Tulum, Q.R. — Tulum officials have confirmed the dismissal and start of an investigation into a municipal officer. In a press conference Thursday, Tulum authorities reported on the dismissal of Executive Police Director, Óscar Tapia for threats and intimidation.
Óscar Tapia was let go after a videoed incident involving a group of local fishermen went viral. According to the Secretary of Citizen Security of Tulum, direct threats and intimidation can be heard being uttered by the officer to the group of local fishermen.
Tulum’s Secretary of Public Security, Edgar Aguilar Rico said Óscar Tapia was let go for abuse of authority. He made the announcement Thursday along with Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo.
In an official statement, the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública y Protección Ciudadana de Tulum said “Regarding the video circulating on social media in which members of this Secretariat are accused of allegedly extorting tourists, the following information is provided:
“After reviewing the content of the material, the head of the Secretariat instructed the Internal Affairs Unit to initiate an administrative investigation in order to conduct the corresponding inquiries and, if warranted, apply the sanctions according to law.
“Therefore, those directly involved in the incident are invited to appear and file a formal complaint with the investigating body, in order to clarify and sanction any possible misconduct.
“The Secretariat reaffirms its commitment to law-abiding citizens and will NOT tolerate acts that contravene the principles governing our institution. Public trust is strengthened through firm, transparent, and lawful actions.”
The video was recorded Wednesday night by one of the fishermen from the group.
According to the fishermen, the police set up an illegal checkpoint and acted aggressively toward them Wednesday night. Those affected reported intimidation, threats, and even physical assaults.
“In our government, the police are strictly here to protect and respect our people, not to harass them,” said Diego Castañón Trejo.
Edgar Aguilar Rico clarified that the checkpoint was part of the so-called “mobile preventive checkpoints” implemented daily at various locations throughout the municipality as a crime prevention and surveillance strategy.
He also clarified that the way the now-former Director of the Executive Police acted “was not correct”.
Edgar Aguilar Rico acknowledged irregularities in the operation and confirmed that the case will be reviewed by both Internal Affairs and the Council of Honor and Justice.
