The number of operations by Rio’s elite Military Police (PM) fell by 29% after the implementation of body cameras. Data forwarded by the Military Police to the Rio de Janeiro Public Ministry (MPRJ) shows that, in the first five months of 2024, there was a 29% reduction in the operations of the PM’s elite troops compared to the same period last year.
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Special Battalions
The numbers refer to forces subordinate to the Special Operations Command (COE), such as the Special Operations Battalion (Bope), which participated in the operation carried out in Complexo da Maré on Tuesday (11). Between one sampling period and another, these units started using portable operational cameras (COPs) attached to their uniforms on 8 January.
Impact of Cameras
Experts agree that the cameras may have influenced the number of operations but warn that police effectiveness data needs to be monitored. The Military Police denies the relationship between the use of COPs and the number of actions, emphasizing that it plans operations based on strategic analysis.
Numbers
The data shows that, since the beginning of the year, May was the only month in which there was an increase in operations by elite units: growth was 19% compared to the same period in 2023. In April, when there was a change of command in the corporation — Colonel Luiz Henrique Marinho Pires was replaced by Colonel Marcelo de Menezes —, the reduction was of 54% compared to the same month in the previous year.
Increase in Arrests
Deaths in actions also decreased, following a trend throughout the corporation recorded this year. In COE units, the reduction in suspects killed and injured in operations during March this year and the previous one was 92%. While firearm seizures fell by about half. The quantity of drugs seized fluctuated: it was 4% lower this year, but there was an increase in the seizure of cocaine (223%) and crack (140%).
Operation in Maré
On Tuesday (11), the Military Police carried out an operation in Complexo da Maré, in the North Zone of Rio. The action aimed to combat a car robbery gang. Four suspects and a BOPE police officer died, and two police officers were also injured.
Analysis:
Since the implementation of body cameras by the Rio de Janeiro Military Police (PM), there has been a 29% reduction in operations by elite troops in the first five months of 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year. This drop is attributed, in part, to the influence of cameras, which increase the transparency and accountability of police officers during operations, the presence of cameras may have led to a more cautious and judicious approach on the part of police officers, who are now monitored closely.
However, the recent operation in Complexo da Maré, which resulted in deaths, including that of a BOPE police officer, highlights the persistence of challenges faced by security forces.
