Why is Mérida so safe? Gossipy neighbors, goes one theory
Gossip is the fuel that powers Mérida’s reputation for safety. At least, that’s the theory posited by a top security official from a city dealing with violence and drugs. Not everyone is thrilled with that analysis.
Raúl Tassinari González, Secretary of Public Security at Playa del Carmen, said in an interview that “there is less crime (in Mérida) because neighbors trade gossip.”
Tassinari González credited the citizens of Mérida, considered one of the safest cities in Mexico, for being attentive to their surroundings so that they quickly report any suspicious activity.

“We must remember that everyone is a gossip, and by being gossips, they pass on information more quickly,” said Tassinari González, who received social media blowback from commenters who found the comment disrespectful.
Reactions on social media were not long in coming. While some on X (formerly Twitter) took the statement with humor, others strongly criticized the secretary’s words, considering them inappropriate for an official of his level.
“How is it possible that a security chief makes such absurd statements?” questioned one observer, while others asked for a public apology for the comment.
Despite the controversy, the issue has brought to the fore the importance of citizen surveillance and joint work between the population and authorities to maintain city security. Tassinari González, has not commented further on the controversy.
Mérida consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Mexico, with low violent and property crime rates. In contrast, Playa del Carmen, while generally safe for tourists, has experienced an increase in crime in recent years, including some incidents of violent crime related to drug trafficking and gang activity. Visitors to both cities should exercise standard precautions and be aware of their surroundings.
In 2024, CEOWorld Magazine ranked Mérida as the second safest city in the Americas, surpassed only by Quebec, Canada. This places it ahead of numerous cities in the US and Canada. In the same study, Mérida secured the 30th spot globally, outperforming cities like The Hague in the Netherlands and Geneva in Switzerland, both known for their stability.

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