PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – In a commendable initiative to promote inclusion and understanding of diversity, the Puerto Vallarta Police have completed the first stage of their training program focused on LGBTQ+ issues.
The training took place over three intense months, from May 18 to August 16, with a total of 10 sessions. 250 officers from various divisions of the corporation, including operational, tactical, tourism, crime prevention, and protection, participated in the training.
Leading the training was Ismael Rossi, a psychologist specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, with a background in psychoanalytic and Gestalt approaches. Rossi’s extensive experience in mental health and advocacy for sexual diversity and human rights, especially through his work at the Vallarta Gay Clinic, has made him a prominent figure in the field.
Rossi expressed the importance of training and emphasized the officers’ willingness and commitment to apply their learning in their daily work. “It is essential that those in charge of maintaining order and security in our city are fully informed and sensitized about diversity and human rights,” Rossi said.
Víctor Espíndola, the coordinator of the initiative with a long history of advocating for the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community, highlighted the impact of the training. “Puerto Vallarta has taken a significant step towards consolidation as an emblematic city in inclusion. These trainings not only benefit the community directly but reinforce the police’s commitment to understanding and respecting diversity,” said Espíndola.
Among the key findings from the sessions, the need to update police action protocols to consider categories such as sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression was identified. Espíndola noted the importance of providing legal support for officers against possible accusations related to alleged human rights violations and emphasized the need for information campaigns for citizens on the application of human rights in the security sector.
Citizen Security Commissioner Rigoberto Flores Parra, who supported the establishment of this training project, acknowledged the significance of ongoing training. “Constant training is the pillar of a corporation that adapts to the current needs of our society. I am convinced that this is the correct path, and I thank Rossi and Espíndola for guiding us in this process,” he said.
In light of the positive outcomes of the training, the Movement for Equality in Mexico (MOVii) plans to continue these efforts, further solidifying Puerto Vallarta’s commitment to inclusion and respect for diversity.
