Cancun, Quintana Roo — The state of Quintana Roo has launched a new tourist police model, deploying its first 92 elite officers to patrol beaches and tourism corridors in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and other popular destinations.
The officers, who graduated from a specialized training program, are now operating in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen (Solidaridad), Tulum, and Cozumel — areas that receive the highest number of visitors in the state.
Julio César Gómez Torres, head of the Quintana Roo Public Security Department (SSC), said the new model aims to overhaul the image and capabilities of the tourist police force, which has faced skepticism from both locals and international travelers.
“What we want is to change the image, but also change the capabilities, strengthen their skills and competencies. We want tourists to feel support and protection when interacting with our officers,” Gómez Torres said.
The 92 officers underwent rigorous screening and received training in:
- Lifesaving and rescue: advanced open-water swimming and aquatic rescue techniques
- Emergency medical care: first aid and CPR
- Community management: conflict mediation, emotional management, and service quality
- Problem-solving: crime prevention methodologies for commercial and hotel environments
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the state is accelerating its professionalization efforts. The SSC announced a 240-hour specialized diploma in tourist security, developed in partnership with the University of Public Security and municipal governments, to train hundreds more officers in the coming months.
The goal is to build a bilingual, highly skilled police force capable of immediate response, ensuring a safe environment for the expected influx of World Cup visitors and the associated economic benefits.
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