**Officer with a Criminal Past Now Leads Commercial Police Unit in Tijuana**
In early October 2024, municipal officer Antonio Castro Jiménez, known as “El Peinado,” mysteriously left his post in the Department of Public Safety and City Traffic in Tecate. This officer, identified by the number 03280, has been a figure of controversy as his current whereabouts and employment status remain unclear. According to the National Transparency Platform, Castro Jiménez was last listed as working for the Tecate City Hall with a net salary of 14,351.85 pesos as of September 30.
The officer’s past is marred by significant allegations. Castro Jiménez was implicated in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Rafael Coronado López, a restaurant owner, back in November 2008. Despite the ransom payment by the family, Coronado was found dead in December of that year. In 2009, Castro was caught attempting to enter the United States, only to be arrested due to an active warrant for aggravated kidnapping and homicide related to what happened to Coronado. Reports indicate he was involved with co-conspirators Osvaldo Macías, also known as “El Erick” or “El Perro,” and René Osorio, alias “El Samuel,” who identified him as responsible for suffocating Coronado to death.
Despite this troubling history, “El Peinado” now holds a significant position as the operational head of the Commercial Police under Tijuana’s Security and Citizen Protection Secretariat. He was reportedly appointed to this role by the department’s director, Juan Carlos Hernández Herrera. This appointment raises eyebrows and questions about the hiring and vetting processes within the police force.
**Secondary Article: Challenges in Vetting Officers within Mexican Police Even as Security Reforms Are Discussed**
As authorities in Tijuana grapple with the controversy surrounding Antonio Castro Jiménez’s appointment, broader discussions about the reform and vetting of police officers in Mexico are coming to the forefront. Recent efforts at both the state and national levels aim to improve transparency and integrity within law enforcement agencies.
Incidents like these highlight systemic issues where officers with questionable pasts continue to serve, sometimes in high-ranking positions. Civic organizations and advocacy groups are calling for stronger background checks and continuous monitoring of police personnel to prevent similar cases in the future.
Amidst ongoing security challenges, the Mexican government is under pressure to better manage and reform its police forces to ensure public trust and safety. The case of Antonio Castro Jiménez serves as a stark reminder of the existing gaps and the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the country’s law enforcement practices.