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## Human Rights Commission Issues Recommendation to SSPCM for Police Abuse of Authority in 2020
**By Mara Yáñez | September 7, 2024**
The State Human Rights Commission of Baja California has issued a formal recommendation to the Municipal Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPCM) in Tijuana, due to an incident involving police abuse of authority in 2020. The recommendation, numbered 5/2024, highlights unlawful detention, torture, and other serious issues.
According to the documented events, on September 19, 2020, at 11:22 PM, the victim was outside his residence with his girlfriend and friends when two police vehicles from the Tijuana Municipal Police arrived. The officer identified as “AR1” approached the victim, forcefully grabbing his arm and neck to push him onto the hood of a red pickup truck. Officer “AR2” assisted by holding the victim’s right shoulder, while two more officers arrived, one of whom secured the left shoulder as “AR1” handcuffed him.
The detention on that day was not the first incident involving the victim and “AR1.” Earlier that day, “AR1” had already detained him, keeping his wallet during the interaction. The victim was later taken to a vacant lot where he was repeatedly beaten and interrogated about an item belonging to “AR1.” The victim was subsequently transferred to the Public Ministry on the early morning of September 20, 2020, accused of drug-related crimes.
Upon arrival at the Public Ministry, the victim exhibited visible injuries, including a reddish laceration of 0.5 mm inside his lip, a 1 cm by 2.5 cm reddish abrasion on his upper right chest, and a 0.5 mm by 3 cm abrasion on his lower right back. He was released on September 21, 2020, after the detention was deemed unlawful and filed a complaint with the Baja California State Prosecutor’s Office on September 22, 2020, for potential abuse of authority.
In response to these events, the State Human Rights Commission of Baja California urged the SSPCM to provide medical and psychological care to the victim. The recommendation also included appointing a liaison with the State Executive Commission for Comprehensive Victim Care to formulate a restitution plan, ensuring prompt and full reparations.
The recommendation called for a comprehensive review of internal protocols and guidelines related to administrative practices within Tijuana’s police stations. It urged the publication of the recommendation on the institutional portal and mandated the inclusion of this statement in the service records of the responsible officers.
Jorge Ochoa, head of the State Human Rights Commission of Baja California, emphasized the organization’s commitment to victims of human rights abuses and reiterated that all their actions are centered on this dedication. The recommendation forms part of those delayed due to the electoral process.
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### Related News: Increased Cases of Police Misconduct in Baja California
Recent reports indicate a growing concern over police misconduct and abuse of power in Baja California. According to a recent investigation, numerous cases involving excessive use of force, unlawful detentions, and lack of accountability have surfaced. The Public Ministry has received several complaints mirroring the nature of the 2020 incident, compelling human rights advocates to push for more stringent oversight and comprehensive reforms within police departments across the state.
In one highlighted case, a local civilian described being detained without cause, subjected to physical abuse, and left abandoned in a remote area with threats of severe consequences should they report the incident. This pattern of behavior has raised alarms among both local and national human rights organizations, calling for immediate intervention and systemic change to prevent further violations.
As the authorities enact measures to address these abuses, there is an ongoing dialogue about the need for increased transparency, better training for police officers, and a robust framework to protect citizens’ rights effectively. The ultimate goal remains to restore public trust in law enforcement agencies and ensure accountability for any misconduct.
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This report underscores the critical nature of enforcing human rights standards and the importance of regulatory bodies in maintaining the integrity and accountability of law enforcement practices. Keep up with more developments on these issues at TJGringo.com.