### Tecate and San Quintin Start New Administrations with Police Shortages
Starting October 1, the municipalities of Tecate and San Quintin will face significant challenges due to a deficit in their police forces, according to the newly elected mayors. Both areas are experiencing a shortfall that is making it difficult to ensure the safety and security of their residents.
Román Cota Muñoz, the newly elected mayor of Tecate, disclosed that the city will begin his administration with a deficit of 150 police officers, currently operating with only 190 officers. Despite the recent graduation of 243 cadets from the police academy on August 16, none were assigned to Tecate.
In collaboration with General Leopoldo Tizoc Aguilar Durán, head of the Baja California Citizen Security Secretariat (SSCBC), the new administration has plans to recruit high school graduates from a specialized military preparatory school, who are expected to complete their studies by May next year. The objective is to encourage these graduates to join the police academy and subsequently the police force in Tecate. Cota Muñoz anticipates that new police officers will be added to the force by December 2025.
Similarly, San Quintin is dealing with its own police shortage. The newly elected mayor, Miram Elizabeth Cano Miñoz, pointed out that the municipality only has about a third of the police force it requires, with just 110 officers out of the 330 needed. The challenge is compounded by the fact that only four from the recent graduating class joined the municipal force, and San Quintin is about to establish its first municipal administration.
Cano Miñoz expressed concerns over the limited number of officers inherited from Ensenada and the issues faced in equipping the police force adequately. She emphasized the ongoing evaluation of the police’s resources and assets, underscoring the continuous efforts required to improve the situation.
Overall, the shortage of police officers is not unique to Tecate and San Quintin. The head of SSCBC also pointed out that there is a broader goal to recruit 600 officers for the state force during this administration.
### Additional Developments on Law Enforcement in Baja California
In nearby Tijuana, the local police are also encountering challenges. The city recently experienced a surge of violent incidents with eight murders and one person shot within a 12-hour period. This alarming rise in violence has put additional pressure on the already strained police force, which has yet to apprehend any suspects or gather substantial leads.
Meanwhile, there have been calls from retired and disabled police officers demanding funds from Fortamun (Fortalecimiento de los Municipios), which has brought attention to the financial struggles within various police departments in the region.
Efforts are underway to enhance security measures and resources. The Baja California Human Rights Commission (CEDHBC) plans to set up working tables with security forces to address these concerns. Additionally, the municipal government has requested more firearms from the federal government to bolster its security infrastructure.
The overarching issue in Baja California reveals a critical need for more robust recruitment, training, and resource allocation to adequately protect its cities and communities. As these new administrations take office, their ability to address and mitigate these law enforcement shortages will be pivotal for ensuring public safety and maintaining order.