The Supreme Federal Court (STF) began the trial of the lawsuit known as “ADPF das Favelas” on Wednesday (05/02), which discusses regulations for police operations in communities in Rio de Janeiro. On the eve of the trial’s resumption, the City of Rio submitted a petition to the Supreme Court, stating that criminal territorial dominance in the capital had increased during the enforcement of the ADPF. The document highlights that the 16th AISP region recorded the highest number of barricade reports—structures erected by drug traffickers to obstruct police access—between 2019 and 2024.
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16th AISP
According to data from Disque Denúncia, the 16th AISP had the highest number of barricade reports, totaling 1,978 cases. This region includes the neighborhoods of Brás de Pina, Olaria, Penha, Penha Circular, Cordovil, Jardim América, Parada de Lucas, and Vigário Geral. It is also home to the Israel Complex, which encompasses the Vigário Geral, Parada de Lucas, Cinco Bocas, Pica-Pau, and Cidade Alta communities. The criminal Álvaro Malaquias Santa Rosa, known as Peixão, controls this area.
Other Regions
The 41st AISP ranked second, with 1,613 reports of barricades. This area includes the neighborhoods of Acari, Anchieta, Barros Filho, Colégio, Costa Barros, Guadalupe, Irajá, Parque Anchieta, Parque Colúmbia, Pavuna, Ricardo de Albuquerque, Vicente de Carvalho, Vila Kosmos, Vila da Penha, and Vista Alegre.
What is the ADPF?
On Wednesday (05/02), the STF resumed the trial of the Claim of Noncompliance with Fundamental Precept (ADPF) 635, known as ADPF das Favelas, which has been under review for five years and has significantly impacted public security in Rio. This measure led to several judicial decisions, including mandatory body cameras for police, the installation of cameras in patrol cars, and the requirement to notify the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Health and Education authorities in advance of police operations. These measures are aimed at protecting schools from shootouts and ensuring medical assistance to residents.
Expansion of the Red Command
Opponents of the ADPF argue that its restrictions on police operations enabled the expansion of criminal control over territories in Rio de Janeiro. The Civil Police submitted an official report to the National Justice Council (CNJ) linking the growth of the Red Command (CV) to the ADPF restrictions. According to the report, following the implementation of ADPF 635, which curtailed police action, there was a notable increase in territorial disputes, allowing the CV to strengthen its influence and expand its territorial dominance.
Resort for Delinquents
In a video posted on social media, the Mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, claimed that there is growing concern that the city has become a “resort for delinquents.” A 2023 report by O GLOBO revealed that at least 101 criminals from other states were hiding in Rio, including high-ranking members of the CV from Pará.
Police Lethality
Supporters of the ADPF highlight the decline in police lethality since 2019 as a key argument in its favor. In 2019, the state of Rio recorded 1,814 deaths from police interventions, whereas by 2024, this number had dropped to 699. A study conducted by the Rio Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPRJ), submitted to the STF as part of the ADPF, indicates that between 2021 and 2024, police operations increased while police lethality decreased.
Analysis:
The resumption of the ADPF das Favelas trial by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) has reignited debate over the impact of restrictions on police operations in Rio de Janeiro. Municipal authorities and law enforcement argue that limiting police raids has facilitated the territorial expansion of organized crime, particularly Red Command (CV). Data from the city government and Civil Police show a rise in barricades blocking security forces, suggesting a strengthening of criminal factions in key areas.
However, it is crucial to consider the intended objectives of ADPF 635. The measure introduced guidelines to increase police accountability, aiming to reduce abuses and improve transparency. Mandatory body cameras and the requirement to notify public agencies before operations were designed to minimize civilian casualties and ensure greater oversight of law enforcement actions.
The claim that Rio has become a “resort for delinquents,” as stated by the mayor, reflects local frustration with public security challenges. However, the presence of fugitive criminals from other states is not a new phenomenon. It results from broader issues, including drug trafficking fragmentation and weak interstate cooperation in combating organized crime.
