A total of 32 police officials in Caracuaro in western Michoacan state decided to flee fearing they and their family members would be targeted by drug gangs, the state's public safety secretariat said.
Caracuaro is home to just over 10,000 people.
None of the 32 policemen has formally resigned, and if they do not show up for work within the legally specified time-frame, they will be dismissed, a state government spokesperson said.
Authorities have now requested the deployment of army personnel in the town.
Drug-related violence has previously led to the desertion of police forces in the towns of Tiquicheo, Tancitaro and Tuzantla.
Published 27 November 2011, 10:43 IST