Policing Under Hardline: A Case Study of Lethal Operations in São Paulo’s Coastal Region

• In Event: POL Panel 10. Police use of force: impacts, training and opportunities for change.

Abstract

After the election of a far-right governor in São Paulo in 2024, a shift towards more repressive public security policies was observed, significantly focusing on use of police force. This marked a departure from previous approaches to law enforcement in the region. This article delves into the repercussions of these policy changes, particularly emphasizing the notable 20% increase in police lethality, which resulted in a concerning total of 504 deaths in the year 2023.

The study conducts a case study, centering its focus on a series of police operations that occurred in the coastal region of São Paulo. These operations, which took place in August 2023 and February 2024, was triggered after the death of 4 police officers and culminated in at least 58 civilian deaths, raising significant questions about the proportionality and effectiveness of the police response.

Through a combination of analysis of data from official documents, news articles, reports, and public interviews, the study presents a thorough view of the criminal dynamics and police actions in the region. It uncovers the complexities and the underpinnings of these dynamics, offering insights into immediate and long-term effects of these law enforcement strategies.

Furthermore, the article presents an overview of the current security policy in São Paulo. It highlights the use of police force and critically examines its relation to the broader national political scenario. In doing so, the article sheds light on the influence of political ideologies and platforms on public security strategies. This analysis is crucial for understanding the broader implications of these policies, not just for public security but also for their social and political consequences.

By providing these critical insights, the article contributes to the discourse on law enforcement and public safety, highlighting the urgent need for an approach that safeguards both public security and civil liberties.

Authors

• ARIADNE LIMA NATAL, PRIF

• Maria Gorete Marques De Jesus, Núcleo de Estudos da Violência - Universidade de São Paulo (NEV-USP)