puerto vallarta threat assessment final _autosaved_[7]

THOMAS DALE & ASSOCIATES

Security/Investigations 869 N. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245

office: 310-615-9990 fax: 310-615-9991 www.tdaltd.net and www.tdaosac.com

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Puerto Vallarta Threat Assessment April 19, 2011

To: Thomas Dale & Associates

From: Gilbert Moya

Background: Agent Moya was contracted by Thomas Dale & Associates to conduct a

Security/Threat assessment for the Tourist Bureau of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Moya went to

Puerto Vallarta (PV) on April 6th through the 13th and gathered necessary information to

present a comprehensive report in relation to all aspects of tourist security.

Scope: The geographic area of study is the resort city of Puerto Vallarta (PV) in the State of

Jalisco, Mexico. Although the PV ex-pat population and tourist areas extend into the

neighboring northern state of Nayarit known as Nuevo Vallarta, this study will concentrate on

old PV. The PV airport in Jalisco is the same destination for all tourists/ex-pats and accumulated

area data is relevant to the study.

Methodology: Since tourism is the cornerstone of the PV economy, all aspects of PV society

were important to the study. Moya began with interviews of domestic as well as international

tourists, American and Canadian Consuls, retired ex-pats, time share members, seasonal

boaters, business owners, hospital administrators, gay community business representatives, ex-

pat Health insurance professionals, cabbies, conventioneers, and honeymooners. The

interviews focused on three areas; “do you feel safe in PV? If not why; Have you been a victim

or know someone who was a victim of a crime? If so, were you satisfied with the outcome? Are

you aware of the US government cautions regarding travel to Mexico? If so, what helped you

decide on Puerto Vallarta?”

The interviews were followed up by requests to local law enforcement sources for crime data

and Department deployment. The Civil Protection Dept. (FIMA) was also consulted regarding

natural disasters and is discussed later. In addition to personal interviews, police statistics, and

official tourist government sources, the following sources were also referred to and can be

provided upon request:

• WWW

• Public News outlets

• US state Dept. Overseas Advisory Counsel

• Regional Security Office, US Consulate, Guadalajara

• Puerto Vallarta English periodicals

• Puerto Vallarta Gay publications




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• Puerto Vallarta City web site

• City of Anaheim

• Jalisco Tourism Bureau

Area Description: The city of Puerto Vallarta (PV) is located on the West coast of Mexico in the

State of Jalisco whose capitol is Guadalajara. PV is the major sea access for the state of Jalisco

and a destination for many domestic tourists. It is solely supported by tourist income. Other

resort destinations such as Manzanillo to the south and Mazatlan to the North have container

terminals and consequential smuggling potential. PV has no sea container capability and enjoys

cruise ship access from many US ports. The cruise ships account for the majority of its short

term (1 day) visitors. The city of PV is situated on the Eastern edge of Banderas Bay (Flag bay)

which is 180 degrees in circumference

Old Vallarta is approximately 1.5 miles in length and 4 to six blocks deep. It is 12’ above sea

level with a 12’ sea wall boardwalk (malecon). The old city is back dropped by the Sierra Madre

Mountains with only one road into and out of town (Highway 200). To the south along the

foothills, resort hotels, time share and private homes ring the bay. Isolated coves can be

reached by boat and are popular tourist destinations. So are jungle tours and water sports such

as snorkeling, sailing and fishing (Refer to attachments for approved tourist venders). A four




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lane road circles old PV at a higher elevation if a commuter wants to avoid the traffic

congestion in town but it reconnects with #200 north and south of town.

North of old PV the topography levels out to an alluvial plain and this is where resort

construction has boomed along the shore and around the airport. There are major shopping

centers containing popular stores such as Wal-Mart, Costco and Sam’s club. This is also where

Municipal Police headquarters, Jalisco state District Attorney, State prison and the Army/Navy

bases are located.

Police Services: There are three main police services, each with a different function. It is

important to know the differences since a tourist might have an expectation that processes are

similar to the US.

