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Business and community leaders gathered Monday at the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center for the introduction of Zona Safe, a new initiative aimed at improving safety and fostering stronger collaboration between police, local businesses and the LGBTQ+ community in Puerto Vallarta.
The program was presented by Poncho Davalos during a meeting held at the center, with Commandant José Daniel of the Puerto Vallarta Police Department in attendance. Daniel oversees 120 officers assigned to patrol the popular Zona Romántica neighborhood, a hub of LGBTQ+ tourism and nightlife.
The Zona Safe initiative, spearheaded by the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center (VGCC), aims to increase safety in public spaces — particularly at night — through a combination of community involvement, police cooperation and technology.
“Cooperation is key,” said Don Pickens, president of the VGCC. “It’s going to take time, and things won’t change overnight, but we are committed to building a safer environment for everyone.”
A key component of the initiative is the launch of a WhatsApp group, which will allow local businesses and community members to report emergencies, incidents of police harassment or suspicious behavior in real time. The group will be monitored by Daniel and his leadership team responsible for the Zona Romántica patrols.
Similar WhatsApp-based networks have been implemented successfully in other neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, officials said.
Eventually, the program will expand to include a volunteer “Q Patrol,” a community-led visibility effort to ensure the presence of allies and trained responders during peak hours.
Participating businesses will be identified with visible signage such as flags or bandanas, signaling they are safe spaces ready to assist anyone in need. Further reporting tools will be available through a dedicated website for Zona Safe.
The initiative will be formally introduced to the public during Vallarta Pride Week at an upcoming press conference, where more details will be shared.
Pickens praised Commandant Daniel for his continued support of the LGBTQ+ community, noting a recent action in which the commander reassigned a female officer after multiple complaints that she had harassed LGBTQ+ tourists.
“Having leadership like Commandant Daniel willing to listen and respond to our concerns makes a huge difference,” Pickens said.
Zona Safe’s mission is to unify the LGBTQ+ community, local businesses and public safety officials in promoting respect, accountability and a sense of shared responsibility throughout the Zona Romántica.
“This is about prevention, presence and partnership,” said Davalos. “With everyone working together, we can make Puerto Vallarta a safer, more welcoming place for all.”
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