Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Quintana Roo Public Security Department is rolling out body cameras for state police officers in a bid to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement.
Department head Julio César Gómez Torres announced that the first phase of the program includes 350 body cameras, which have been prioritized for officers who have the most direct contact with the public during patrols.
“We made an initial purchase of 350 cameras. We are prioritizing their use for personnel with the most citizen interaction. The idea is that every officer on the street has a camera,” Gómez Torres said.
The official acknowledged that equipping all state police officers would require a significant investment. He estimated that around 1,000 additional cameras are needed to achieve full coverage, at a cost of roughly 30 million pesos (about $1.5 million).
The state police force currently has approximately 2,500 officers, and Gómez Torres noted that equipment expansion must keep pace with operational growth.
“We are talking about nearly 1,000 more cameras for the State Police. It is a significant investment, but necessary to strengthen police work and citizen confidence,” he added.
Gómez Torres emphasized that body cameras not only protect citizens by ensuring verifiable conduct but also support officers by recording their interventions.
“It provides certainty for both the officer and the citizen. It guarantees that performance stays within the legal framework and generates greater trust in institutions,” he explained.
Regarding the timeline, the security secretary said new acquisitions and program expansion will continue this year, with full coverage expected by next year under the current administration.
He also said the department is coordinating with municipalities to ensure body camera systems are compatible across different jurisdictions, avoiding platform duplication and optimizing public spending.
