by Ken Veronda

“This is a great job, working with a dedicated group truly devoted to helping other people and our community,” says Director Guillermo Hernández of Antigua’s Tourist Police corps. “You know, I’ve a college degree, and I could earn much more at other work but this is something different — and very satisfying,” Hernández adds.

Tourist Police agents Byron Toledo (left)
and Rony Gaytán on patrol

Eight years ago, a group of Antigua’s hotels and other local businesses joined the city and the Guatemalan tourist office in organizing the Tourist Police, trained in community-based policing by volunteers from the Albuquerque, New Mexico, city police, and funded by private contributions and by the municipality.

Today the patrols circle the colonial areas from 6 a.m. to midnight with a 29 member force on duty 24 hours daily. Donations and city financial support have diminished recently, yet the agents keep serving others. They hope to grow stronger, but need help to do so. Funding is very slim — for example, there was a bicycle for every agent eight years ago; only two bikes are still working. Some of the original donors have turned to other worthy causes, and the government is hard-pressed with many needs.

Tourist Police members assist about 100 people every weekday, with many more assists on weekends and holidays. Most requests are for directions and for escort service to more remote parts of the old colonial city, but a frequent problem comes when visiting families lose a young child — or two — as parents become distracted shopping. “Mothers can become a bit excited and emotional, you know, when a child has disappeared,” says Luis Hernández, a five-year veteran of the force (but not related to Director Hernández). “It is always satisfying for us to bring the kids back to their parents and see their relief!”

During Holy Week in April, when Antigua overflows with visitors, 16 agents kept up constant patrols with little rest, as other members were ill or traveling. As a result of the service, according to the National Police records, pickpocket reports and other incidents were lower this year than ever before.

The patrol members are unarmed, but carry radios connecting them with the municipal and national police, the volunteer firefighters and with other emergency services. Tourist police are trained in first aid, personal defense and conflict resolution. They have been advised on local and national laws, drug abuse awareness and on human rights. Many have studied some English and phrases in other languages, though volunteer teachers are welcomed to help with more language training.

The focus of the agents is to protect and serve local and international visitors in any way possible, not only in crime prevention but also in their enjoyment of the town. Their office in the municipal building, a few steps north on 4th Avenue from the central square, is open to visitors any time that patrols are on duty.

Two or three Tourist Police agents often stand together at busy intersections, seemingly relaxed but surveying their surroundings with professional eyes for problems. Talk with them and hear the same refrain: “I used to work in construction, but I really enjoy this work with people much more.” “We stopped two pickpockets last weekend, getting them off our streets before they could take a thing.” “The daily hikes with groups to the Hill of the Cross allows our visitors to feel safe, and I’m proud of that.” “An older man collapsed in the heat the other day and I knew just how to revive him.”

Luis Hernández, the five-year veteran who reunites mothers and kids, “a couple of times a month, at least,” says he used to make ceramics, but “I really like to serve people and this is a great way to do that.” “This is a very honest group,” adds Director Hernández, “really devoted to service. I would be very proud if my two-year-old son William grows up to join us. Meanwhile, I hope more businesses and community members might donate to our work — we need and appreciate more help.”

Donations of checks or cash, of time teaching English or other skills for the agents, or of tools such as bicycles, are welcomed at the Tourist Police office, with receipts available from the Municipal Treasury around the corner.