Security perception: fragile balance

With public safety awareness, something similar to what is happening with confidence occurs: it takes months or years to win and seconds to get lost.

This phenomenon is evident in the results of the modern ENSU survey from INEGIWhich measures what is happening in 91 urban areas, combining up to 46.5 million people between the ages of 18.

In long periods, ENSU data appears in general terms, a An interesting relationship between murders and the perception of insecurity.

Between 2015 and 2018, harmful murders grew by 89 %, and at the same time, in March of that year, the perception reached the maximum point with 76.8 % of adults who considered insecurity in their city.

Seven years later, in March 2025, a 15 -point insecurity visualization decreased by 61.9 %, while only 12 % annual murders were reduced, according to data data data. Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System.

Although these long -term trends show the same trend, Cognition is very exposed to short -term factorsNegative personal experiences, media coverage of a violent event or a recovery in highly influential crimes that can unleash sudden deterioration in only weeks.

he Colakan status, CentoThis shows frankly. Just a year ago, 39 % of its population views insecurity; This number today reached 90 %, after the double murders, an increase in genetic crimes such as stealing vehicles and companies, as well as the return of the conflict between criminal groups. The largest leap occurred in only three months, between September and December last year.

This example explains how The perception is not only formed through general statistics, but through local events, media novels and immediate experiences From the population.

On the other side, it is also true Sustainable discounts in serious crimes managed to adjust the perception, although they are doing it slowly and less. Mexico City, for example, saw between 2019 and 2024 a decrease of approximately 40 % in malicious murders, and her visualization of insecurity gradually decreased from 78 % to 58 %. The lesson is clear: progress, to unify the minds of citizens, requires proof, sustainability and real results.

The survey reveals the other nuances that should not be ignored. For example, 67.5 % of women see insecurity compared to 55 % of men. This requires a realistic analysis of the reasons for this difference and how it is effectively present. Security strategies dealing with the specific threats faced by women in public places.

As for cities, extremism in the perception of security reveals: Villahermosa, Tabasco advances 90.6 %, followed by Culiacán (89.7 %)Freshnillo (89.5 %), Uruapan (88.7 %) and IRAPUATO (88.4 %). On the other hand, like cities San Pedro Jarza Garcia, Noyfu Leon (10.4 %) and Penito Khuraz, Mexico City (20.4 %) They record the lowest levels, raising questions about successful strategies that can be repeated in other regions.

You should also confirm this Insu Leave an important part of the country: Rural areas and small sitesWhere the dynamics of insecurity and perception can be completely different, but it is equally crucial for national stability.

Another decisive aspect I revealed Insu that it Confidence in public security companies. The need to strengthen the municipal and state police is not only operational, but also legitimate before citizens return them, and bring them closer to society.

Although improving public security is a major side, it is not sufficient if it is not accompanied by concrete actions to combat crime and reduce criminal indicators. This is the place where the National Security Strategy, presented by the President, is entering. Claudia Shinbom On April 9 to the Senate. While this strategy has a file The coherent model that connects and clarifies strategic axes, goals and indicatorsIt will be valuable Include specific goals Reducing crimes that allow monitoring their effectiveness over time.

These nuances of public security visualize an opportunity to rethink national and local strategies, and to integrate the most specific methods and adapt them to the needs of each society. The key is the balance of concrete procedures with effective communication, and do not forget that Confidence and perception requires time and consistency to monotheism.