6 replies to this topic

[Greeneyegringa]

So I do not live in a gated community or anything and we have these "Security" that come by to collect money once a week. I hear them come by at around 10:30 at night with a light and a whistle but what is it they really do? I mean the whistle would alarm any one doing anything they shouldnt they were on there way. How much are you supposed to pay them?

[Chiquito]

It was police that came around in Playas de Tijuana. The guy asked for $5 the first time he came by and I told him no. I asked around and found out $1 is customary. These were actual uniformed police, never saw them actually doing any security, just begging money. If the ones coming by your place are not police, ask them who they work for before giving them anything.

[drchoi]

this is funny...

if they have enough brains , why not open up their own security company but than again...

[vagabundo]

So I do not live in a gated community or anything and we have these "Security" that come by to collect money once a week. I hear them come by at around 10:30 at night with a light and a whistle but what is it they really do? I mean the whistle would alarm any one doing anything they shouldnt they were on there way. How much are you supposed to pay them?

This practice is called cooperación and is used by the police throughout Mexico to subsidize their operations. Normally they come by during the day or early evening.

[Scribbles]

From what I see on the news they rely on tips as their salary and do not carry guns. It's a dangerous job and a few have been killed over the years. We don't have them in my area but if we did I would fork over a buck for a tip.

[jdcs167]

I have these that come by my house from time to time. I usually give them about 5pesos to 10pesos. I hear them at night as you mentioned. They just alarm people that are probably doing bad things and scare them off, but Im sure if a person is up to something bad, they will just wait until the cop does his walk thru.
Not to be negative or think all TJ cops are bad or anything, but I tip them just because I dont want them to get pissed and have them be the ones that do something to my cars or house. Better safe than sorry.

[galvezis]

Yup, that whistle drives me crazy sometimes! LOL...

Sometimes I see this "police man" at the Oxxo around the corner chatting with the lady cashiers...aren't they supposed to secure the area?! Oh well, it's TJ. I give the guy a buck or two every now and then but he does not make me feel secure...