The recently installed Justice and Public Security Minister Ricardo Lewandowski inherited from his predecessor, Flávio Dino, a portfolio with weapons control policy still being prepared and with the Federal Police lacking the structure to receive Collectors, Sport Shooters and Hunters (CACs).
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Additionally, the new administration arrives with a promise that was not fulfilled by the previous one: the repurchase of weapons. The program is provided for in the new weapons decree and is intended to encourage the population to voluntarily hand over their weapons in exchange for financial compensation.
Responsibility of the Federal Police
According to the federal government’s schedule, responsibility for CACs, shooting clubs, and weapons stores will fall entirely on the Federal Police from 1 January 2025. Currently, the responsibility lies with the Army.
The change was determined based on the understanding that the military failed to monitor and that there would be more control in the Federal Police.
Advancement in Control
Experts assess that the federal government has made progress in arms control. In 2023, compared to the previous year, the PF recorded a 76% decrease in authorizations for the acquisition of weapons intended for personal defense.
In the Army, there was a 60% reduction in weapons grants to CACs in the same period. The Armed Forces clarified, through a note, that requests released in 2023 correspond to requests from 2022.
New Minister
Lewandowski’s assistants told Folha de São Paulo that the new head of Justice committed to his predecessor to continue the initiatives implemented so far by the Lula government. They consider, however, that there will still be an assessment of the feasibility of the repurchase for this year, including in light of the budget restrictions imposed on the Executive.
4% Drop
The 4% drop in intentional lethal violent crimes in Brazil in 2023 compared to the previous year can be attributed to several factors, including the regional policies adopted to combat violence, appeasement of the conflict between criminal factions, which are organizing better and reducing disputes, in addition to demographic issues.
Disarm
Currently, the Disarm program is in force, an initiative by the Justice and Public Security Ministry that rewards those who voluntarily hand over weapons with up to R$450. In 2023, the program recorded the delivery of 9,561 weapons, the lowest rate in the historical series since 2011.
Analysis:
In the Lula government, we observed a more responsible approach aligned with the Brazilian reality concerning arms control policy. This is reflected in the rates of armed violence and the activities of organized crime, where implemented measures have shown positive results. However, it is crucial to recognize that there is still room for progress, especially when it comes to removing new weapons from circulation.
Although it was promised by Flávio Dino, the weapons buyback program has not yet been implemented. The effectiveness of this program will depend on the definition of attractive values, encouraging people to voluntarily hand over new and more powerful weapons, such as rifles and pistols. This approach aims to prevent such weapons from ending up on the illegal market.
It is important to highlight that, contrary to what former minister Flávio Dino stated, it would be premature to conclude that current government policy has already generated a significant impact on the reduction of intentional lethal violent crimes, such as homicides. This is due to the presence of several factors that influence homicide numbers, including the actions of criminal factions, and demographic, social, and economic aspects.
Source: Folha de São Paulo
