QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — A new unified Tourism Police force for the state of Quintana Roo will commence operations in November with 98 officers. The state-level model will integrate municipal police bodies under a unified framework of state-provided training and equipment.
James Tobin, the state coordinator of the Citizen Security Council, detailed that the state government will be responsible for the officers' uniforms and training, while their salaries will remain the responsibility of their respective municipalities.
International Training in Tourist Security
To strengthen the protection and service provided to visitors, the new Tourism Police will receive training from academic Peter Tarlow, an internationally recognized specialist in tourist security.
Tobin emphasized that this model aims to project a better image for the tourism industry ahead of the upcoming World Cup, ensuring that officers not only provide security but also offer guidance and dignified treatment to visitors.
Lapel Cameras in Cancún and Playa del Carmen
The coordinator announced that, starting September 1, police officers in Cancún and Playa del Carmen will begin operating with lapel cameras. This mechanism will allow for greater transparency, as the devices cannot be turned off or manipulated by the officers.
The measure is intended to reinforce citizen trust and combat acts of corruption within the police forces, while also guaranteeing strict adherence to human rights protocols.
Security and Confidence for Tourists
Tobin noted that consuls from the United States and the United Kingdom have expressed interest in the security conditions in Cancún. The creation of the new Tourism Police is therefore considered a strategic action to address the growing wave of visitors anticipated in 2026.
“We need police officers who guide tourists, not mistreat them. Training and dignified treatment will be key to improving the image of Quintana Roo,” said James Tobin, state coordinator of the Citizen Security Council.
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