Outdated Policing Strategies in Brazil Continue to Produce the Same Outcomes

Killings by police in the state of São Paulo, Brazil have seen a sharp increase in the first two months of 2024, with a 94% rise in deaths at the hands of the police compared to the previous year. The police claim that these killings are in self-defense, especially in response to the deaths of two members of a military police special unit in the Baixada Santista area, which is known for criminal activity related to drug trafficking. These operations, known as Operation Shield and Operation Summer, are aimed at controlling gangs in the region but have been criticized for the excessive use of force and alleged police misconduct.

Despite the government’s claims that these operations are targeting perpetrators of attacks on police officers, there have been reports of extrajudicial executions, torture, and other violations of human rights by the police. Civil society groups and the police ombudsman have accused the police of taking bodies of victims from the scene to avoid proper forensic examination, further raising concerns about the conduct of the security forces. This pattern of violence and misconduct during law enforcement operations has intensified allegations of abuse and misconduct in São Paulo.

The use of militarized tactics by the police in response to criminal activity has a long history in Brazil but has not been successful in curbing organized crime. Experts argue that relying solely on violence and confrontational tactics only escalates the situation and leads to further violence. Instead, they advocate for a more holistic approach that addresses the root causes of crime and reduces the economic power of criminal groups through intelligence work and other strategies. The current approach of using force and violence is counterproductive and is likely to increase the risks for both police officers and civilians in the long run.

The operations in the Baixada Santista area are particularly concerning due to the strategic location of the region for criminal groups like the First Capital Command (PCC), who use the proximity to the Port of Santos for drug trafficking activities. The continuous support for these operations from the state government officials indicates an official endorsement of these repressive tactics, despite the growing criticism and evidence of misconduct by the police. The escalation of violence and extrajudicial killings only serve to perpetuate a cycle of violence and retaliation, rather than addressing the underlying issues that contribute to crime and insecurity in the region.

In conclusion, the surge in killings by police in São Paulo highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing crime and violence in Brazil. The reliance on militarized tactics and repressive strategies has not proven to be effective in the long-term and has instead exacerbated the situation, leading to further human rights violations and mistrust in law enforcement. Moving forward, there is a need for a more comprehensive approach that focuses on addressing the root causes of crime, reducing the economic power of criminal groups, and promoting accountability and transparency within the security forces to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the region.