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In countries with high crime rates, such as Brazil or Mexico, are the tourist police less corrupt, underpaid, and so forth than the regular police? And in those areas that are patrolled by the tourist police, is there less crime than if they weren't patrolled like that?
In countries with high crime rates, such as Brazil or Mexico, are the tourist police less corrupt, underpaid, and so forth than the regular police? And in those areas that are patrolled by the tourist police, is there less crime than if they weren't patrolled like that?
I think tourists are more concerned with getting drunk, laying in the sand, don't speak the language very well and would be a poor choice to use for police.
Great question. My perception has always been that they just had a better grasp of the English language. I am interested in finding out the real answer.
In Mexico, the police expect bribes from tourists and in Brazil you can just plan on being the victim of a felony, or at least a pick pocket.
In Monaco, the tourists are protected like precious gems and crime is not permitted. In most large cities in the USA, Britain, and Europe, crime is pushed out of the tourist areas.
In most large cities in the USA, Britain, and Europe, crime is pushed out of the tourist areas.
But I thought that pickpocketing is much more rife in tourist areas in southern European countries such as Italy and Spain than in those in northern Europe or North America.
But I thought that pickpocketing is much more rife in tourist areas in southern European countries such as Italy and Spain than in those in northern Europe or North America.
That is true and also Prague is rife with pickpockets, I have Czech relatives.
I was in Lima, Peru last year and in the Miraflores District there were tourist police on almost every corner. You could tell the difference: The tourist police had white shirts on. The motel I was staying at told me if anything happened, to go to one of these officers. I stopped and talked with one, briefly. He spoke very good English. I don't know if that area is high in crime, I am assuming so, however it is the tourist area. So, at least Lima took care of the issues. I walked around, at night, even late night, and never felt threatened. I also did not see any crime at all (of course it was occurring).
So, I guess what I am rambling about is: In Lima, it appeared as if they worked and their presence assisted in crime control.
In the Honduras, they soke spanish but were helpful with directions. I think their presence coming off cruise ships does deter some of the locals who are up to no good. They did however ask me where I was going and when I told them that I had a tour booked, they sent me on my way. I think they discourage people from walking around on their own.
In countries with high crime rates, such as Brazil or Mexico, are the tourist police less corrupt, underpaid, and so forth than the regular police? And in those areas that are patrolled by the tourist police, is there less crime than if they weren't patrolled like that?
In Mexico, "tourist police" are provided in relatively few destinations. Some are drawn from the ranks of otherwise corrupt forces and, therefore, corrupt themselves. But there are places where non-police are recruited and the results are better. My opinion is that, generally, in Mexico, the police are the enemy ... not there to serve and protect (tourists, or regular citizens).
I have some experience in Rio de Janeiro, having visited 4 or 5 times during the past decade. I don't see tourist police in Rio. Relatively few police on foot, either. I have a stronger sense of safety when I'm near a Rio policeman than I do being near one in Mexico.
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