Mexico creates the first all-female police force in Acapulco.

Acapulco's all-female police force in Mexico is called the Tourist Assistance Brigade. According to Latina, Acapulco's police officials launched the group for tourism, despite the area's notoriety for high crime rates and the existence of gangs.

The group was formed in October last year and is comprised of 42 women who are at least 18 years old and up to 28 years only. Their jobs include traffic and tourist assistance, patrolling and detaining criminals. Their monthly wage is equivalent to approximately $400.

The Acapulco Police Chief Manuel Flores is reportedly the proud creator of the force. According to Daily Mail, the group is made up of the sexiest women and those who apply need only to be "young, female and pretty."

He justifies the official criteria by saying that the Tourist Assistance Brigade is also meant to entice tourists to visit Acapulco.

"Tourism makes up 80 per cent of the local economy, and visitors number have dropped since the local gang wars began," Flores told the outlet. "We had to think of a way to inspire confidence in the tourists, and our new faces on the street are not only responsible but very eye-catching."

Flores apparently personally interviewed every one of those who applied.

"I interviewed every applicant personally. Our studies showed that young females are the least corruptible of all new recruits," he said. "Much of our municipal police force is very corrupt, so we are attempting to bring in as many trustworthy officials as possible."

All 42 female police officers have undergone a three-month training program with the country's Federal Forces. The women are knowledgeable in CPR, crowd control and how to defend themselves. They are also physically fit.

Acapulco's crime rate has increased over the years. There is an ongoing drug war among organized crime gangs and the police force. The tourism industry has been affected greatly by the murders and gang violence.

Lieutenant Lorenzo Leal, the duty officer of the Tourist Assistance Brigade, says that the women police force has been greatly welcomed by the locals, especially those who have had negative experiences with the authorities in the past.

Acapulco mayor Evodio Vasquez and state governor Hector Astudillo are very supportive of the all-female force. In January 2016, the mayor personally made the public announcement that the group is considered permanent after it passed the trial month last December.

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