From this Thursday (20), military police officers began reinforcing the security of subway stations in São Paulo. The measure was announced after a wave of violence inside the stations.
This Friday (21), the president of the Metro, Silvani Pereira, announced the beginning of the partnership and said that the first uniformed police officers began to “reinforce the work of security agents.
The presence will be gradually increased, as all 180 vacancies are filled.
“The police officers will stay primarily in the so-called ‘free areas’, which include the front of the turnstiles, ticket office areas, and accesses, and may assist the security guards in the internal areas when requested,” he continued.
At least 17 episodes of violence were registered in Metro stations in the city, according to an exclusive survey by TV Globo.
Among them were cases involving shot and stabbed victims, besides robberies.
In addition to the presence of Military Police officers in the subway train system, Metro started in September a test to implement metal detectors in stations.
The g1 went to two metal-bearing stations to test the equipment and in none of the cases had problems passing through the turnstiles even after the sound signals.
According to the company, the strategy will allow its agents to concentrate their work in platform areas, trains, and passenger service.
The Public Safety Department of São Paulo (SSP) did not provide further details about the operation and only informed that the police contingent will gradually increase until it reaches 180.