Mexico City, Mexico – Over a thousand police officers have been dismissed and 60 arrested in Mexico City since October 2024, according to official data released by the Secretary of Citizen Security (SSC), Pablo Vázquez. These actions are part of a broader effort to combat corruption and strengthen the police force under the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum.
Disciplinary Actions and Arrests Highlight Anti-Corruption Drive
The official figures, spanning from October 5, 2024, to July 31, 2026, were determined by the SSC’s Commission of Honor and Justice. During this period, the commission applied 3,921 disciplinary corrective measures and ordered the dismissal of 1,074 officers. Additionally, 592 transfers, 17 commission cessations, and 50 suspensions were enacted.
Secretary Vázquez stated, “In this same period, 60 elements of the Secretariat have been detained by arrest warrants for acts probably constituting a crime.” This crackdown underscores a “zero tolerance for corruption” policy, aiming to reject any conduct contrary to established protocols that could harm the bond between the police and citizens.
Recruitment and Training Efforts to Professionalize the Force
Alongside these disciplinary actions, the SSC is intensifying its efforts to recruit, train, and professionalize new police officers. In July alone, 426 new officers joined the Mexico City Police, with 399 specializing in proximity policing and 27 in penitentiary security.
“Our aspiration is to be a stronger institution every day, providing better service to society,” Vázquez emphasized during the monthly report on criminal incidence in the capital. This commitment to professionalization is seen as crucial for rebuilding public trust and ensuring effective law enforcement.
Homicide Rates Decline as City Authorities Highlight Transparency
Capital authorities also reported a decrease in intentional homicides, with 449 cases recorded from January to July 2026, compared to 471 during the same period in 2025. This represents a reduction of 22 cases.
Head of Government, Clara Brugada, announced that a new police proximity strategy would be presented “in the coming days.” She affirmed that the city’s approach to security is transparent, stating, “In Mexico City, homicides are not hidden, nor are statistics artificially reduced. When we say that homicides are decreasing, we are talking about a reduction supported by absolute, verifiable, transparent, and independent records. Here, security is not built by manipulating figures; it is built by investigating the facts and facing the data.”
This statement aims to reassure the public about the integrity of the crime statistics and the government’s commitment to addressing public safety challenges head-on.
Broader Context of Security Challenges and Reforms
The ongoing efforts in Mexico City reflect a broader national struggle with crime and corruption within law enforcement. The magnitude of the disciplinary actions highlights the serious nature of the challenges faced by the city’s police force. By taking decisive steps to remove corrupt elements and invest in the training of new officers, the authorities hope to build a more reliable and effective security apparatus.
The emphasis on proximity policing suggests a shift towards community-oriented strategies, aiming to foster better relationships between officers and the residents they serve. This approach is often seen as a key component in reducing crime and improving public perception of law enforcement.
The significant number of dismissals and arrests serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issues within some police forces in the region, but also as a testament to the current administration’s resolve to address these problems directly. The success of these reforms will be crucial for the long-term security and stability of Mexico City.
The commitment to transparency in reporting crime statistics, particularly homicides, is also a critical element in building public trust. By openly acknowledging and addressing crime figures, the government seeks to counter skepticism and demonstrate accountability.
The combination of internal cleansing, professional development, and community engagement strategies forms a comprehensive approach to tackling the complex security landscape in Mexico City. The coming months will show the sustained impact of these initiatives on both the police force and the overall safety of the city’s residents.
Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/espanol/al-dia/mexico/article/cdmx-policias-detenidos-destituidos-delitos-22383364.php
