The Mexican Employers’ Confederation (COPARMEX), Baja California Sur chapter, welcomed the announcement by La Paz Mayor Milena Quiroga to increase the salaries of approximately 800 police officers in the state capital, beginning next pay period.
COPARMEX president Paúl Valdiviezo said the pay raise reflects a commitment to investing in human resources, like the private sector’s efforts since 2016 to promote increases in the minimum wage so families can live more affordably.
Business leaders in La Paz have voiced support for increased funding for police and broader investment in public security. According to COPARMEX, the salary increases, which can reach up to 43 percent depending on rank, will help discourage corruption and strengthen loyalty within security institutions.
Valdiviezo said that, in addition to improving salaries, authorities must also invest in infrastructure and technology to combat issues such as extortion, protection rackets, and limited surveillance. He noted that the mayor informed business leaders that newly installed traffic lights throughout the city include hidden cameras that could assist investigations of crimes occurring in busy areas such as the Malecón.
“The salary improvement for police officers is more than deserved,” Valdiviezo said. “These officers sacrifice time with their families and risk their lives. At COPARMEX we celebrate this increase and will continue to promote stronger policing and security as essential conditions for greater investment, peace, and legal certainty in Baja California Sur. Without security, there is no investment and no quality of life.”
The La Paz Business Coordinating Council also praised the decision by the City Council to grant the salary increase to members of the Directorate of Public Security and Preventive Police.
“This effort represents a significant step toward dignifying police work, strengthening the economy of their families, and recognizing the daily commitment of those who work for the safety of our community,” the council said.
Officials said the measure promoted by Mayor Quiroga aims to improve working conditions, professionalize the police force, and build a department that is closer to the community, more reliable, and better prepared to respond to the needs of La Paz.
“Building a safer city is a shared responsibility that requires decisions like this,” the council added.
The pay increase, which reaches up to 43.58 percent depending on rank, means officers who previously earned about 16,000 pesos per month (approximately $890 USD) in 2025 will now earn more than 24,000 pesos per month (about $1,340 USD).
