São Paulo police kills 100+ in Q3, lethality up 86%

In São Paulo’s third quarter, fatalities linked to police actions surged by 86% compared to the same time last year.

Specifically, events with on-duty military police led to 106 fatalities, up from 57 in 2022.

The State’s Security Department believes these incidents arise from criminals initiating confrontations, not police decisions.

The recent data includes August’s “Operation Shield,” organized by the State’s Security Department.

This followed the tragic death of a Rota member. The government views the operation as legal, though the Public Ministry is reviewing claims of police excess.

Considering both on and off-duty police actions, 153 fatalities occurred this quarter, a jump from 89 in 2022’s equivalent period.

For a broader perspective, from January to September, police-related fatalities totaled 374, marking a 27.6% increase from 293 in 2022.

Previously, with the introduction of body cameras, fatalities had decreased. Remarkably, there was a 39% decline from 2021 to 2022.

Initially, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and Security Secretary Guilherme Derrite expressed concerns about the camera program.

However, their stance evolved, highlighting the initiative’s potential enhancements. Studies back the cameras’ effectiveness in reducing fatalities.

In reaction to these statistics, the São Paulo Security Department stressed its commitment to refining security forces’ training and procuring less lethal tools.

A dedicated committee reviews each fatality, aiming to refine procedures.

Dedication To Safety

Highlighting their dedication to safety, the department pointed to the arrest of 141,835 suspects this year, a 5.3% hike from 2022.

Fatalities represent a mere 0.19% of these detentions. Every incident undergoes rigorous investigation and legal review.

Lastly, officer safety remains paramount for the department. Each officer’s demise is meticulously investigated alongside consistent training and equipment upgrades.

The body camera program continues, covering several regions, with plans for expansion and vehicular installations in the pipeline.