RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The largest professional training course in the history of the Brazilian Federal Highway Police (PRF) began this month at the National Police Academy in Florianópolis, State capital of Santa Catarina. President Jair Bolsonaro confirmed that he will be present at one of the stages, which runs until December this year. There are 1156 new police officers in training. There are no precedents in PRF history.
This is due to Jair Bolsonaro’s government having doubled the number of candidates approved for police jobs. The new policemen undergo rigorous tests, with practical and theoretical classes, and special attention to new weaponry with the potential for warfare to fight drug trafficking and cargo theft, in particular.
The academy’s firing range is regarded as an international reference, including by members of the FBI, the U.S. police.
Students will take classes to fight drug, weapon and ammunition trafficking; fight vehicle fraud; human rights and citizenship; police approach techniques; shooting practice; police vehicle driving; police defense techniques; differentiated use of force; traffic inspection; legal aspects of police procedures; first aid assistance; ethics and police activity; human relations; mechanics among others.
The 500 instructors take turns in 32 classrooms, two computer labs, four dojos (a kind of tatami for martial arts), an auditorium, a gymnasium, a soccer field, a volleyball court, a driving track, areas for practicing physical activities and a modern firing range. The National Academy of Federal Highway Police has an area of 80,000 square meters.
The PRF intelligence service relies on community support. Any reports can be made by phone at 191. Reports range from drunk drivers to drug trafficking, among others.
Border with 10 countries
The new policemen will be deployed at road posts, particularly in border regions. Brazil borders run for nearly 17,000 kilometers and meet ten countries. Most of them have road access.
The highways are a serious logistical problem in Brazil. However, according to the PRF, the federal government will invest in new transportation options, particularly trains and waterways.
Learn more here.