New Security Director for Chapala

We have a new Security Director for Chapala. His name is Luis Manuel Ibarra and he was recently appointed to his position as Security Director over the Chapala Police Force.

The Chapala Police Force covers the entire Municpio (County) of Chapala which includes the cities of Chapala, San Antonio Tlayacapan, and Ajijic.

Currently in July 2008 the force consists of 124 persons including 93 field officers, 8 Tourist Police (they wear distinctive uniforms, are often found riding their bicycles and appear somewhat younger than the other officers), 3 Police Commanders nd an administrative staff.

Currently the standard pay for a police officer in our area is 5,775 pesos (approximately  $560 USD) per month. These low wages by US standards reminds me of my own starting pay as a young Dallas Police Recruit way back in July 1961 when I earned a wopping $365 USD per month.

The new Chief and Major Gerardo Degollado recently met with the area’s Canadian residents to discus their concerns about crime.

The Chief and Major are reportedly considering the possibility of recruiting 20 new officers. In addition the Chief has opened a dialogue with area youth in an effort to prevent graffiti that has been occurring lately more frequently.

The Chief wants to define the type of community improvement projects and services the local government might start to help area youth.

All of us here at Chapala Club wish Chief Ibarra all the best in his new position.

The Citizens of an area will only have the type of Police Force they Demand. Let’s all do our part by supporting Chief Ibarra and his officers.