After the recent violent events in Querétaro, including the attack at the bar "Los Cantaritos" where 10 people died and the incident at a warehouse in Centro Sur, local congresswoman Teresita Calzada Rovirosa has proposed a series of reforms to the Citizen Security Law. As the president of the Security and Civil Protection Commission, the legislator aims to implement stricter measures in high-traffic establishments such as bars, restaurants, and shopping centers, with the goal of more effectively addressing the threats of violence and the advance of organized crime in the region.
"Specific protocols for shopping centers, nightclubs, restaurants, parks where family gatherings take place during the day and at night, the strengthening of these programs implies municipal inspection reviews," pointed out congresswoman Calzada.
Calzada's legislative proposal includes training for the staff of these establishments by the Secretariat of Citizen Security, as well as the installation of panic buttons inside the premises, linked to the Command, Control, Communication, and Computing Center (C4). She also highlighted the importance of owners cooperating by keeping permits up to date and being responsible for implementing these security measures.
In addition to the protocols in establishments, the legislator emphasized the need to work together with neighboring state authorities, particularly Guanajuato, to curb the advance of organized crime in the region. The proposal includes a more robust and permanent collaboration between local, state, and federal forces, with the aim of sharing intelligence and security strategies for preventive and effective operations.
The proposed reforms also include penalties for establishments that do not comply with the new security guidelines, from fines to permanent closures, in order to achieve a quick and coordinated response in emergency situations. "The challenge is to establish a safe environment that allows the people of Querétaro to enjoy their leisure and social spaces without fearing for their safety," expressed Calzada.
On the other hand, the congresswoman announced that a reform to the Penal Code of Querétaro is being considered to toughen penalties for crimes related to organized crime, including increased fines and the elimination of the right to bail in the most serious cases. Calzada also called on citizens not to politicize these violent events but to focus on collaboration between government and society to keep Querétaro a safe place.
"Querétaro has historically been a peaceful state, and it is our duty to unite efforts to ensure that it remains so. We want to work hand in hand with the public, private sector, and citizens to protect the peace that characterizes us," concluded congresswoman Calzada.
