New effort in Mexico is targeting cop bribery

Bite on tourists spurs some not to visit again

By Anna Cearley

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

June 17, 2007

One November evening, California retiree Frank P. Smith and his wife were backing out of a parking spot near one of Puerto Nuevo's many lobster restaurants when a police officer stopped them.

Smith was being cited, he recalled, for several violations, including improper parking and an out-of-sight license plate. He suspected the charges, which the officer indicated would add up to a fine of $320, were trumped up.But the officer threatened to tow his car and camper, and refused to let Smith speak to his commander.

So Smith did what he figured was expected – though it wasn't solicited outright. He gave the officer $60 in cash.

Like many other tourists put on the spot, Smith never reported the incident south of Rosarito Beach. Instead, the travelers continued home to Morro Bay.

“I know it happens to others and they don't go back, and it's a shame,” said Smith, who said he's been traveling in Mexico for 20 years and will continue doing so despite the bad experience.

The police bribe – known as the mordida, or bite – remains a troubling problem throughout Mexico. It is difficult to address or document because few people pursue complaints against officers.