Government's henchmen: Profiles of police corruption in Mexico city during the 1920'S

Abstract

During the 1920's, Mexican federal authorities sought to consolidate their political regime. To that aim, they used the Police forces of Mexico City as an instrument for political control. Besides guaranteeing the city's public security, they used their own force to repress dissident or subversive political manifestations. By taking advantage of their own command, the Police forces established an extremely violent system based on corruption and impunity. After provoking multiple scandals that shocked the public opinion, the Police authorities developed campaigns to cover-up senior officers by using scapegoats.