Female police officers in Yucatán go public with sexual harassment complaints

Perhaps inspired by recent protests, female police officers from the Secretariat of Public Safety (SSP) in Yucatán have reported systematic sexual harassment and gender-based violence at their workplaces.

The officers describe experiencing what they call “sexual terrorism” on a daily basis from their immediate superiors. These commanders allegedly leverage their authority to pressure female officers into sexual relationships in exchange for favorable work conditions and job security.

According to the officers, superiors who face rejection often retaliate by assigning harsher assignments or the least desirable shifts. Despite bringing these complaints to internal affairs and even to the wife of SSP Director Luis Felipe Saidén Ojeda, the women report their grievances have gone unaddressed.

One particularly troubling case involves the West Sector coordinator known by the code name “Pegasus.” Female officers allege he subjects them to both physical and emotional humiliation while pressuring them for sexual favors.

Most of the affected officers are between 25 and 27 years old, having joined the police force to support themselves and their families. The most recent group assigned to the West Sector included four female agents distributed across two 24-hour shifts. In total, eleven women serve in this sector, alternating patrol duties.

Nearly all these women are mothers, with the exception of the youngest—a 22-year-old officer who reportedly suffered two miscarriages due to extreme working conditions allegedly imposed by Commander “Pegasus” after she refused his advances.

The commander, approximately 55 years old, previously worked in the Traffic Division with the Eagles Group and resides in Kanasín. When confronted about his behavior, officers report he responds with phrases like: “Do you want to resolve the problem? You know what you have to do.”

When met with firm rejection, he allegedly responds with crude remarks about their bodies. Officers who threaten to report him claim he responds with intimidation: “Be careful if you dare, because I’ll get you.”

These allegations emerged around International Zero Discrimination Day on March 1, which focused on protecting women’s and girls’ rights. The officers who came forward include Third Police Officers Ariadni Collí Vázquez, Judith Isabel Beh Noh, Roselly Pat, and Nayeli Palma—the latter being the officer who lost her pregnancies.

When these women approached West Sector Director Commander Mario Israel Prado for support, they report being told to “stop causing trouble,” with the director allegedly stating he preferred to retain the coordinator rather than address their concerns.

The officers cite the particularly disturbing case of Officer Nayeli, who was reportedly disciplined upon returning from medical leave following her miscarriage. Despite experiencing bleeding during a shift and requesting relief, “Pegasus” allegedly denied her request, resulting in a medical emergency that required hospitalization.

This incident prompted her colleagues to approach Director Prado, whose response allegedly devalued their complaints. When Internal Affairs became involved, the officers claim the situation worsened, as the person handling their case was allegedly connected to “Pegasus.”

The officers eventually sought assistance from Maria Angélica Fernández de Saidén, the SSP Director’s wife, whom they viewed as understanding of women’s concerns. While she reportedly responded immediately by contacting Internal Affairs, the officers state the investigation has stalled.

In one instance, when a husband of one of the harassed officers attempted to confront the accused, he was reportedly denied access while the commander left through another exit. Male officers who have supported their female colleagues claim they have been transferred to distant posts to prevent their involvement.

Meanwhile, the officers report that the harassment continues without intervention from higher authorities to address the situation in the West Sector.

Source: Acontecimiento Yucatán