Laboratory for the design and evaluation of social proximity: A technical police model for generating trust and citizen certainty in Chetumal, Q. Roo

Abstract

This research analyses the social perception of police work in the city of Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Based on semi-structured interviews with representative community members and a detailed ethnographic field analysis, it identifies the factors influencing public trust and satisfaction, along with the risks, opportunities, and priority areas for improving security in the area. The findings reveal deficiencies in sanitation, urban infrastructure, signage, street lighting, and social proximity, as well as issues such as overgrown vegetation, accumulated waste, deteriorated pavements and roads, obstructed pedestrian pathways, houses closed off due to fear of crime, and insufficient police surveillance. While some respondents appreciated regular patrols and trained officers, distrust prevailed due to slow response times, abuse of authority, and corruption. The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen police training, enhance communication and community engagement, and increase active surveillance. It concludes by emphasising the importance of inter-institutional collaboration and community participation, alongside effective municipal intervention to address both urban and public safety challenges, with the aim of improving police performance and positively reshaping public perception.