As he prepares to assume the presidency of the National Front of Mayors (FNP), Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes (PSD) has introduced a Municipal Public Security Force project, aiming to position Rio as a leader in urban crime prevention. By 2028, 4,200 armed officers are expected to be deployed across the city to tackle street robberies, vehicle thefts, and cell phone thefts. The initiative seeks to relieve the Military Police from lower-priority duties, allowing them to focus on more complex security operations. Vice Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere (PSD), Paes’ likely successor, has been entrusted with developing and leading the project.
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Brazilians’ Biggest Concern
Public security remains the top concern among Brazilians, according to recent surveys. Paes aims to leave a lasting legacy by addressing this issue at the municipal level. The Municipal Security Force will focus on crime prevention, while the unarmed Municipal Guard will continue to handle public order, traffic regulation, and security at major events.
Costs and Structure
The forecast is that 4,200 agents will be hired by 2028, with a focus on preventing robberies and thefts. The agents will receive a monthly salary of R$13,300, twice the average salary of the Municipal Guard. Their six-month training includes a R$2,000 monthly stipend before deployment. Recruitment will be through temporary administrative contracts, renewed annually for up to six years, with no permanent employment ties. The program aims to recruit military personnel from the Reserve Officers Training Center (CPOR). Officers will collect and return their weapons daily at a designated base. The force will also include 35 municipal public security managers, earning R$19,400 per month.
Vice Mayor Leading the Initiative
Vice Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere played a central role in drafting the bill, reinforcing his position as Paes’ potential successor should the mayor run for state governor in 2025. The project aligns with Paes’ broader agenda at the FNP, advocating for a greater role for cities in public security policies.
Crime Hotspots and Data
According to city data, just 1.3% of Rio’s territory accounts for 25% of street robberies and thefts, while 50% of the territory sees only 5.3% of such crimes. The highest crime rates are concentrated in Downtown/Lapa (9.3%) and the Copacabana coastline (5.6%). In 2024, cell phone thefts surged by 40% compared to 2023, while vehicle thefts increased by 38.9%.
Restructuring of the Municipal Guard
With the creation of the Municipal Security Force, Paes has abandoned his earlier plan to arm a division of the Municipal Guard. Instead, he envisions restructuring the Guard to focus on specialized duties such as Safe BRT, patrolling parks and public spaces, and traffic enforcement—none of which require the use of firearms. Additionally, the Praia Segura program, yet to be implemented, will be part of this restructuring.
No Body Cameras
The text foresees that the Security Force will be a specialized service within the structure of the Municipal Guard. According to Vice Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere (PSD), there is no provision in the project that the agents will have to use body cameras. Since ADPF 635, all military police officers are required to use the equipment.
Analysis:
The proposal to establish a Municipal Public Security Force in Rio de Janeiro marks a significant shift in urban crime prevention strategies. By deploying 4,200 armed officers to combat street robberies, vehicle thefts, and cell phone thefts, the initiative aims to relieve the Military Police of lower-priority duties, allowing them to focus on more complex operations. This approach aligns with global trends where municipal forces complement state and federal security efforts, but its effectiveness will hinge on proper implementation, training, and oversight. However, the recruitment model, based on temporary contracts renewed annually for up to six years, raises concerns about continuity, institutional stability, and long-term efficiency in crime prevention.
Additionally, the lack of body cameras could undermine transparency and accountability. In an era where public oversight of law enforcement is increasingly demanded, the absence of this technology might lead to public distrust and legal challenges. Ultimately, the success of the Municipal Public Security Force will depend on its ability to integrate effectively with existing law enforcement structures while addressing key security concerns. If properly executed and managed, the initiative could serve as a model for municipal-level crime prevention across Brazil.
Sources: O Globo [1], [2], [3]; A Folha de SP.
