The number of people killed by military police officers on duty in the state of São Paulo skyrocketed in the first quarter of this year, according to official data from the Tarcísio de Freitas (Republican) administration. There were 179 cases in the first three months of 2024, compared to 75 in the same period last year — a growth of 138%. The numbers were released on Monday (29/04) by the Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP). Furthermore, police chiefs and experts reacted to the Tarcísio government’s measure that authorized military police officers in São Paulo to carry out investigative activities.
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Operation Summer
It is the highest number of deaths in PM actions in the state since 2020 when there were 218 victims. In 2022, there were 74 cases. A possible explanation for the explosion of deaths after two years of cases at a lower level is Operation Summer, carried out by the PM in Baixada Santista and which ended on 1 April with a total of 56 deaths.
Detailed Military Police Term
The Tarcísio de Freitas government (Republicanos-SP) authorized military police officers from the state of São Paulo to carry out investigative activities. Authorization was given through a Detailed Military Police Term (TC/PM), which works as a record for occurrences considered to have less offensive potential.
Changes
In the document, the São Paulo government establishes reforms in battalions and provides training for agents. With authorization, military police would, for example, begin to seize evidence, carry out investigations, and request exams. It turns out that this type of investigation is traditionally carried out by the Civil Police. Tarcísio’s decision has already had practical effects. Recently, operations carried out against the First Command of the Capital (PCC) did not include the participation of the state’s Civil Police. One example is Operation Fim da Linha, which arrested people linked to bus companies in the state, on suspicion of links to the criminal organization. The action was carried out by the Public Ministry and had the assistance of military personnel and Revenue agents.
What the Civil Police Say
Civil Police representatives claim that the measure could represent a usurpation of their functions. The category association promises action against the change. The president of the Association of Police Chiefs of the State of São Paulo (Adpesp), André Santos Pereira, classified the action as illegal.
Deaths in Operations with the Secretary of Security
São Paulo Secretary of Security, Guilherme Derrite, was investigated concerning 16 homicides that occurred during police operations in which he was involved, according to a report in Piauí magazine. Over 3 years and 9 months. In one of these operations, six deaths occurred, in addition to three military police officers arrested for torture and murder. It cannot be said that Derrite was the direct author of the deaths since investigations do not always identify the person responsible for the fatal shot. However, documents reveal a pattern in the dynamics of homicides: victims, who generally have a history of crimes such as robbery or drug use, always shoot at police officers, but never hit them, while police shots often hit vital organs. Furthermore, the absence of civilian witnesses in the reported incidents is notable.
Analysis:
The discussion about the role of the Military Police in preparing the Detailed Term has generated disagreements among experts. While some claim that the Federal Supreme Court (STF) has already ruled on the absence of unconstitutionality in this regard, others argue that the PM, being an ostensible police force, should not play this role, which would be the responsibility of the Civil Police, responsible for the investigation.
The issue becomes even more relevant given the alarming scenario in São Paulo, where homicides have shown a significant increase, breaking with a previously observed downward trend. This raises questions about the policing model adopted and the effectiveness of public security policies in the state. Experts criticize the lack of command in the São Paulo police, pointing to the need for a more comprehensive security policy, which is not restricted only to material and logistical support and salary adjustments for police officers. There must be a clear definition of command and control, in addition to a public policy that ensures not only operational efficiency but also respect for human rights and guaranteeing the safety of the population.
Source: Folha de São Paulo; Carta Capital [1] [2]; CNN; O Globo.
