Baja mayors speak of crime-plagued cities

By Sandra Dibble
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

November 29, 2008

As his city reels from drug-related violence, Tijuana Mayor Jorge Ramos is highlighting his administration's measures to improve police performance: firing corrupt officers, investing in new equipment and launching an affordable housing program.

Ramos and his counterparts in Mexicali, Ensenada, Rosarito Beach and Tecate delivered their ritual informe, or state-of-the-city address, this week, offering lists of their accomplishments.
All five of Baja California's mayors began their three-year terms last Dec. 1.

Ramos said on Wednesday that since he became mayor, the city has fired more than 100 officers and has seen the voluntary departures of 62 others.

An additional 20 officers, many of them high-ranking department members, are being questioned by federal organized crime investigators in Mexico City. Regardless of whether they are charged, Ramos said, “They will not return to the department.â€