good profit. I'd bring in cars from the gang bangers, stolen cars, and I'd make them legitimate in Mexico from junkyards. Now they're a legit car that cost them $200--a brand new Suburban, a brand new Cherokee with professionally made stash holds. I had a guy who actually trained the dog for the DEA, who would make sure that his dogs were trained not to smell my loads. I'd just flood the thing. I'm only one of hundreds that would do that. It's the cost of business. You're making so much money that it's a cost of business”
The System– Corruption in Mexico (the rest of above story)
More, here
- Bad Cops? Can hardly believe this!! How come the press hardly reports these news? More information, at Law School, Cornell University
- Drug Agents .. QUESTIONED?
- FBI – Stand on Corruption in the US
- “Poor Mexico, across the river from the world’s biggest drug market, and the world’s biggest weapon supplier..”
TRIBUTE TO THE MEXICAN NAVY
Becoming aware of the details of above interview and visiting each Site –as indicated- is what motivated me to write about the Mexican Navy. Again, I acknowledge major problems with corruption. The fact is -corruption exists in every nation. However, finger-pointing at Mexico is unfair when our Navy men and women are underpaid, overworked and in the eye of the needle permanently, while the best paid –in the world- police officers, as seen above, do not escape from the same problem we are accused of. Illegal practices should be punished, indeed. When current conditions change, perhaps by new political trends, the fight against drugs may be more effective, make more sense. More lives will be spared, fewer persons will be deprived of their freedom. On the other hand, our Navy forces do have lots of other responsibilities where they get ample credit for, in their own country, as seen below.
Introduction
Mexico has a traditional affinity to the sea because we have long –10,740.9 kilometers to be exact, one of the 10 longest in the world- shores bathed by the Pacific Ocean, including the Sea of Cortes, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The latter two form part of what constitutes the Atlantic Ocean in the American Continent. The Sea represents not only communication among nations, source of economic resources but also the scenario of tough battles.
Brief History of Mexican Navy
Mexican Naval History is rich. This is only a brief version for Security Corner readers, provided by our official information sources:
- Born in 1822 after Independence from Spain. Their first military ship is called “Iguala”.
- On November 23, 1825 under the command of Frigate Captain Pedro Sainz de Baranda the last military presence from Spain is defeated at the San Juan de Ulua fort.
- In 1837 Frigate Captains Blas Godinez and Tomás Marin defeat US Navy ships on orders to support the separation of Texas from Mexico.
- In November 1838 the Mexican Navy defended the invading French fleet in the city port of Veracruz and San Juan de Ulua Fort.
- During the 1846-47 Mexico – US armed conflict Cap. Tomás Marín and his troops defended Alvarado Port in Veracruz forcing the foreign military forces to withdraw.
- In 1900 the first organic law of the Mexican Navy is promulgated.
- In 1917 the Mexican Navy does participate relevantly during the revolution and post-revolution times.
- In 1940 the Mexican Navy becomes an autonomous entity as a Secretariat.
More about the Official History of the Navy, here
The Navy’s School at Anton Lizardo, Veracruz
Young Mexican men and women have several options for education in the Mexican Navy, such as Engineer in Naval Sciences, Medical Doctor Surgeons, Military Nurses, Mechanical Navy Engineers, Electronic and Communication Navy Engineers and a career military officer in the Anton Lizardo’s highly respected military school. To date, just this school has 797 cadets and of these only 150 are expected to graduate due to their hard rigor in academic and performance requirements.
On board a ship
Are you ready to board?
To date Mexico’s Navy fleet consists of 53,008 men and women. To carry out their duties, they have the following number of military equipment: 180 ships, 125 aircraft, 2970 units for ground transportation. All this divided in two Naval Force Units, 7 Regions, 9 Zones, 11 Sectors and 7 Navy Sub Sectors. These are all distributed strategically, NOT geographically. The futuristic strategic development of the Mexican Navy consists of the following 25 years promoting their force in these areas: Defense of the Maritime Territory, the State Attributions on The Sea and Diplomatic Action.
More here:
- Ships
- Aviation
- Infantry
- Ground Support
Mexican Drug War & Credit to the Navy
While much of this information is classified, next is brief documented information we were able to obtain about what men and women in the Mexican Navy accomplished in this area. In summary, in the year 2005 the Mexican Navy was responsible for the confiscation of a little less than 11,300 kilograms of cocaine:
- On November 4, 2005 a racing boat was detained in the coasts of the Pacific Ocean with exactly 2,172.70 kilograms of cocaine
- On 11/29/2005 “Estefany” a racing boat was found to contain 6,826.32 kilograms of the illicit, profitable drug
- On 12/9/2005 the occupants of yet another racing boat were arrested and in possession of 2,430.88 kilograms of cocaine.