Policia Municipal: These are the Municipal police responsible for street crime suppression and

traffic control. They are usually the first responders to an incident effecting public safety. They

have arrest powers for crimes committed in their presence however they do not take crime

reports. They protect crime scenes until the arrival of state police. In downtown PV they are

numerous in number, not necessarily due to high crime but to the lack of traffic controls. The

downtown area is the main attraction for tourists causing high density pedestrian traffic. All

streets are single one way lanes with no traffic lights so uniformed officers can be seen on many

corners for traffic control. They also keep the area free of vagrants and beggars. Some 60

municipal police dress in white which distinguish them as tourist police. Most are bilingual.

There are assigned to the downtown area 20 per shift. Due to the minimal use of traffic signs

and lights, the driving habits of resident commuters or tourists driving rentals are very bad.

Traffic infractions are common. This can lead to a negative contact with the municipal police.

City police undergo a four month academy and work 12 hour shifts, Two days on and one day

off.




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Municipal Police and Tourist Police on foot patrol.

Policia Ministerial: These are Jalisco state police who are called by the Municipal police to

investigate serious crimes, interview witnesses and take crime reports. All crime reports are

taken at the Public Ministry office under oath in the presence of a District Attorney. Since most

criminal procedures are documentary in nature, it is not necessary for victims to be present at

later proceedings. The difficulty lies in the time it takes to make the report which can impact

short term visitors desire to file a complaint.

Policia Federal (PFP): This is the Federal Uniformed Police who conduct road blocks in search

of drug or weapons smuggling. They also perform traffic enforcement on federal highways and

are first responders in rural areas outside city jurisdictions. They are usually better equipped

and required to have some college education. They are deployed in three 8 hour shifts.

Private Security: There are numerous private security companies that render services for

commercial purposes such as hotels, gated communities, shopping centers and restaurants.

Armed services are also available for banks, jewelry stores etc. There are no assembly plants in

PV and there is labor union stability.




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Natural Disasters: Proteccion Civil is the equivalent of FIMA in preparation and response to a

natural disaster. Since PV lies between the base of a major forested mountain range and a large

bay, it is vulnerable to fire and high wave action or Tsunami. PV is subject to occasional Pacific

storms or hurricane activity where a wave surge might top the sea wall (malecon). The PV

hurricane season is not as active as the Atlantic season however, it is during the tourist season,

(December to April). The last hurricane to cause an evacuation from PV was Kenna in 2002. The

hurricane was a category four and generated a 15’ surge that topped the sea wall and flooded

many sea side hotels. Fortunately, there was ample warning and no resulting injuries. Damage

was significant and required many months to repair. There are three small faults outside the

bay and the San Andreas Fault is 72 miles to the west. For alarm purposes there are siren

towers throughout the area to alert residents of pending high wave action. Proteccion Civil has

evacuation plans in place which were tested on April 9, 2011 and earthquake sensors are in

process of being installed along the coast to automatically activate the sirens. For the present

telephonic and WEB alerts are being utilized. In the event of an alarm, the downtown area and

hotels have large directional evacuation signs posted in major intersections. There are eight

designated emergency shelters available to the PV residents. Building construction in old PV as

well as the newer areas is primarily cement block with rebar. However, due to the large amount

of glass for the purposes of enjoying the ocean views it can be dangerous in high wind or rain

conditions.




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Tsunami Alarm tower

Medical Services: There are three major private hospitals in PV. The Ameri-Med Hospital is

located near the Marina Plaza. A new four story facility is due to open very soon in the same

area. In addition to its regular recovery rooms, they have 6 intensive care rooms and a 24 hour

bilingual staffed emergency room. The doctors’ staff is contracted by the hospital to provide

services and bill the hospital. They accept all US insurances and Canadian travel insurance. They

also have the latest equipment (CT-Scan, MRI) and specialize in internal medicine. The hospital

has contracts with all the cruise lines and can also dispatch a doctor to the larger hotels. It has

its own ambulance service and also offers cosmetic surgery services. Address: Neptune Plaza,

322-10023.




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The San Javier Marina Hospital is near the downtown area and has been in PV for 10 years. Its

doctors are both contracted and associates of the hospital. They offer all the same services as

the Ameri-Med including dialysis but only take insurances affiliated with Blue Cross

International. They do not accept Medi-Care since the US government does not pay for out of

country treatment. Others that do not pay are United Health, Pacific Care and health Net.

