Barroso mandates the use of body cameras by São Paulo police officers
Supreme Court Minister perceives a risk to fundamental rights in São Paulo Military Police actions
The President of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), Minister Luís Roberto Barroso, ruled on Monday (9) that military police officers in São Paulo must mandatorily use body cameras during operations.
The measure aims to prevent violations of fundamental rights and was issued within the scope of the Suspension of Injunction (SL) 1696, filed by the State Public Defender’s Office with the support of Conectas and Plataforma JUSTA.
The use of body cameras by police officers to record footage during interventions has been advocated for by public security and human rights experts. One of the main advantages is the reduction in police lethality during interventions due to the use of the equipment. Another important point is the increased safety it provides for the officers themselves, as well as an improvement in the quality of evidence for criminal prosecutions, producing more robust proof for judicial review.
“The decision is the result of the tireless efforts of civil society to ensure oversight and reduce lethality in police actions, consolidating the use of technology as a tool to strengthen the democratic rule of law,” said Gabriel Sampaio, Director of Litigation and Advocacy at Conectas.
In the decision, Barroso emphasized that the current situation represents a setback in the protection of rights and could compromise public security. In addition to mandating the use of body cameras, the São Paulo government must comply with a series of directives, including:
- Definition of priorities: Allocation of cameras based on a risk analysis of police lethality.
- Publication of data: Publication of information on the portal of the Secretary of Public Security (SSP/SP) regarding the Muralha Paulista program, with particular attention to battalions and units equipped with body cams.
- Restocking of equipment: Restocking to have at least 10,125 cameras in operation.
- Continuous recording: Upholding the current methods until the technical viability of new ones is proven.
- Disciplinary transparency: Supplying data on processes related to the failure to use cameras.
In addition, the state government must submit monthly reports on the progress of the measures, in accordance with a detailed schedule.
In November, Barroso had requested explanations, regarding the contract signed between the Military Police and the winning bidder, Motorola Solutions Ltda, as well as the roll-out schedule. Although the state government claimed that actions were underway, with tests scheduled for December, the minister deemed the progress insufficient.
“The data presented demonstrates the need to reinforce the fulfillment of the commitments made by the State of São Paulo. The protection of fundamental rights and public order cannot be neglected,” said Barroso.
