### Tijuana Among the Cities in Mexico with the Highest Rates of Police Suicides
**Primary Article**
In Tijuana, the psychological toll on police officers continues to be a pressing concern. Recent data highlights that this city is among the highest in Mexico for police suicides, a reflection of the extreme stresses and dangers faced by law enforcement personnel.
One veteran officer, Noé Ramírez, who has served in Tijuana’s municipal police for 23 years, shared his harrowing experiences. After engaging in shootouts, witnessing colleagues wounded, and enduring threats to his own life and family, Ramírez often turned to cigarettes and occasional beers to manage his anxiety. These coping mechanisms helped him temporarily, but the underlying stress remained unaddressed.
Ramírez explained, “Engaging in shootouts felt like playing hide and seek. We can’t cry; we don’t have time. It’s as if nothing happened, and we must continue the next day.” Many police officers face similar pressures, often resorting to substance abuse as an escape.
The problem of mental health among police forces is finally being acknowledged by security institutions. Despite the need for psychological aid, there’s a prevalent fear among officers that admitting to mental health issues might lead to being removed from duty or stalling career advancements.
Statistics from Proyecto Azul Cobalto reveal that since 2017, Tijuana has recorded three police suicides. This places it among cities like Chihuahua, Morelia, and Ciudad Juárez, which also face high suicide rates within their police forces. In the last seven years, Mexico has seen 113 police suicides, 47 of which occurred while the officers were on duty.
Jorge Velázquez Ornelas, president of the “Blue Blood Brotherhood” Association, acknowledged the stigma around mental health in law enforcement. He emphasized the need for increased psychological support and proposed reducing the maximum service period for officers to 25 years to mitigate long-term physical and mental health issues.
The Secretary of Citizen Security and Protection in Tijuana, Fernando Sánchez González, noted that officers showing signs of mental health struggles are relieved of their weapons and reassigned until deemed fit. This policy aims to prevent further tragedies.
Currently, the city employs six psychologists who cater to the needs of officers and their families. Authorities continue to stress that vulnerability to mental health issues is not a sign of weakness but an inherent risk given their line of work.
**Secondary Article**
### Police Suicides Reflect a Broader Crisis in Mexican Law Enforcement
Recent studies indicate a troubling trend of increasing suicide rates among police officers across Mexico, mirroring the findings from Tijuana. The high-stress environment, coupled with a culture that stigmatizes mental health issues, contributes significantly to this crisis.
In addition to Tijuana, cities like Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez also report high rates of police suicides. Chihuahua recorded six suicides, while Morelia and Ciudad Juárez reported five and four respectively. Expert analysts point out that the combination of high-risk duties and inadequate psychological support is driving these alarming statistics.
Various initiatives are being proposed to address this issue, such as mandatory psychological evaluations and the assignment of mental health professionals within police departments. Some regional governments are considering adjusting service timelines to reduce prolonged exposure to stressful situations.
Furthermore, reports emphasize the importance of creating a supportive culture where officers feel safe to voice their concerns. Training programs that focus on mental resilience and stress management are being introduced, aiming to alter the current stigmatizing perceptions.
Despite these efforts, substantial work remains to be done. Building a robust framework that consistently supports the mental well-being of officers is essential to curb the rising tide of police suicides across the country. Improved funding, continuous education, and a shift in cultural perception are imperative steps towards fostering a healthier environment for Mexico’s law enforcement officers.
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