Secretary of Public Security Guilherme Derrite (PP), a declared candidate for the Senate, is expected to leave the Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) administration by the end of the year. The governor and the secretary have already negotiated his departure. Derrite will return to his position as a federal deputy, from which he is currently on leave. On social media, he published a video criticizing certain sectors of the Brazilian press and confirming his intention to step down. Some reports indicate that the governor is dissatisfied with his performance as head of the department, but Tarcísio denied this.
This Content Is Only For Subscribers
To unlock this content, subscribe to INTERLIRA Reports.
Wear and Tear During His Administration
Addressing the wear and tear faced during his time in office, Derrite emphasized that the state has recorded the lowest homicide and robbery rates in its history—an achievement he frames as progress for the department. He also claims that São Paulo now has a solid and well-structured public security policy focused on effectively combating organized crime.
Statistics
Derrite’s tenure has been marked by incidents of police violence and controversial public statements, which generated discomfort within the administration, particularly in late 2024. Since he assumed office in January 2023, the number of homicides in the state has dropped from 2,909 in 2022 to 2,517 in 2024. Robberies also decreased (from 242,991 in 2022 to 193,714 in 2024), as did bank robberies (from 178 to 166). However, there was an increase in reported rape cases (from 13,240 to 14,579) and in people killed by on-duty police officers (from 256 in 2022 to 649 in 2024). These figures are from the state’s Public Security Department.
Candidate for the Position
Marcello Streifinger, 58, is the leading candidate to succeed Guilherme Derrite as Secretary of Public Security (SSP). He publicly advocates for improving the reintegration of prisoners into society, along with other measures aligned with the humanization of the prison system. Since early 2023, he has headed the Penitentiary Administration Secretariat (SAP). However, his tenure has included several disputes with prison officers, and he has faced at least one lawsuit for abuse of authority under Governor Tarcísio de Freitas. While the current Security Secretary promotes a zero-tolerance policy toward crime, Streifinger has emphasized expanding work and education opportunities for inmates. His potential appointment would therefore signal a shift in Tarcísio’s security policy.
Analysis:
The expected departure of Secretary Guilherme Derrite from São Paulo’s Public Security Department comes at a politically sensitive moment. While the administration claims historic reductions in homicides and robberies, the increase in police killings and sexual violence reports suggests a complex and uneven security landscape. Derrite’s emphasis on aggressive policing and public messaging often clashed with broader institutional efforts to maintain balance and legitimacy in law enforcement. His controversial approach, while producing some positive crime indicators, has also contributed to reputational wear and internal discomfort within the Tarcísio government.
If Marcello Streifinger is confirmed as Derrite’s successor, his appointment would represent a significant shift in public security policy. Streifinger’s focus on rehabilitation, prisoner reintegration, and systemic humanization contrasts with Derrite’s zero-tolerance rhetoric. This move could reflect the governor’s interest in recalibrating the state’s strategy to reduce institutional tension and build a longer-term framework for crime prevention. However, it may also generate resistance from security personnel accustomed to more punitive measures.
Sources: A Folha de SP [1], [2], [3]; CNN Brasil; O Globo [1], [2]; Terra.
