Playa del Carmen Suspends 25 Police Officers Amid Misconduct Investigations

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Mayor Estefanía Mercado announced that 25 municipal police officers have been suspended from duty following citizen complaints that triggered internal proceedings and investigations by the State Prosecutor’s Office.

Mercado said her administration would maintain “zero tolerance” for any conduct that falls outside the law, while stressing that due process and the presumption of innocence would be respected for the officers under investigation.

The mayor explained that the Municipal Public Security Secretariat operates oversight mechanisms to document police conduct, including security checkpoints with 24-hour video surveillance that serve as evidence in potential misconduct cases.

She also acknowledged the work of officers who carry out their duties professionally. “To our good police officers, all our respect and recognition,” Mercado said. “Their work is fundamental to protecting families and building a safer city.”

Mercado urged residents to report any irregular conduct by public servants and said her administration would follow up on complaints within its jurisdiction. “We do not protect anyone who acts outside the law,” she said. “Investigations must go as far as they need to go, and the competent authorities will determine responsibility.”

The suspensions come after previous scrutiny of the local police force. In September 2025, five Tourist Police officers were preventively suspended by the Honor and Justice Council at the request of the Internal Affairs office following the death of a fisherman who had been detained in the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone. That case raised questions about the use of force and drew national media attention.

The municipal government reiterated its commitment to professionalizing the police force and maintaining ongoing oversight, with the goal of building a department grounded in public trust, transparency, and accountability.