The hospital has 25 beds and two suites. It also has its own blood bank. Security is internal at

the hospital with 24 hour guard service, video recording and card key access to sensitive areas.

The same specialists in PV are contracted by most private hospitals. The only procedure not

offered is transplant services. Their parent hospital in Guadalajara is well known and can

provide ancillary support services by use of their air ambulance. Guadalajara is 40 minutes by

helicopter. Address: San Javier Marina, Fco. Medina Ascencio #2760, PV MX, Tel, 322 226 1010.

The San Javier Marina Hospital

The Mexican Naval Base Hospital located near the cruise terminal has 24 hour outpatient

emergency room services and open to the public. In addition there are many additional

outpatient clinics that are indicated on all tourist maps.

The most common tourist injuries are fractures or soft tissue injuries due to aggressive physical

activities. The most common medical issues for ex-pats are circulatory problems. Patients are

required to pay for their deductible up front with a credit card. A problem encountered by the

hospitals is the expectation by Canadians for service when they did not get travel insurance.

Apparently, the Canadian system is socialized and has no value outside Canada. Neither does




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Medi-Care. Tourists should verify that their secondary insurance provides coverage out of

county. (See page 15 for medical insurance information).

Population Density: The total fixed population of PV from the southern tip of the bay to the

Nayarit border is approximately 325,000. It is estimated there are 45,000 Americans and 2000

Canadians among them. The area of study is approximately 75/100 sq. miles. Most of the

population is within ten miles of the coast.

Tourist Activity: During 2009 official reports indicate there were 3,500,000 visitors. This is a

drop of 10% over 2008. During 2008 the visitor rate was fairly even between domestic and

international travelers however, in 2009 the international visitor rate dropped 18.5% due in

large part to the H1N1 influenza epidemic. Tourists from the US totaled 62% of total

international arrivals to PV. California accounted for 30% of those visitors. Washington State

was second with 12%. As a result, approximately 2,170,000 tourists from the US visited PV in

2009. 150,000 to 200,000 were from Canada. 217 Cruise ship arrivals are scheduled for PV

during 2011 (Refer pages 12 and 13 for tourist stats).

Crime Suppression: The municipal police and the PFP number approximately 450. This is a

ratio of .72 per 1000 of resident population. The additional visitor pool of 3.5 million, equals

10,000 average daily visitors. The police merely adjust deployment to 24 hour shifts during

special events such as holy week or spring break. The municipal police issued 4515 citations

during the month of March, 2011. This reflects the aggressive traffic control resented by the

general driving public. From January 2010 to the present, 10 officers have been fired for serious

crimes and 89 have been disciplined for misconduct. The low number of MX police reports may

be a combination of procedural inefficiency and reluctance by the public to file reports for fear

of retribution or frustration (See page #8 for crime statistics).

Communications: All local Law Enforcement is tied into the “CARE” radio system. It is a

centralized reception point using the public emergency phone equivalent of 911. In Mexico it is

“066”. The communication center is located next to the Jalisco State prison north of the airport.

A request to “066” is forwarded to the nearest law enforcement mobile unit which is equipped

with GPS or a pedestrian unit if in the downtown area. The “CARE” control center also monitors

36 pan and tilt cameras located in major intersections and high tourist areas. 12 additional

cameras are in emergency kiosks located in the downtown area. An emergency button at the




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kiosk opens a line to “066”, sounds an audible alarm and video records the caller in real time.

US Consulate: Consul Kelly Trainer, Paseo de los Cocoteros #85, Sur Paradise Plaza, Interior

Local L-7, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit. CP- 63732 Tel: 322 222 0069 & 322 223 3301.

Hotel Security: Security measures vary from no security at small hotels other than a fire alarm

to the large hotels which have crisis plans for every contingency, digital video cameras, internal

security, card key access and loss prevention programs to protect the guest and hotel assets.

Many gated community complexes rent a Municipal Police vehicle for use by their guards.

