Borderland Security: State Police Perspectives on Crime and Insecurity in Mexico

Abstract

The Northern states along the US-Mexico border face some of Mexico’s most serious public security problems. Mexican federal, state, and municipal police struggle to create and sustain effective crime reduction strategies. This study identifies the challenges facing the state police officials that prevent the development of effective crime reduction strategies. Utilizing thematic analysis to examine interview data from police authorities in two northern border states, this study identifies five primary challenges: institutional, legal frameworks, collaboration, data issues, and community perception. These themes offer insight into how a lack of institutional cohesion, limited resources, and public mistrust collectively undermine effective policing. The study provides recommendations for how the Mexican state police can address these challenges, ultimately enabling the implementation of effective policing strategies, fostering public trust, and reducing crime.

Plain Language Summary

State Police Views on Challenges That Prevent the Police from Combating Crime in the Northern Mexican States Along the United States-Mexico Border

The Northern Mexican States along the United States-Mexico border face serious crime problems. Despite their efforts, Mexico’s national, state, and local police struggle to create and implement plans to reduce these crime problems in the country. This study was able to find challenges that hinder the state police’s ability to reduce crime. These challenges were found by reviewing interviews with state police officials in two northern border states. In our review of these interviews, we found five issues that officials repeatedly mentioned. The five issues are (1) a lack of staff, training, and equipment available, (2) laws that limit police’s ability to respond to crime, (3) few resources to support teamwork between police agencies, (4) issues with information sharing, and (5) the public’s lack of trust in police. These challenges help us to understand why reducing crime in Mexico is difficult for the state police. This study offers suggestions for how the Mexican state police can address these challenges. By addressing these issues, the state police should be able to create and implement plans to reduce crime, increase the community’s trust in police, and create a safer environment for the public.