Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo on Tuesday called on local police officers to carry out their duties under strict principles of legality, respect, and loyalty, emphasizing that public security must focus on protecting both residents and visitors.
The message was delivered during a roll call with members of the Municipal Public Security and Citizen Protection forces, where the mayor outlined expectations for law enforcement conduct and reiterated the administration’s position against corruption and extortion.
Castañón Trejo said officers play a central role in the municipality’s development and public trust, particularly in a destination that depends heavily on tourism.
“I want to recognize the daily work you carry out. You are a structural factor so that our destination can move toward a transformation of prosperity,” the mayor said, according to an official statement. He added that corruption and extortion “will have no place in this administration.”
The address comes as local authorities seek to reinforce confidence in public institutions amid ongoing national attention on security conditions in major tourist destinations.
Emphasis on legality and institutional conduct
During the event, the mayor stressed that all police actions must be guided by absolute legality and respect for the population of Tulum. He underlined that the primary mission of the security forces is to protect residents and tourists alike.
Castañón Trejo said building trust among the local population and visitors is essential for ensuring that tourists leave with a positive and complete experience, something he said depends directly on the integrity and commitment of police officers in their daily work.
“We represent an honorable institution, and that must define our conduct every time we go out to serve the population and tourism,” he said. “That is our obligation: to serve and protect. Your uniforms represent that, as well as love for our municipality.”
While the remarks were ceremonial, they reflect a broader effort by municipal authorities to frame public security as both a law enforcement and reputational issue for Tulum, which remains one of Mexico’s most visible international destinations.
Security officials cite crime reductions
Also present at the roll call was Edgar Aguilar Rico, secretary of Public Security and Citizen Protection, who highlighted recent crime statistics as evidence of progress.
Aguilar Rico said that, as a result of interinstitutional coordination, Tulum registered a reduction in high-impact crimes by the end of 2025. According to the data he cited, the municipality accounts for only 3.7 percent of high-impact crimes at the state level.
He also reported a 61.7 percent decrease in homicides, a figure authorities say contributed to Tulum being removed from the national list of the 50 priority municipalities for high-impact homicide.
The official attributed these results to coordinated efforts between municipal, state, and federal security forces, as well as directives issued by the mayor’s office.
Tulum removed from national priority list
Federal authorities in Mexico periodically identify municipalities with elevated levels of violent crime as priorities for intervention. Being excluded from that list is often cited by local governments as a marker of improved security conditions.
According to Aguilar Rico, Tulum’s removal from the list reflects “real results” achieved through ongoing security operations and cooperation across government levels.
Municipal officials said that despite the reported improvements, security forces will not ease their efforts. Aguilar Rico stated that, by instruction of Mayor Castañón Trejo, authorities will maintain a firm stance on public safety to continue protecting residents and tourists.
Balancing security and tourism confidence
For Tulum, public security is closely tied to economic stability. The town’s international profile means that perceptions of safety can directly influence visitor numbers, investment decisions, and local employment.
Local authorities have increasingly framed police conduct not only as a crime prevention issue but also as a factor shaping the visitor experience. Officials argue that professional behavior, transparency, and respect for human rights are critical to sustaining confidence among tourists.
At the same time, the municipality continues to face challenges common to rapidly growing destinations, including population growth, infrastructure strain, and the need for coordination among multiple law enforcement agencies.
The mayor’s remarks sought to reinforce the idea that ethical conduct within the police force is essential to addressing those pressures.
Ongoing expectations for law enforcement
Castañón Trejo concluded his message by reminding officers that their responsibilities extend beyond enforcement actions to include daily interactions with the public.
Municipal officials said these expectations will remain a guiding principle of the current administration, particularly as Tulum continues to position itself as a safe destination for both residents and international visitors.
The Tulum Times has previously reported on local security strategies and the role of interagency cooperation in addressing crime trends across the Riviera Maya.
What is at stake, officials say, is not only the continuation of recent crime reductions but also the long-term trust between police, residents, and tourists in one of Mexico’s most high-profile destinations.
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How should Tulum balance visible policing with community trust as tourism continues to grow?