WIT Transactions on the Built Environment

Mexicans are fearful and concerned about the increasing number of crimes of all kinds that have permeated the fabric of their cities and communities. Law enforcement institutions are unfit for purpose, characterised by corrupt practices, and low levels of education and training. Often, the law enforcement officers have violated the civil rights of ordinary citizens, and even murdered several members of civil organisations. Moreover, many police officers are part of organised crime. What would be the ideal concept of police for Mexico City? There is a need to reformulate the concept of police in order to approach crime more effectively. This paper outlines a particular approach that has being employed in order to develop an ideal concept of police for Mexican law enforcement institutions. It is hoped that this concept might help law enforcement institutions to change the current concept of police so that they can approach crime and at the same time protect civilians more effectively. © 2009 WIT Press.