The federal government extended the period of operation of the National Force in Rio de Janeiro. The agents will remain in the state until at least February. The operation began on 16 October. The announcement was made on Friday (19) by Justice and Public Security Minister Flávio Dino, who said that the request was from the government of RJ. According to Dino, the National Force will stay until February when the new team from the new Minister, Ricardo Lewandowsky, will be sworn in, and Flávio Dino will become a member of the Federal Supreme Court (STF).
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Arrival in Rio
Activated to contain the escalation of violence in the state of Rio, the National Force has been operating since 16 October. The forecast, according to the Ministry of Justice, is that it was going to remain until January 31, 2024.
In total, 300 agents and 80 National Force vehicles were sent. They support security agents already present in the state, mainly the Federal Highway Police (PRF) on federal highways.
What Is the National Force?
The National Force is a contingent made up of civil and military police, firefighters, and experts from different states. It is activated in emergencies and public calamities to support security agencies. It can be mobilized to contain violence, as occurred in Rio, or reinforce policing in planned events, such as elections and international events.
What Is the Difference Between National Force And GLO?
The National Force is not part of the Armed Forces and is made up of state security agents. It is subordinate to the Ministry of Justice. In the Law-and-Order Guarantee (GLO), those who take part in the operation are soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They report to the Ministry of Defense.
Furthermore, there is also a difference in performance. The National Force in Rio provides support to security agents who are already in the state, such as the Military and civil and Federal Highway police. In the case of the GLO, in turn, the Armed Forces military personnel assume the role of police during the time the operation is in force.
The GLO operation launched to contain violence in Rio is carried out in the state, in São Paulo, and in areas bordering other countries. The idea is to curb drug and weapons trafficking.
Analysis:
Despite the government’s attempts to provide data supporting the deployment of personnel, experts approach the operation cautiously and highlight the potential lack of a lasting impact. This is because the outcomes in the medium- and long-term hinge on additional measures. It is crucial to contemplate the transformation of an operation during a crisis into a sustained public policy. The optimal strategy for long-term success involves directing resources toward strengthening security forces and the Federal Revenue Service.
Source: G1; Folha de São Paulo.
