Mexico and Ecuador enact new police reform laws

Mexico approved a reform to the General Law of the National Public Security System that prevents police officers who have been sanctioned from transferring to another municipality. The amendment, effective July 25 2025, requires municipal police corporations to maintain a single electronic file documenting each officer’s career, including evaluations, promotions, recognitions, disciplinary actions and other incidents. The reform also separates the functions of the existing Honor and Justice Directorate, creating a dedicated Police Development and Disciplinary Directorate.

Ecuador enacted a law criminalizing the unauthorized use of police and military uniforms, insignia and identification devices. Effective July 1 2026, the statute imposes prison terms of one to three years for simple misuse and five to seven years when the items are used to simulate official operations or facilitate crimes such as robbery, kidnapping or extortion. The measure responds to a rise in impersonation by criminal groups and aims to bolster public confidence in security forces.