Mexico's police reform will be weakly implemented

Subject

Police reform.

Significance

On May 6, the 2016 World Internal Security and Police Reform Index was published, ranking Mexico's security apparatus 118th out of 126 countries. The government has long been aware of the problem and in November 2014, after the high-profile disappearance of 43 students, allegedly at the hands of local police in Guerrero, President Enrique Pena Nieto submitted to the Senate a programme for security reform. Having faced delays and many difficulties, it has regained salience this year.

Impacts

• Disagreements among political parties will hinder reform, undermining the government's security record.
• Government reliance on voluntary unified police command agreements will undermine security improvements.
• Local security fears will increase, potentially influencing June's gubernatorial elections.