Market Overview

The safety and security market in Mexico over last two years has been an important priority for the Mexican Government (Federal, State and Local), private sector and citizens. The issue is so large that it is difficult to quantify, forecast or clearly measure. The safety and security market in Mexico is complex and involves many sub-sectors, including national security, industrial security (safety), electronic security, security services (personal protection, consulting, etc.), security systems, law enforcement products and services. Nevertheless, it is one of the most dynamic sectors with an estimated average growth of 12.5% in 2006. It is estimated that in 2007 the market grew 18%, an increase of over five points from 2006.

Best Products/Services

Best prospects for products and services in the security and safety sector include:

• Communication systems: the Mexican government is implementing an Integral Crime Prevention Strategy, including the "Criminal Information System" under the Platform Mexico program 
• Portable bomb detectors, armored doors and tracking devices against kidnappers 
• Tactical products such as body armor, helmets, flashlights
• Armored vehicles (commercial and military
• Sprinklers and smoke detectors
• Armored vehicles
• Biometrics
• Satellite tracking systems in commercial vehicles and private cars (GPS and RFID technology)
• Closed caption television systems (CCTV)

Market Opportunities

Personal security products, protection products and high-tech solutions and services have the most significant opportunities due the demand from the governmental and private sectors. In 2007, some products and services reached spectacular growth: 20% for armored vehicles; 25% for CCTV solutions and 18% for electronic security. Some sources indicated that the local demand of security services in Mexico grew 50% during 2007.

Specific opportunities include: 

• Metal and arms detection systems 
• Explosive detection systems 
• Night vision devices 
• Electromagnetic (EM) technology systems; digital technology to filter noise and diminish false alarms

Resources

Some useful resources in this sector include:

American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) Mexico Chapter

Citizen Institute of Insecurity Studies, A.C. (ICESI)

Mexican Institute of Intelligent Building, A.C

National Council of Private Security, A.C.

 National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (INEGI)

 Latin America Security Association (ALAS)