Two members of the Tourist Police assigned to the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security and Transit were dismissed after body camera footage was reviewed, allegedly showing them soliciting money from tourists in the hotel zone. One of the officers was even carrying a payment terminal, as they allegedly demanded money from the tourists using a bank card.
Officially gathered information revealed that this alleged act of corruption was detected after a random, preventative review of body camera footage. The footage showed the two officers approaching tourists in the heart of the hotel zone, and during an exchange, one of the officers allegedly asked them for money to let them go.
The footage also showed one of the officers carrying a payment terminal in a bag, which they apparently used to charge the tourists’ bank cards. Moments later, the officers are seen leaving the scene in a patrol car, while the tourists walk in the opposite direction to leave the area.
The municipal secretary of Citizen Security and Transit, Jaime Padilla Barrientos, confirmed Wednesday morning that an investigation has been opened by the department’s Internal Affairs Directorate. He also reported that both officers have been suspended from duty and permanently dismissed.
It was announced that the investigation will continue. Furthermore, it was indicated that the State Attorney General’s Office will be notified regarding the alleged crime of bribery.
Source: poresto
