Monday, January 26, 2009

Cops cop a colour makeover in the Big Taco!

Much has been written about the corruption and dodgy dealings of the Police Force in Mexico and other countries in South and Central America, and unfortunately from my experience it is all totally true, with many friends here being victim to the "mordita" (ie bribe...literally "little bite") or worse the personal police escort to the ATM to extract a "larger payment" negotiated on the way. Always told to avoid the Police here at all costs, my worst encounter so far happens to be a genuine mistake, whereby not wearing my glasses one evening, I hailed a Police car instead of a cab, but fortunately escaped with just a severe dressing down...
This post however will focus on the lighter side of the Long Arm of the Law, starting with the recent colour makeover for the traffic cops. Before they wore sombre, dark uniforms, but now they have been touched up with Mexican colours in chilli red and lime with new fluorescent green caps and armbands, plus the piece de la resistance - the red baton which not only glows in the dark, Luke Skywalker light sabre-style, but positively flashes disco-style (or epileptic-style!)

Check out the before and after...

Before - female traffic cop directing the traffic on Paseo de Reforma, DF.

After - female traffic cop eating, drinking, and directing traffic on Paseo de Reforma, DF.

Incidentally cops are always eating, drinking, (and smoking before the ban) on duty. Mexico has recently tried to improve literacy amongst cops with compulsory literature lessons, and cut down on obesity with cash for weight reduction programmes. Other silly and unprofessional behaviour on duty includes:-

Taking photos whilst whizzing up and down the pavement on their latest toys - the new issue Segways for the Reforma weekend pavement cops..

And making wrongful arrests... no doubt in this case for lewd and indecent behaviour (by a papier-mache model!)

May the Force Be With You!!

MyWorldTuesday at www.showyourworld.blogspot.com

18 comments:

Pok Dell said...

Wow..they used a Jedi sword..
that's awesome ;)

Marites said...

that's so high-tech! The use of the Jedi sword:) Anyway, hope they'll improve more for the sake of their country.

v said...

Aha Mexico. I've been to Tihuana. But never seen their policemen. Nice post.

Guy D said...

I would love to visit Mexico City one day, great shots.

Cheers!
Regina In Pictures

Leanne said...

I like the touch of green on those hats...it's my fav colour.

chrome3d said...

Hah hah, I laughed because you had such funny descriptions. Lewd behaviour...hah haa!:)

Ant said...

This post left GP and I in stitches and had us reminisce fondly about his brushes with the Mexican law. Brilliant!

Louise said...

Ummmmm.. Interesting!!!

A Cuban In London said...

They look funky in those uniforms, I must admit. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

VALKYRIEN said...

Thanks for giving me a good laugh! I enjoyed both reading and looking!

Wendy said...

I think it's safe to assume they aren't into blogging, which is a good thing. I wouldn't want you to disapear!

Janie said...

Funny post and good pics.
At least the police are more colorful lately, if not more honest.

Catherine said...

Well this post caused a stir with all you fellow bloggers...thanks so much for all your responses...much appreciated!! What are the forces of law and order like in your part of the world???

kristine said...

haha, i cant believe you hailed a police car. I am sure maybe it wasnt funny at the time, but thats a good story :)

Unknown said...

wow, fancy cops! looks like they have a fun job in your city!

Ice Pony Girl said...

Wow...female cops in Mexico. And the colors in the backgrounds werre cool!

Glennis said...

The lewd behavior of the paper model is rather amusing, just got to stop such naughtiness!!!

And may the force also be with you.

Catherine said...

Hi Kristine, Ice Pony, Jess and Glennis...there is always someting surreal in this city to raise a smile...thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment...