Fwd: [News Boquete] So you want to bribe your way out of a ticket?

So you want to bribe your way out of a ticket? 

Bribing cops has been a way of life in many if not most countries in the world ever since cops were invented. However, the elimination of corruption in daily life is a hallmark of societies that are lifting themselves into the modern world. So it is with Panama.

One of the reasons why bribery is so hard to stop is that the officers never ask for money directly - and when you offer it to them YOU are also guilty of a crime. They may accept it, but have little fear that you will report the incident. Now the situation is turning around in Panama. Police officers have been given across the board salary increases and as we all notice, new and better equipment and support. While some still might be in the market for a bribe, others are proud of their professionalism and could land YOU in jail for offering.

Last week two different expat couples were traveling the Interamericana in the vicinity of Divisa, where the road to Pedasi splits off. An officer pulled them over, according to him, to give them a warning about something they were doing wrong. During the "explanation" the expats offered the officer a $20 bill, whereupon the officer became extremely insulted. They were informed that they were under arrest, their car was impounded and they were hauled off to the corrigidora. Many hours later and after paying fines of $150, they were allowed to move on, now with an attempted bribery conviction on their driving record. 

Let's face it - $150 is a lot more than most of the petty traffic fines. When a cop pulls you over, if their intent is really just to give you a ticket, they should do it promptly and with minimum effort. If the lecture becomes extended and/or threatening (huge fines, impounded cars, etc.) he may be looking for a bribe, or he may be setting you up for a more lucrative bribery arrest, if you offer.  To protect yourself you need to immediately call the Boquete Hot Line, explain the situation to the operator and hand the phone to the police officer. Your Hot Line operator is trained to deal with this situation and with a third party involved, his bribery issue will be moot (whether he was looking for a bribe or setting you up) and most likely the situation will be resolved in a more benign way. 

Many of our friends are proud of how they have bribed their way out of traffic tickets. The game just got a whole lot more dangerous…

Your Boquete Hot Line works for you wherever you are in Panama and is supported by your contributions.

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