Separately, Security Corner is featuring a special article dedicated to the victims of the world’s natural disasters by writing Evacuations. We received support by The New York Times, the National Autonomous University (UNAM) and Mexico’s Center for the Prevention of Disasters (CENAPRED). The Mexican Navy was VERY BUSY in 2005 and 2006 helping mostly peasants, farmers who lost their homes as the consequence of hurricanes. This was the case during July 13-29 because of hurricane “Emily”. September 25-October 30 because of “Stan”. And from October 19 to December 10 as the worse hurricane hit Mexico’s southeastern coasts during “Wilma”. This writer volunteered time at the Red Cross Hospital in Mexico City when Wilma entered Quintana Roo, saw dozens of Navy men in uniform busy as hell loading military trucks. These were not playing games. Serious, dedicated, putting in long hours of hard work in benefit of the people of Mexico.
Proceso magazine, reporting on the Mexican Navy
Jorge Carrasco Araizaga, reporter of above prestigious magazine in its 1524 issue dated January 15, 2006 appears to coincide with the assertions made by this columnist. On one hand he provides a well-documented article by the name of “The Forgotten”. In it he exposes the dramatic situation experienced by the homeless in Tapachula, State of Chiapas. Dramatic photos speak by themselves. In these it is evident they are desperate, need urgent assistance. President Vicente Fox had made public statements assuring to invest more than 10 million pesos, replace houses lost and make efficient programs to recover the economy of the devastated areas of Chiapas, Veracruz, Campeche, Quintana Roo by no later than December 2006. In Mr. Carrasco’s opinion President Fox’s administration will be weighed in great part by what -if anything- is accomplished between now and then.. as the rainy season in 2006 is fast approaching. On the other hand, Mr. Carrasco hails the role of the Mexican Navy. These are excerpts from such article:
The Navy mobilized its troops, ships, aircraft from Salina Cruz, Acapulco, Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo in a rescue operation cost of a little less than 2 million US dollars. Initially, navy personnel evacuated thousands of persons. Engaged in rescue operations, transported food, provisions, medicine, medical, cargo, civil personnel. In the first hours after hurricane Stan entered Chiapas, navy men and women moved in 4 municipalities. The most devastated. Then, to the rest of the communities, flying their planes to rescue victims and distribute provisions in the Sierra of Motozintla to include areas within the territory of Guatemala. Thousands of stranded victims were assisted. They coordinated their actions with State Civil Protection authorities. Some 30,000 persons were transported in their helicopters, aircraft. About 500 official military operations were carried out. The estimated amount of persons rescued is in the range of 6,000. Above article ends with a message, on quote, by Pablo Salazar Mendiguchía, Chiapas State Governor:
Also a detailed report of 6 fishermen by Mexican Navy
So, when you see a member of the Mexican Navy, please salute them. They truly deserve our respect and admiration.
Acknowledgements
My appreciation goes to Admiral Marco Antonio Peyrot González, Mexican Secretary of the Navy for his support. Also, special thanks to Contradmiral José Luis Sánchez Sánchez, Chief, Special Assignments and Navy Captain José Francisco Rafael Valencia, Press Office Director. On the other hand, Security Corner says “GRACIAS” to Dr. Ethan Nadelmann for allowing us to close this article with this condensed message:
Dr. Ethan A. Nadelmann, J.D., Ph.D., is the founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, the leading organization in the United States promoting alternatives to the war on drugs. He authored the book, Cops Across Borders, the first scholarly study of the internationalization of U.S. criminal law enforcement. A new book, co-authored with Peter Andreas and entitled Policing the Globe: Criminalization and Crime Control in International Relations, will be published in the summer of 2006. These are his words: “punitive drug prohibition policies in the United States may well represent the most crime-producing government intervention ever devised. First, the simple act of producing, selling, purchasing and possessing marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other strictly controlled and banned drugs are crimes in and of themselves, which occur billions of times each year in the United States alone. U.S. law enforcement officials make over one million arrests for violations of these laws alone each year. U.S. prisons and jails now hold more than 400,000 people incarcerated for violations of these laws -- an eightfold increase from the 50,000 incarcerated in 1980..” More about his work, here
End of Article