Effectively Confronting Corruption in Mexico

If you ever plan on driving in Mexico, you should prepare yourself to deal with corrupt officials on a semi-regular basis. Failure to do so could cost you dearly.

After a few years in country and more run-ins with corrupt police officers than I care to recall, I've learned how to effectively remove the venom from their bite. Another recent and relatively heated exchange in Acapulco made me consider sharing this knowledge with tourists and fellow expatriates in Mexico. After one ignorant exchange in my early days, let's just say I haven't had a problem since.

The following tips could save you a big headache and a lot of money when an officer stops your vehicle for an infraction you know you didn't commit:

1. Ask the officer why you were stopped.
2. Do not be intimidated by a uniformed official. Remain calm and confident and implement the plan below.
   
3. They will ask for your license. BEFORE giving them your license, ask for their name and badge number. This is your most valuable move and accomplishes several things. You gain leverage now because you can later easily identify the official. They would rather remain anonymous. This is just simple accountability. You also let them know that you know what you're doing and are not an ignorant tourist that they can easily manipulate. Once they have your license, they have a certain amount of power over you. You may (and should) refuse to surrender your license until you have recorded this information. Take out a pen and paper and write it down, and let them see you write it down. If you can't communicate in Spanish, use hand gestures to explain you want to see their badge. (Note: Most officials wear their badge on their chest, which allows you to easily see their name and identification number. If they're not wearing their badge or refuse to give you that information, you can bet they plan on trying to take advantage of you.)
4. Always carry the number of a nearby U.S. (or your home country) Embassy with you. Again, let them see that you have the number to the embassy, and don't be afraid to call it. For the embassy to help, they will need to have the above information as well as the patrol car number, as you can read in this excerpt taken from their website: In some instances, Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials. Mexican authorities have cooperated in investigating such cases, but one must have the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a complaint effectively. Please note this information if you ever have a problem with police or other officials. In addition, tourists should be wary of persons representing themselves as police officers or other officials. When in doubt, ask for identification. Be aware that offering a bribe to a public official to avoid a ticket or other penalty is a crime in Mexico.
5. Call a corruption hotline. In 2007, Mexico City made a hotline available to report extortion and corruption. You can reach the hotline Honestal by dialing 089 or 5658-1111. I can't say if they provide bilingual service, but you should call nonetheless. (Note: By this point, you will most likely have sufficiently scared these cops straight, and they will send you on your way again with no further hassle.)
6. Call a lawyer or your insurance company. If you know a lawyer in Mexico, call them. They will speak to the official and set the record straight. Also, if you have Mexican insurance on the vehicle, they usually provide a help number. Call and explain the situation to them. They may be able to help, and if not, they can connect you with someone who can.
   
7. Refuse to pay the bribe. You must commit to this no matter how much pressure they apply. Some officials will try to convince you that you can pay the "fine" directly to them. That is NEVER the case. They may try other tactics to intimidate you, such as physically removing the license plate from your car or threatening to call a tow truck. Don't let that push you into submission. As you continue to resist their extortion and the drama escalates, they will back down. It's better for them to move on than to have to deal with the headache that will insue should you identify them as corrupt. Most of them will eagerly let you pass after just five to ten minutes.