Cancún Police Department Undergoes Major Overhaul with 29 Dismissals and 35 Arrests

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Authorities have dismissed 29 police officers and arrested 35 others as part of a major overhaul of Cancún’s police department, Mayor Ana Paty Peralta announced Friday.

The crackdown follows the recent arrest of one officer accused of robbery, who is now in custody with the State Prosecutor’s Office and undergoing administrative proceedings for dismissal. “We have to follow all administrative and legal procedures for termination, though he’s already been separated from his position,” Peralta said.

The mayor explained that the department is undergoing a deep restructuring that has so far resulted in the 29 total dismissals and 35 arrests of officers who failed to properly use their body cameras, a key tool for transparency and oversight of police conduct.

As part of this cleanup strategy, Peralta announced an initiative to streamline the removal process for officers who fail to perform their duties or face corruption allegations. “This aims to have the Benito Juárez City Council’s Honor and Justice Commission meet continuously so no police officer who fails in their duty and has any allegations against them remains in the department, but is instead dismissed,” she said.

Alongside the sanctions, the mayor highlighted significant progress in community policing through the deployment of patrol vehicles in various sectors so residents can identify their local officers.

She emphasized that improving police dignity is also a priority, with projects underway to upgrade facilities and salaries that have been raised to unprecedented levels.

However, Peralta was clear that integrity is non-negotiable. “The most important thing is that not everyone acts correctly, and one bad officer shouldn’t tarnish an entire department,” she said. “What I can tell you is that there are extraordinary officers who do incredible work and take pride in being police.”

The mayor reaffirmed her commitment to institutional transparency, urging residents to file specific complaints about misconduct by police and public servants.

She noted that this effort complements the Certipol program, which involves citizens and business chambers in overseeing police procedures to ensure a deep transformation addressing long-standing problems.