According to the secretary, based on the actions of the Civil Police, the expectation is that around R$1 billion will be recovered annually from organised crime and directed towards strengthening Public Security in the state.
On the morning of Wednesday 16th, the Secretary of Public Security for the State of São Paulo, Guilherme Derrite, attended the 4th Police Operations Congress – COP International to present an overview of his administration, covering topics such as valuing police careers, governance strategies implemented and investments made in technology.
Valuing the workforce and reviewing benefits
When he took over the portfolio, the main challenge was the 35 per cent staff shortage in the Civil Police. Currently, 11,600 vacancies are being filled through competitive examinations for the Civil Police, Military Police and Technical-Scientific Police. The valorisation of police officers was also highlighted, with a salary readjustment that represents an impact of R$5 billion per year, as well as housing programmes for public security agents, with letters of credit of up to R$300,000, with 30-year financing and zero interest for agents with incomes between 5 and 10 minimum wages.
Governance strategies applied
Derrite also emphasised the record amount of funds obtained, both through federal (R$224 million) and state (R$114 million) amendments, earmarked for public safety in 2024. A decree signed on 26 September provides for the funds recovered from organised crime to be allocated directly to the security forces. The Secretary mentioned that, based on the actions of the Civil Police, the expectation is that around R$1 billion will be recovered annually from organised crime and directed towards strengthening public security in the state.
Investment in technology and interstate integration
The use of technology as an ally in the fight against crime was also highlighted, with the implementation of the ‘Muralha Paulista’ programme, which aims to restrict criminal mobility. In addition, facial recognition cameras installed in several cities have already resulted in the capture of more than 200 wanted persons.
Another cornerstone of the strategy is to make the crime logistics chain unfeasible through border operations and the exchange of intelligence information between states and public security organisations. ‘The drugs that come from the Andean countries through the Brazilian border states are mostly directed to the Port of Santos, which is currently the second largest drug exporter in the world, second only to the Port of Guayaquil in Ecuador.’
The Secretary says that the intelligence of the Civil and Military Police has been structuring technical operations together with the GAECOS, Terms of Co-operation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and with the legal security signed by the Attorney General.
Dismantling Organised Crime
Derrite stressed the need to destabilise criminal organisations, especially the PCC, and to intensify cooperation between the police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office in order to dismantle organised crime leaders. The secretary also drew attention to the need to modernise criminal legislation, saying that Brazil needs to increase the ‘cost of crime’ to discourage recidivism.
‘Crime is a business that needs to be made unviable. Getting into crime is a rational decision by the criminal, who sees the benefits as a perennial and abundant source of income and pleasure. The likelihood of being arrested is the main risk associated with illegal activity, as it means the loss of freedom,’ concludes the Secretary.
About COP:
With more than 60 exhibitors at the trade fair and more than 10,000 participants expected to attend the lectures and side events taking place until 18 October, COP International is the largest Latin American event focused on police activity. It is free for professionals in the sector, open to the public and registrations can be made at https://cop.pro.br/.
Service: Police Operations Congress – COP International 2024
Date: 16 to 18 October 2024
Venue: São Paulo Expo – Rodovia dos Imigrantes, 1.5 km – Vila Água Funda, São Paulo-SP.
Registration (including press): https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/cop-congresso-de-operacoes-policiais/2430160?token=73a55c8900d1a790b2528a9c0c09d821