Tulum police urge formal complaints over social media posts

Tulum, Mexico — Following complaints circulated on social media against officers of the Tulum Public Security and Citizen Protection Secretariat, the head of the agency reported that in the last two months of the year, no formal complaints have been received by the Internal Affairs Directorate. He noted that all recent grievances have emerged in WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or isolated posts made primarily by foreign tourists who return to their countries without formalizing the incidents.

The police command emphasized that without official complaints, it is impossible to initiate internal procedures or apply sanctions against agents accused of alleged extortion, abuse, or any other irregularities. Therefore, he urged citizens and visitors to go directly to Internal Affairs if they are victims of any misconduct by municipal police. “Only with a formal complaint can we open files and proceed with investigations,” he reiterated.

Regarding recent cases that generated social concern, the secretary detailed that the sisters of the minor who was allegedly assaulted withdrew from continuing the process before the State Attorney General’s Office. He added that in matters of human rights, there are also no new active complaints, except for the case of the minor allegedly beaten at a checkpoint on Cobá Avenue. Regarding that file, the official explained that a damage repair agreement was reached between the family and the officers involved.

The secretary indicated that the corresponding instance made recommendations to the operational coordinator, with the aim of reinforcing police performance and guaranteeing optimal service for citizens. He further stressed that, so far in the last quarter of the year, intentional homicides and executions have shown a downward trend, reflecting — he said — the coordination efforts in security matters.

Finally, he again called on residents and tourists to file their complaints directly with Internal Affairs, as the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward officers who commit irregularities. “Social media does not substitute legal procedures; we need the formal complaint to act,” he concluded.