The number of children and adolescents killed by the police in the state of São Paulo increased by 58% between 2022 and 2023, the first year of the government of Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans). This marks a worrying reversal after successive drops in previous years, as indicated by data from the Public Security Secretariat (SSP). In 2020, 55 victims were recorded, followed by 47 in 2021 and a significant drop to 24 in 2022. However, this decline was reversed in 2023, with an increase to 38 victims.
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Death by Police Intervention
The department’s records reveal a similar scenario in deaths resulting from police intervention (MDIP) in general, without distinction by age group, with a downward trend since 2020 that was reversed last year.
- 2020: 814 deaths
- 2021: 570 deaths
- 2022: 421 deaths
- 2023: 504 deaths
Death of Teenagers
Data from a report by the São Paulo Police Ombudsman, obtained by GloboNews, also reveals an increase in numbers. The document was released on Monday afternoon (06/05). According to the report, the number of teenagers killed by police increased by 41% between 2022 and 2023:
- 2020: 42 deaths
- 2021: 37 deaths
- 2022: 17 deaths
- 2023: 24 deaths
It is important to highlight that the Ombudsman’s numbers are lower than those of the SSP, as they only include cases reported to the body.
Olho Vivo Program
For experts, the reduction in deaths since 2020 is associated with the beginning of the Olho Vivo program, which began to be implemented experimentally that year and was expanded in the following years. The project requires some of the state’s military police officers to use body cameras in their routine policing. However, last year, when Tarcísio took over the government of São Paulo, the program was interrupted.
Operation Shield
The Ombudsman’s report also shows that the 28 deaths from Operation Escudo, which lasted from 28 July 2023 to 6 September 2023, made the coastal cities among those with the most deaths by police in SP. Last year, for the first time in the last four years, the city with the most deaths was Guarujá, followed by Santos and Praia Grande.
Analysis:
It is worrying to note the significant increase in the number of deaths of children, adolescents, and citizens in general due to police intervention in recent years. The data highlights a reversal of the positive trends that had been previously observed. This trend raises questions about the effectiveness of public security policies.
Additionally, the interruption of the “Olho Vivo program”, which has proven effective in reducing deaths since its implementation in 2020, through the use of body cameras by police officers, highlights the importance of using technology to increase transparency and accountability.
Sources: G1.