Airport Security: The Puerto Vallarta airport receives an average of 2950 domestic and

international flights a year. It has a permanent staff of Federal Police to oversee security

operations. The military has a visible presence in the secure passenger area and a private

security company is responsible for clearing passenger luggage. The airport and its operating

procedures are inspected annually by the US FAA.

Comparative analysis: The City of Puerto Vallarta is approximately the same population as

Anaheim, California which also has a high number of visitors to many attractions and numerous

hotels. (Refer to Anaheim web site for other details).

Anaheim Crime Data for 2009 This city is safer than 25% of the cities in the US.

Anaheim violent crimes, Population: 327,357

MURDER RAPE ROBBERY ASSAULT

REPORTED TOTAL 10 102 493 925




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RATE PER 1,000 0.03 0.31 1.51 2.83

Puerto Vallarta Crime Data 2009, Population 325,000

MURDER RAPE ROBBERY BURG

REPORTED TOTAL 4 0 63 14

ARRESTS: Drug related: 335 Alcohol related: 1467 Guns recovered: 11

(Refer:

http://dotnet.puertovallarta.gob.mx/oldsite/TmpTransparencia/transparencia/Informes/pdf

/IG_3er_07_09/Informe_C8.pdf)

The US State Department reported 6 non-natural American deaths from January 2007 to

December, 2010 in Puerto Vallarta. One died in an auto accident, 2 drowned, 1 suicide and two

other fatal accidents. That means 6 American accidental deaths out of 15,000,000 visitors.

(Refer: http://www.travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/death/death_600.html).

Testimonials:

Jim/Carol, Minneapolis; “We started coming here ten years ago due to a company condo

offered as a perk by the company. Now we stay at hotels for a week at a time. We love the

culture, weather and people.”

Dave/Marie, Washington DC; “We have a MX only time share. This is our third visit to PV; the

first was to Acapulco where shopping downtown was real scary. Then we tried Cancun where

the only area we felt safe was on the strip. We haven’t had any problems but in hindsight we

don’t have the flexibility to travel outside MX.”

Roger/Diana, Yacht owners; “We come down here every year for the winter months. We’ve

never had a problem.”

Tim, Real Estate; “I’ve lived in PV for eight years and never been a victim. I know things are

going on but I am always alert and use common sense wherever I go.”




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Pam, Insurance consultant: “I have lived in PV for 22 years and never had a problem until

recently when someone grabbed the cell phone from my hand. Things are changing but it is still

safer than anywhere in the US.”

Sid, Gay boutique hotel owner; ‘‘I have lived here a long time and while I have not had any

issues I’m aware of several instances where gays have been victims of street crime and the

police have not been supportive. I don’t think there is gay discrimination, just life style

vulnerability.” (Refer gay guide advice attachment)

Gira, Atlanta, Georgia, “this is our first time in PV; we chose it because of the best points deal

with Marriott. We were aware of the warnings but decided to take a chance. We feel safe.

We’ve gone to town once to the marketplace but they are all the same.”

Jim/Monica, Washington State: “We are time share owners and have never had a bad

experience in Puerto Vallarta. We’ve come every year for 7 years. We are aware of the

government cautions so we stay away from other locations where our time share is honored.

In general we don’t pay attention to the local news while we are here.”

Pam, Insurance consultant: “I have lived in PV for 22 years and never had a problem until

recently when someone grabbed the cell phone from my hand. Things are changing but it is still

safer than anywhere in the US.”

Security Perspective: As illustrated, Puerto Vallarta has a large ex-pat resident population and multi-million visitors

every year. The number of negative events involving foreigners or non-foreigners is fractional

compared to other resort cities in Mexico or the United States. Its support services are above

average and focused on serving the visiting public. According to the Federal Police, the limited

land transit makes the smuggling of guns and drugs through Puerto Vallarta very difficult. It lies

between the influence of the La Familia cartel in Michoacan to the south and the Sinaloa cartel

in the North. Situational awareness should be practiced whenever you are out of your

customary environment.




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Recommendations: With the emergence of social websites as a popular communication

medium, periodically monitor them for negative or unfounded criticism and offer rebuttals

when appropriate.

Prior to travel consult your travel agent for travel/medical insurance. Also check your

primary carrier for out of country programs.

