The creation of this force could become a model for other municipalities in Tamaulipas. This was the opinion of Marco Gallegos Galván, president of the Public Security, Prevention, and Social Reintegration Commission of the State Congress, who asserted that municipalities have full legal and constitutional authority to create and strengthen their own police forces.
The Ministry of Economy shared the location and contact information for the Fondo offices in Tamaulipas, which provide advice, information, and support to entrepreneurs.
The legislator emphasized that this initiative arises in a context of confusion among some municipal administrations regarding their powers in matters of public security, despite the fact that current legislation allows for the formation of municipal police forces.
Can the municipalities of Tamaulipas have their own police?
According to Marco Gallegos Galván, there is no legal impediment to municipalities having their own police forces.
“The mayor is doing the right thing. It is within the purview of municipalities to have their own police force. Some mayors believe they cannot, but they can and should,” he stated.
The congressman explained that municipal governments are primarily responsible for security within their jurisdictions, so strengthening local capabilities is an important tool for improving service to citizens.
He also noted that similar models have demonstrated positive results in states such as Mexico City, Quintana Roo, and Baja California Sur, where tourist police have contributed to raising the perception of safety and visitor confidence.
How will the Tourist Police of Ciudad Madero operate?
The municipal administration, headed by Erasmo González, has begun the recruitment process for women to join this new specialized unit.
Applicants must pass the evaluation processes of the State Public Security Secretariat and have knowledge of English, as they will be focused on the care and protection of national and international visitors.
According to the announcement, members will receive a monthly salary of 26,176.75 pesos.
Gallegos Galván explained that the strategy consists of leveraging the existing recruitment system to assign personnel specifically to tourism-related tasks.
“They are adapting the State Guard recruitment process to assign personnel specifically to tourism-related duties in Madero; it’s an excellent initiative,” he stated.
Why do they believe this model should be replicated?
The legislator pointed out that strengthening municipal police forces can translate into higher levels of security and better service for residents and tourists.
He also revealed that during recent meetings with representatives of the State Public Security Secretariat, the need to reinforce police recruitment throughout Tamaulipas was raised.
Finally, he called for increased participation of Tamaulipas citizens in law enforcement agencies.
“We need more Tamaulipas residents in the ranks of law enforcement agencies; more officers mean more security for our families and visitors,” he concluded. The implementation of the Tourist Police in Ciudad Madero is seen as a commitment to strengthening security in one of the main tourist destinations in southern Tamaulipas, as well as opening the debate on the role that municipalities can play in building local security strategies.
Source: milenio
