Chapala Director of Public Safety Lic. Adan Dominguez Leon Speaks at the Sept. 8 CSRC Meeting
Posted on Sep 12, 2016
Adan Dominguez Leon is from Guanajuato and has made a career in public safety. He began his service to the Municipality of Chapala in October of last year and told our group that security is the number one priority for this administration. As an example, when he took over, there were only two operational patrol cars – now there are 15. Neighborhood watch programs and crime prevention in the schools are also a big part of their focus.
From December through March of this year crime was reduced by 65% locally, and in the next month by another 15%. Car thefts have been reduced by 45%. But one big problem is that only about 10% of crimes are reported here. As a rule, we can walk the streets here at any time of the day – they’re safe and tranquil. The Administration plan on establishing an office with a bilingual officer so that ex-pat community members can report concerns or crimes. The police can now investigate crimes on their own – a new policy. They have 250 open cases and they can go to you to begin an investigation and, if appropriate, call for a finger print specialist to take prints. The Masons here gave them four investigation kits and they’ve been trained how to use them. There was also a program to teach the officers English, but it has been discontinued. He is looking into the possibility of reinstating that program now. When he took over there were 62 officers, they now have 121, plus 16 others they’re working to make full officers.
On one particular case, he acknowledged that the robber who uses pepper spray in the Rancho del Oro area has been observed in Jocotopec and that three of his cohorts have been caught. He showed us his picture, but it would be illegal for him to publish it in the newspapers.
He also noted that the police officers had not received a raise in 7 years. It is possible to donate funds for the police from the community.
Adan Dominguez Leon with members of the CSRC.
