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Tijuana's police chief resigns

Tijuana's Municipal police chief resigned today after a year and a half in service. The city's top law enforcement official says he's stepping down to persue a possible position within the Institution

Tijuana's Municipal police chief resigned today after a year and a half in service. The city's top law enforcement official says he's stepping down to persue a possible position within the Institutional Revolutionary Party political party. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Ernesto Santillana's resignation comes amidst widespread skepticism in Tijuana regarding the current administration's ability to control crime in the city.

When he was elected, Tijuana Mayor Jorge Hank promised his hand would not tremble in the face of crime. He invited Santillana to come from Mexico City to be his police chief.

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Victor Clark, who studies crime in Tijuana, says Santillana's outsider status made things difficult for him from the get-go.

He says it caused rancor within the force and many complained Santillana was unfamiliar with Tijuana's needs.

During Santillana's time Tijuana's murder rate soared to record highs. Though, Santillana did help modernize the force with training, new trucks and security cameras. Amy Isackson, KPBS news.