**Baja California Security Agency Fails to File Complaints Over Illegal Surveillance Cameras**
The Baja California Citizen Security Secretariat (SSCBC) has not lodged any formal complaints regarding the presence of unauthorized surveillance cameras in three of the state’s municipalities, according to the agency’s head, Leopoldo Tizoc Aguilar Durán. During a recent session with the local Congress, Aguilar acknowledged that the entity has only removed these cameras without pursuing further investigations into their origins.
Aguilar Durán, presenting the agency’s annual report, pointed out that in Tecate alone, 188 unauthorized cameras were taken down, alongside 35 in Tijuana and 46 in Mexicali, totaling 269 devices. The official indicated that investigations into the origins or affiliations, whether private or criminal, of these cameras have not been conducted unless the devices were directly involved in criminal activities.
Despite this, Aguilar shared that significant efforts have been made to work with the legitimate security cameras spread across the region. As part of broader security measures, Baja California has integrated over 6,347 surveillance cameras – a mix of those managed by municipal, state, and private entities. The goal, as outlined in the State Development Plan, is to incorporate 6,000 private cameras, with only 550 added so far in Mexicali and another 600 pending integration.
Meanwhile, these operations have seen some success, with 205 stolen vehicles recovered through the collaborative use of the surveillance network.
**Efforts to Equate Extortion Penalties with Kidnapping Crimes in Baja California**
In other related legislative discussions, there are ongoing efforts within Baja California to increase the severity of penalties for extortion, making them comparable to those for kidnapping. This initiative comes amidst concerns over both crimes being leveraged by organized crime networks within the region.
Additionally, investigations have been proposed to examine the potential involvement of municipal police officers in criminal activities. This move aims to ensure that over 10,000 officers in the state undergo stringent control and confidence tests as part of a broader push to fortify the integrity and accountability of law enforcement.
**Upcoming Infrastructure and Regulatory Changes in Baja California**
In infrastructure news, projects are underway to begin paving with hydraulic concrete at the Otay Industrial Park, requiring significant investment from businesses, the state government, and the local municipality.
Furthermore, a new filtering system at the San Ysidro border crossing aims to improve the inspection of migratory documentation, a task assigned to the Municipal Police and the National Institute of Migration (INM).
**Additional Regulatory News**
Gasoline prices in Tijuana are expected to remain consistent until year-end, with vendors legally required to display prices transparently. Additionally, there are hefty fines of up to 80,000 pesos for individuals caught crossing marijuana cigarettes or small quantities across customs.
In sports, congratulations are due to Manny Machado, Jurickson Profar, and Jackson Merrill, who have been recognized with the Silver Slugger Award for their contributions to the National League.