66th Anniversary of 'El Torito' Facility

'El Torito', a facility in Mexico City for those serving civic penalties, celebrated its 66th anniversary. Authorities highlighted its role in promoting legal compliance and public safety. The facility has housed thousands in 2024 alone, ensuring support in medical, social, and psychological areas for those serving penalties.


66th Anniversary of 'El Torito' Facility

The "Torito", Administrative Sanctions and Social Integration Center, has been operational for 66 years. This center is popularly known for detaining people who must comply with sanctions for civic offenses or driving under the influence of alcohol. Since its foundation on October 28, 1958, the "Torito" has aimed to ensure that sanctioned individuals comply with the legal provisions of the competent authorities.

Pablo Vázquez, Secretary of Citizen Security (SSC) of Mexico City, emphasized the importance of the work done by the "Torito" in the city. He highlighted that by ensuring compliance with administrative sanctions, the life, integrity, and safety of individuals are protected, the proper use of public space is promoted, accidents are prevented, and antisocial behaviors are reduced, thus contributing to the construction of peace and justice in the city.

Currently, the "Torito" has the capacity to house 124 people, divided into 72 men and 52 women, in a space of 1,730 square meters located in the Miguel Hidalgo borough. During a commemorative ceremony, authorities reported that so far in 2024, 8,872 people have been referred for violating the "Drive Without Alcohol" program and 23,551 for violating the Civic Culture Law of Mexico City.

At the event, recognition was given to the workers of the "Torito" for their work. Andrés Ponce Aceituno, Deputy Secretary of the Penitentiary System, highlighted the effort and professionalism of those who have worked at the site, emphasizing their discipline, dignified treatment, and respect for human rights.

Eréndira Cruzvillegas Fuentes, Legal Advisor, thanked the entire team at the "Torito", highlighting the collaboration between the different areas that make up the center. It was emphasized that the medical, cleaning, custody, and counseling staff work in coordination to ensure that the sanctions are enforced.

Individuals who enter the "Torito" to serve their arrest hours receive attention from medical, social work, psychology, and pedagogy areas. The aim is to address the causes that led to the violation of the Civic Culture Law, the Traffic Regulations, or the Drive Without Alcohol Program, among other offenses.

Lastly, 10 recognitions, out of a total of 80, were symbolically awarded to staff with more than 30 years of service at the Administrative Sanctions and Social Integration Center. The recognitions were for workers in the legal, administrative, and security areas of the center.