Tijuana, BC - The municipal government of Tijuana has unveiled major upgrades to its police department, providing 85 new patrol vehicles and four drones aimed at enhancing public safety and response efficiency. Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz announced the initiative on February 2, 2025, stating the vehicles range from Ford Explorers and Nissan Sentras to motorcycles and traditional pickup trucks.
Of the new patrol units, 50 are designated for investigation and intelligence operations. Among these, five will serve as mobile offices, facilitating search warrant processes. The vehicles are equipped with exterior cameras offering officers a 360-degree view, and interior cameras to monitor both officers and any citizens being transported.
The addition of drones, dubbed “aerial patrols,” marks another leap forward for the department. These drones are intended to act as first responders, providing surveillance capabilities over hard-to-reach areas, which could be pivotal in crime response scenarios.
Juan Manuel Sánchez Flores, the city’s Security Secretary, outlined the distribution plan for the new vehicles. They will primarily be deployed throughout the eastern sectors of Tijuana, with some also covering the river area and downtown. Over the last few months, the police force has managed to bolster its fleet to 140 modern units, enhancing its ability to respond to emergencies more effectively.
Sánchez Flores noted, “We are reinforcing patrols with aerial units to cover locations where land vehicles cannot reach. Some of the intercepting units will focus particularly on the downtown area and the Beaches region, where the flat terrain allows for more effective operations.”
One of the key points emphasized during the launch was the modern technology and vehicles will not only improve response times but also allow for more effective operations, especially in areas identified as high crime zones. The integration of technology is part of Tijuana's broader strategy to tackle crime, as these innovations are expected to lead to a noticeable drop in criminal activity.
While the overall crime rate has already seen some improvements, local authorities claim these enhancements will solidify the department's ability to provide security and build community trust. “The goal is not just to patrol but to establish proactive measures to prevent crime before it occurs,” Burgueño Ruiz explained.
Local residents have expressed cautious optimism about the new measures, hoping these initiatives will lead to safer neighborhoods. “We need to see action, not just promises. But this is definitely a step in the right direction,” said Alex Moreno, a local business owner.
Heightened expectations also surround the use of drones for real-time data gathering and surveillance. These aerial units will provide unprecedented eyes-on-the-ground capabilities, allowing for quicker interventions during emergencies or to monitor crime hotspots before issues escalate.
Tijuana's commitment to upgrading its police technology reflects global trends as cities increasingly look to smart technology for public safety. With crime rates fluctuated over the years and the growing need for modern approaches to community policing, this investment positions Tijuana to lead with innovative strategies.
The enhancements also include training sessions for officers to effectively utilize the new technology and maximize its benefits. This education is as important as the hardware itself, as it strives to create not just upgraded equipment but also competent personnel capable of leveraging these tools for the public’s benefit.
The implementation of these upgrades will be closely monitored as Tijuana strives to create safer communities for all its residents. It remains to be seen how these investments will translate to on-the-ground impacts, but local officials are optimistic about the future.
With the rollout of these new units and technologies, Tijuana aims for tangible improvements in safety and policing effectiveness, setting a precedent for other municipalities facing similar challenges.