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On Monday (30), the Rio de Janeiro Military Police started to use micro camera on their uniforms. After the 23 deaths during the operation in Vila Cruzeiro by the Special Operations Battalion (BOPE), the use of micro cameras in the uniforms of police officers was once again demanded by human rights organizations, to reduce the police lethality. This measure was planned by the state government and presented to the minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) Edson Fachin, rapporteur of the Favelas ADPF. It is to be noted that members of the BOPE will be the last to be contemplated by the measure. The equipment will be initially available in nine battalions (Botafogo, Méier, São Cristóvão, Tijuca, Olaria, Ilha do Governador, Copacabana, Leblon and Laranjeiras). According to the Secretary of Military Police, Colonel Luiz Henrique Marinho Pires: “The equipment does not come to watch anyone, it does not come to punish anyone. It is a protective device, a guarantee of legality, to prove the excellence of the PM service in the state of Rio de Janeiro”. Control bodies, such as internal affairs, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, may request the images.
Also about the Military Police
Between 1997 and 2011, amnesty was granted to military police officers and firemen for participating in riots in different districts. On Friday (27/05), the STF ruled by eight votes out of three, that granting amnesty by federal law to military police officers and firemen who committed disciplinary infractions by participating in protest movements is unconstitutional. The decision does not have retroactive effect.
