The federal government authorized the use of the National Public Security Force to support overt policing and preserve order in Rio Grande do Sul for another 30 days. The measure aims to reinforce security, public order, and preservation of people and property in the state, which has experienced episodes of violence since the floods in the region.
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Governor’s Request
At the beginning of May, the state governor, Eduardo Leite (PSDB), asked for the support of the National Force to the Ministry of Justice (MJ). The objective is for the number of personnel in the state to exceed 400. However, the Public Security Secretariat (SSP) reported that the Ministry of Justice sent only 181 police officers to join this State contingent.
Federal Police
To deal with the situation, in addition to reinforcing the National Force, the federal government also sent Federal Police agents. The contingent to be made available will comply with the planning defined by the Directorate of the National Public Security Force, the National Public Security Secretariat, and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
Security Forces
Since the start of the floods, more than 27,000 members of the State Security Forces (Military Brigade, Civil Police, Military Fire Brigade, and General Institute of Expertise) have been working to ensure the safety of the population. Leite also canceled police holidays and licenses, released over time, and called up reserve soldiers to increase patrols in cities devastated by flooding.
Death in Caxias do Sul
On Thursday (20/06), a police officer was killed during a confrontation with criminals in an attempted robbery in Caxias do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul. The case is another of the scenes of violence witnessed in the state since the tragedy. Caxias do Sul has been a strategic point for the state due to its airport, as Salgado Filho, in Porto Alegre, remains closed.
Other Complaints
Looting, robberies, as well as sexual abuse, are among the complaints recorded in the post-flood period. The lack of structure caused by the destruction also impacts the difficulty of making and formalizing complaints. Despite the damage, the SSP also reported that only seven police stations in the state were affected by the floods.
Analysis:
The federal government’s recent authorization for the use of the National Public Security Force for another 30 days in Rio Grande do Sul highlights the seriousness of the public security situation in the state following the devastating floods. This measure aims to strengthen security, maintain public order, and protect the population and property amid episodes of violence that emerge after natural disasters.
However, the number of available personnel still seems inadequate for the magnitude of the problem. The floods caused a significant collapse in the state’s infrastructure, including the security structure. This damage hampers the ability of security forces to operate effectively and respond promptly to incidents of violence and crime.
The federal and state government’s response, although significant, appears to fall short of real needs in terms of personnel and resources. The situation in Rio Grande do Sul requires a coordinated and integrated approach.
