Borderland Security: State Police Perspectives on Crime and Insecurity in Mexico

The Northern states along the US-Mexico border face some of Mexico's most serious public security problems. Mexican federal, state, and municipal police struggle to create and sustain effective crime reduction strategies. This study identifies the challenges facing the state police officials that prevent the development of effective crime reduction strategies. Utilizing thematic analysis to examine interview data from police authorities in two northern border states, this study identifies five primary challenges: institutional, legal frameworks, collaboration, data issues, and community perception. These themes offer insight into how a lack of institutional cohesion, limited resources, and public mistrust collectively undermine effective policing. The study provides recommendations for how the Mexican state police can address these challenges, ultimately enabling the implementation of effective policing strategies, fostering public trust, and reducing crime.