Attachments Index:

Page

Police discipline report ……………………………………………………………………………….. 10

Police Deployment Easter Week, April 2011………………………………………………… 11

Tourist arrivals during 2009 ………………………………………………………………………… 12

Tourist origin tables…………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Traffic citation summaries…………………………………………………………………………… 14

Medical Insurance Guide……………………………………………………………………………… 15

Gay Safety Advisory……………………………………………………………………………………… 16

Vallarta Tourist Telephone Directory…………………………………………………………… 17

Attachment # 1, Police Discipline Report

Attachment #2 (Easter week 2011 Deployment)

Elementos Federales, Estatales y Municipales resguardarán la ciudad Listo Operativo para Semana Santa y Pascua Domingo 10 de Abril del 2011 Publicado por Jefatura de prensa el Lunes 11 de Abril del 2011, 12:00 PM




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· El operativo se relazará del día 15 abril al 1 mayo del 2010· Seguridad Publica Municipal participa resguardando la ciudad con 416 elementos trabajando las 24 horas del día

En una reunión previa a la temporada vacacional se afinaron detalles sobre el Operativo de Semana Santa y Pascua en el que participan autoridades civiles y militares que se encuentran encargados del resguardo de la ciudadanía, así como directivos de los departamentos de seguridad publica y protección civil, tanto municipales, estatales y federales.

El objetivo principal de este plan es establecer e implementar medidas y actividades preventivas, para reducir o eliminarlos riesgos del municipio así como establecer los mecanismos de operación y coordinación entre las instituciones participantes con la finalidad de salvaguardar la integridad física de las personas, sus bienes y su entorno.

La Cobertura Operativa se delimitará en tres zonas (Zona norte, Centro y Sur) para brindar una respuesta Óptima y Oportuna a los visitantes. La Supervisión de la operación quedará establecida a través del Unidad Municipal de Protección Civil, recorriendo los puntos de mayor afluencia e incidencia, en las diferentes Delegaciones y Playas del Municipio.

Se establecerá el CO (Centro de operaciones) en las instalaciones de la Subdirección de Bomberos donde se contará con un médico regulador por parte de Servicios Médicos Municipales, así como representantes del Concejo Municipal de Protección Civil esto para la canalización correcta de personas lesionadas.

Los Puestos de Socorro (PS) se establecerán en diferentes puntos de la ciudad y de acuerdo a las necesidades requeridas para la atención y movilización de las unidades de Emergencia. Asimismo de parte de Seguridad Publica se contará con un número aproximado 416 policías cuidando la ciudad, durante las 24 horas.

En el caso del Sector Naval serán 143 elementos que participarán en la vigilancia de las Playas Flamingos, Muertos-Olas Altas, Boca de Tomates-Bocanegra, Nuevo Vallarta y Bucerías en las que se estarán instalando 5 puestos de socorro, además de los elementos en tierra, así como 5 embarcaciones.

La Policía Federal comentó que cuenta con 22 elementos, quienes resguardarán los 220 kilómetros de su jurisdicción, además de mantener vigilancia de 24 horas en las entradas y aeropuerto, en el caso de la Capitanía de Puerto el derrotero meteorológico estará disponible las 24 horas, además de dos patrullas en playa y dos por mar, así como 10 encargados del resguardo marítimo. Además de la revisión que se lleva a cabo en las embarcaciones mecánicas de cada una.

Protección Civil del Estado, contarán con 27 elementos y 15 vehículos, además de dos embarcaciones acuáticas, las cuales resguardarán las playas de Puerto Vallarta y Cabo Corrientes, mientras que Tránsito y Vialidad del Estado, dijo contar con 22 elementos, los cuales estarán recorriendo las vialidades estatales, además de colocar dos módulos de atención en el Crucero de Las Juntas.

El Director de Servicios Públicos, Roberto González explicó que a lo largo de la playa se estarán colocando 90 tambos, para que al gente deposite su basura, además de 30 letrinas adicionales a las que ya existen, además comentó se realizará la limpieza tanto del malecón como de las playas por una cuadrilla de 60 personas que iniciaran operaciones a las 5:30am.




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