CEDHBC Advises on Police Misfire

Following the San Quintín incident, CEDHBC recommends psychological support for victims, training for authorities, enhanced security, legal proceedings for community safety, and increased public accountability efforts.

### Human Rights Commission Issues Recommendations to Police Officers Who Fired at Civilians in San Quintín

The Human Rights Commission of Baja California (CEDHBC) has issued Recommendation 6/2024 to the State Attorney General’s Office, the Ensenada City Council, and the Foundational Municipal Council of San Quintín. This action addresses the violation of personal rights, freedom, and legal security experienced by two individuals (referred to as V1 and V2) during an incident in San Quintín.

**Incident Summary**: On March 5, 2018, one of the victims was driving a truck with another passenger when an unidentified vehicle began following them closely. The victims sped up to escape but eventually had to stop. It was then revealed that the pursuing vehicle was a Municipal Police unit. The officers fired their weapons at the truck, resulting in one victim sustaining serious injuries that led to long-term health complications and a partial recovery. Tragically, after years of rehabilitation, the victim died in an unrelated accident on January 20, 2024.

**CEDHBC Recommendations**:
– **To the Foundational Municipal Council of San Quintín**: Provide psychological support to the victims, assign a liaison with the State Executive Commission for Comprehensive Victim Assistance to create a reparations project, organize a multi-agency meeting to develop a use-of-force protocol, offer training on the impact of public force, include a copy of the Recommendation in the responsible authorities’ records, and disseminate this document on official social media channels.
– **To the State Attorney General’s Office**: Conduct a diagnostic review of the Investigation Unit in San Quintín, ensuring pending cases have their initial hearing scheduled, share the Recommendation on official social media, and file the document in the responsible authorities’ employment records.
– **To the Ensenada City Council**: Conduct training on the obligation of authorities to base their actions on legal security standards, instruct the Disciplinary Commission and Municipal Police Career Board to follow legal and security criteria, and spread the resolution on official social media channels.

### Additional Context: New Developments and Broader Scope of the Situation

**Increased Security Measures in Baja California**: In response to ongoing challenges, Baja California has recently enhanced its security measures by recruiting 243 new security personnel. This initiative aims to improve safety and reduce incidents similar to the San Quintín case.

**Legal Proceedings and Community Impact**: Two individuals were recently charged in connection with the murder of a community leader in San Quintín. This incident underscores the continuing tension and the need for robust legal frameworks and community support systems.

**Local Governance and Public Accountability**: The appointment of new officials in the region, including high-ranking military and law enforcement leaders, marks an effort to reinforce public accountability and ensure a more transparent and responsive governance structure.

**Environmental and Public Health Concerns**: There is growing awareness about the environmental conditions affecting public health, with Tijuana recently issuing an alert due to poor air quality. This highlights the need for comprehensive policy approaches addressing both immediate and systemic issues affecting the community.

By taking these steps, authorities hope not only to address the specific incident in San Quintín but also to foster a broader culture of respect for human rights and legal accountability.