Mexican law enforcement operations are organized at two major levels: the Federal and State. High school education is required for entry into the Federal police. Commanders are often college graduates who have also trained at the police academy and held lower positions. Municipal police officers do not need to meet standardized educational requirements beyond basic education. In the United Sates, issues of citizen and officer injury, civil and criminal liability, and corruption have led to calls for increased professionalism. The issue of increased professionalism in policing is currently a major concern in Mexico. The rebel uprisings, assassinations of major political figures, and media reports of alleged police brutality do not convey the image of a country on the verge of making tremendous economic, social, or political advances. Although higher education is an increasing trend among Mexican police in higher ranks, the rank and file officers in Tampico are not highly educated and are substantially below the comparison group in Brownsville. Photographs, notes, and 16 references