Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda launched a statewide school security program called “Vigilando Nuestra Escuela” (Watching Our School) to protect public campuses from vandalism and break-ins during the Easter vacation period.
The program deploys police patrols to all 3,834 public schools across the state. Officers from all seven Baja California municipalities are conducting permanent rounds at school sites through April 13, the date when more than 621,000 elementary students are scheduled to return to class.
All Seven Municipalities Participating
The security effort covers schools in Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, Tecate, Rosarito, San Quintín, and San Felipe. Empty school buildings are common targets for theft and vandalism during holiday breaks, when custodial staff and administrators are typically off campus.
Police patrols are making regular passes at each school to deter criminal activity. The governor’s office described the rounds as “permanent,” meaning officers will maintain a visible presence at campuses throughout the two-week break rather than conducting occasional drive-bys.
Residents Asked to Report Suspicious Activity
The state government is asking residents who live near schools to serve as extra eyes during the holiday. Anyone who spots suspicious activity at or around a school campus can report it anonymously through three channels: the national emergency number 911, the anonymous tip line 089, or the state Education Hotline at (686) 520-0500.
The 686 area code corresponds to Mexicali, but the hotline is intended to field reports from anywhere in the state. Callers do not need to identify themselves.
Classes Resume April 13
Students across Baja California are expected back in classrooms on April 13. The Easter break, known in Mexico as Semana Santa and Pascua, is one of the longest holiday periods in the Mexican school calendar and typically runs for two weeks.
School vandalism during vacation periods has been a recurring problem in Baja California. Past incidents have included stolen electronics, damaged plumbing, and graffiti. The “Vigilando Nuestra Escuela” program aims to reduce those losses by maintaining a police presence for the full duration of the break.
First reported by Jornada BC.