In SP, deaths committed by PMs on duty increase by 37% in 2023, says MP

The number of deaths committed by São Paulo military police officers on duty increased by 37% in 2023, in the first year of the Tarcísio de Freitas (Republican) government, according to the state Public Ministry (MP-SP).

According to data from the Special Action Group for Public Security and External Control of Police Activity, of the MP-SP, there were 333 deaths caused by military police officers on duty until December 17th of last year. In 2022, in the same period, there were 243 cases of deaths caused by military police officers on duty.

The increase comes a year after the state recorded the lowest number of deaths committed by PMs on duty in history, in 2022, after the implementation of cameras in uniforms.

The Olho Vivo project began in 2021 and, for 2023, the forecast was that R$152 million would be invested in the system that monitors the work of police officers in real time.

However, the committed amount – that is, the money that was actually used in the program – ended up being significantly lower. According to budget execution monitoring available on the Finance Department website, the value was just under R$95.2 million, which represents a 37% reduction in relation to the initially stipulated value.

In a note on the camera budget, the government of São Paulo stated that it plans to increase investments in technology and monitoring in 2024, integrating solutions and ensuring greater protection for citizens.

“The body camera program continues, with active maintenance contracts included in this year’s budget. The PM has 10,125 portable operational cameras (COPs) in use, covering 52% of the State's police units. 400 pieces of equipment are used in the 1st and 2nd Traffic Battalions of the Capital and the tender is underway to purchase 3,000 readers that will be attached to the vehicles, as well as the system that allows the equipment to operate. These cameras will be able, for example, to identify stolen vehicles”, he adds.

However, the Public Security Secretariat (SSP) confirmed that, in the 2024 budget, there is no plan to purchase more cameras.

Regarding the increase in police lethality, the SSP stated that it permanently invests in the training of security forces and in public policies to reduce deaths in confrontations, with the improvement of courses and the acquisition of equipment with less offensive potential, among other actions aimed at personnel .

“A Mitigation and Non-Compliance Commission analyzes all occurrences of deaths due to police intervention and is dedicated to adjusting procedures and reviewing training”, he states.