Deaths caused by police interventions increased in at least ten states between 2023 and 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. São Paulo, under the leadership of Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), recorded a surge of at least 48.61% in such cases during the period—the highest among all states. However, this increase could be even greater, as data for December 2024 have not yet been submitted by the state. There were 504 cases in 2023 and 749 from January to November 2024.
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Lack of information
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security under the Lula administration (PT) emphasized that the responsibility for submitting data lies with the Public Security Secretariats of the states and the Federal District. The Ministry works to receive and validate the information electronically in collaboration with the states.
Government of São Paulo
In an official statement, Governor Tarcísio’s administration reiterated that it does not tolerate misconduct and enforces strict measures against those who violate laws or disregard São Paulo police protocols. The statement assured that all cases are investigated and highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce police lethality, including investments in improving police training and resources. In addition to São Paulo, increases in police intervention deaths were also recorded in Minas Gerais, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Maranhão, the Federal District, Pará, Alagoas, Tocantins, and Piauí.
6,028 deaths
At least 6,028 deaths from police interventions were recorded in 2024, compared to 6,392 in 2023. Of the 2024 victims, 5,853 were male, 44 were female, and gender information was unavailable in 131 cases.
Bahia
While Bahia reduced the number of deaths caused by state agents by 8.52%, the state, governed by Jerônimo Rodrigues (PT), still had the highest number of occurrences. In 2024, Bahia recorded 1,557 cases, compared to 1,702 in 2023.
Trend
Despite the increase in deaths from police interventions in several states, the Ministry of Justice’s report highlighted a 6.61% reduction in overall murders in Brazil. The data includes intentional homicides, femicides, murders, and bodily injuries resulting in death. In 2024, 38,075 cases were recorded, compared to 40,768 in 2023.
Regulation of the Use of Force
The federal government is currently discussing measures to improve public security practices, a topic that has created friction with some state governments. One proposal under consideration is an ordinance regulating the use of police force, which establishes that handcuffs and firearm use should only occur in exceptional situations. São Paulo has previously achieved reductions in deaths from police interventions by implementing institutional measures to regulate force, such as mandating body camera usage and offering courses on the use of non-lethal weapons like tasers.
Main challenge
Public security has been one of the most significant challenges of President Lula’s administration. Legislative proposals by the executive branch have faced resistance both in Congress and within the government itself. The Ministry of Justice has introduced at least ten legislative initiatives in response to security problems during Lula’s term. However, all remain stalled, either in Congress or within the executive, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of public security reform in Brazil.
Analysis:
The alarming 48% increase in police intervention deaths in São Paulo between 2023 and 2024 is closely linked to the policies implemented by the state’s Public Security Secretary, Guilherme Derrite. His approach emphasizes aggressive policing tactics, which, while defended by some as essential for combating crime, have raised serious concerns about excessive use of force, accountability gaps, and the deterioration of public trust in law enforcement.
At the federal level, the Ministry of Justice has introduced proposals to regulate police conduct, such as restricting the use of firearms to exceptional circumstances. These measures aim to reduce police lethality and promote accountability. While progress has been slow due to resistance from state governments and Congress, such initiatives are vital for fostering safer and more effective policing. Evidence from São Paulo itself suggests that institutional reforms, such as the implementation of body cameras, have proven effective in reducing police lethality during specific periods.
Despite unveiling public security proposals at high-profile events, the federal government has shown limited commitment to advancing these measures. This reluctance stems from a strategic calculation to avoid political conflicts that could disrupt the progress of its economic agenda.
Sources: A Folha de SP; Agência Brasil; G1; Congresso Em Foco; UOL.