The Supreme Federal Court (STF) began deliberations on Wednesday (12/11) on the Claim of Noncompliance with Fundamental Precept (ADPF) 635, commonly known as the “ADPF das Favelas.” This measure has been under consideration for five years, and some of its impacts on public safety in the State of Rio de Janeiro have been felt since 2020, thanks to single-judge rulings mandating the use of body cameras on police uniforms and in patrol vehicles. These rulings also require advance notice of operations to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio and health and education authorities to safeguard schools from crossfire and ensure access to medical care for residents.
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State Government Criticism
Amid criticism from the state government, the STF is likely to uphold the measures implemented thus far to reduce fatalities during police operations in favelas. According to confidential interviews with three STF justices and two aides conducted by O Globo, there is strong support for either the full or partial continuation of Minister Edson Fachin’s injunctions, which were confirmed by the court in 2022.
Controversy
The controversy over the ADPF das Favelas began in 2020, when the first precautionary decision restricted police operations in Rio’s favelas during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them only in exceptional cases with state justification. This decision came in June 2020, just weeks after a police operation left 13 dead in Complexo do Alemão, in Rio’s North Zone. Some perceived the restriction as a “green light” for crime; however, a study by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio (MPRJ), submitted to the STF as part of the ADPF, contradicts this view. According to the study, “between 2021 and 2024, the number of operations increased while lethality decreased.”
Fewer Deaths
Data from the Public Security Institute (ISP) show that in the first four months of 2019, Rio recorded 560 deaths from state interventions. In 2024, the number for the same period dropped to 205. The study further indicates that between June and September 2020, following the initial ruling, 142 police operations were conducted in favelas, resulting in 191 deaths. From January to September 2024, there was a 24% reduction in deaths compared to the same period in 2023, with 555 fatalities recorded in 2024, comparable to 2015 levels, down from 727 in 2023.
Police Lethality
Despite an increase in operations and a decrease in deaths, the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP) states that police lethality in Rio remains high, exceeding the national average. In 2023, Rio’s rate of deaths in police confrontations was 5.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the national average was 1.8 per 100,000. However, since the ADPF measures were implemented, lethality has declined significantly. In 2019, there were 1,814 deaths from police interventions (MDIPs) in the state, compared to 871 in 2023—a 52% reduction.
Analysis:
The “ADPF das Favelas” deliberations in the Supreme Federal Court (STF) highlight the complex dynamics of public security in Rio de Janeiro, especially in the context of police operations in favelas. While the court’s measures, such as mandating body cameras and limiting operations, have sparked debate, they are rooted to reduce police lethality and improve accountability. The data underscores some positive outcomes, with a noticeable drop in the number of deaths during police interventions since the measures began. This shift indicates that increased oversight may not necessarily hinder police effectiveness but rather promote a more balanced approach to public security that prioritizes human life.
However, the situation also reveals persistent challenges. While police lethality has declined, Rio’s rates remain above the national average, suggesting that broader structural reforms are needed. Effective crime reduction in Rio requires comprehensive strategies, integrating technological tools, improved police training, and better community engagement. Addressing public safety in such a complex environment demands a dual focus: empowering police with adequate resources and guidance to act responsibly while ensuring that the rights and safety of residents in high-risk areas are not compromised.
Sources: O Globo.
