San Ysidro sentry cops

[m.i.s.s.]

You mean Jorge Hank was mayor when the cops were shaking down people.

When I was dropped off at 230am on Friday night (Sat morning) at the Sentri area there were about 8 cops at the taco truck parked beneath the pedestrian bridge just before the last chance duty free before you get to the US. They were all talking and enjoying their late night snack and again paid no attention to me.

Even when the reports of cop shakedowns at the Sentri drop off were almost a nightly occurrence I would cross as a solo gringo and didn't get robbed by the police. But I try and make a point not to have anything for them to rob. I try to leave the zona bar with taxi fare and little else. If I do run into the police I'm polite, respectful and answer their questions. But most helpful is I don't look like a drunk noob when I walk by. One time there were three guys behind me that were drunk off their asses and they were asked to stop by the police. I just walked by.

I monger in Nuevo Laredo Boystown a few times a month for the past few years since their local cops put a checkpoint at the entrance to the compound searching for drugs and weapons (and mordita if they can). Every time you must get out of the taxi and submit to a pat down from the police. They'll take out your wallet and search it. I've never had anything lifted from me. Why? Same rule for police contact I said above: politeness, respect, answer the questions. A few times the cops will recognize me and wave me through the checkpoint without having to get out of the taxi. Even so, I keep my money in my shoes until I get to the first bar. I'll keep about $60US or peso equivalent in my wallet as bait but they don't take it. But on this board and others there are reports of people getting robbed and/or have drugs/knives planted on them. They'll take some guys to the onsite jail for a thorough search and shakedown. Hell, I've read some guys get taken for a ride by cops to the nearest ATM to get money to pay the multa.

I'm usually prepared for the various rateros --- policia or civilian -- that I find in my border banging activities. I'm always aware of the situation... and I've been very lucky all these years.

 

[leah g.]

Shake downs were commonplace when Jorge Ramos was mayor. For over a years under the new administration there have not been any cops waiting at the border to shakedown tourists. Nor are shakedowns a problem anywhere else in Tijuana.

The new mayor, Jorge Ramos, is working hard to get rid of corrupt cops and to date has fired over 1/4 of Tijuana's police force for corruption. (He's gone so far as to audit their personal financial records.)

 

[Mr.Klaus]

If you consider being put a choke hold and waking up unconscious on a Tijuana sidewalk as no problem, yes I'll agree with you there is no violence. However if you're unfortunate like me, and a large number of other people who have visited the Zona, then you might consider that it is violent, and this is even in the daytime. I only wish for the days, when the Tijuana police were your major problem. To me it's a lot worse right now.

 

[Anarchist]

Seems like the police shakedowns have all but disappeared these days. Nothing is perfect, but it is nothing like it has been at times in the past. About 2-3 years ago it was a big problem, particularly at the border. There has been a consistent reform effort int he TJ PD since that time. I doubt that these guys want any trouble. So, unless you get caught doing something illegal, including being visibly intoxicated in public and disorderly conduct, then you should be fine.

Many people are concerned about the drug wars raging in the border cities of Mexico. There have been a number of minor incidents relating to LE raids in the Zona but no notable violence or problems. Of course, business is down in the Zona and the selection is not nearly as choice as a few years back. I would keep my eyes open and behave with good manners and you won't have any problems- well a 99.999% chance that you won't.

 

[uniquefashionista]

Why would anyone let the police have their wallet with money in it? It is a shame that corrupt cops steal, however all these internet sites tell you how to keep the cops from getting your money.

If you take your money and hold it in your hand, then you are telling them you know the score.

This has happened to you three times?

 

[monie]

solo Gringo is exactly what the Mexican cops look for. I have been shaken down 3 times for $$$ and got stopped 1 time by the only honest cop in Tijuana for a drug search,(I couldnt believe the didnt extract the Mordida.) When the Cops get your wallet they vacume it for you- I lost about $150 one time. Once the guy crossing behind me got $700-800 taken. NEVER talk to the Taxi about this issue- they ARE the Snitches that set you up ! It may never happen to you- but if you go nuff it will. I BELIEVE cops watch the ATM and will visit with you on the street later- after they note your .ATM visit. Best advice is tape extra $$$ in toe of you shoe. The Cops s a wont hurt you ...just steal your money, watch ect. Its kind of a game they play at the Fronteir... to make money

 

[manx_sue]

"I cross alone...with nobody else...yeah when I cross alone..I prefer to be by myself"

 

[BanJo]

I always cross alone. No problems so far.

 

[Jocelyn L]

For the MORDIDA ! Do you cross alone ?

 

[Pompal 09.]

When I was down there a few weeks ago there was a cop car at the taco truck near the sentri drop off point one of the nights I was walking back. It was 230-300am and the cop was there getting some food. Didn't even look up when this gringo walked by.

Last night about the same time of night there wasn't any TJ police at the taxi drop off point.

 

[jimbeam958]

There have not been any problems reported there for many months. A couple of times I have seen cops there but they didn't stop anyone Far more often there are no cops there at all. More likely you will see someone who wants a tip for opening the cab door for you.

 

[katlvr125]

Are the Mexican cops at the Sentry point at night? Any shakedowns?