MPRS evaluates mandatory use of body cameras by military police officers

The Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Sul (MPRS) launched an investigation to evaluate the mandatory use of body cameras in all BM (Military Brigade) units in the state. The investigation began on May 4 due to recent episodes of abuse committed by military police officers.

Among the main reasons for opening the investigation are cases of torture, abuse of authority, and homicides committed by military police officers on duty, in addition to recent decisions by the STF (Supreme Federal Court), which approved the mandatory use of cameras in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

The procedure was initiated by prosecutor Anelise Haertel Grehs, from the Public Prosecutor's Office for External Control of Police Activity in Porto Alegre. According to the document, the serious violations committed by agents recently reinforce the need for control, transparency and accountability mechanisms in police activity.

According to the MPRS, it was determined to collect information on the existence, expansion and costs of body cameras. A letter must be sent to the State Secretary of Public Security, with a copy to the BM General Command and the corporation's General Inspectorate, requesting the details below:

- number of available body cameras
- which units already use the equipment
- forecast for installation in tactical forces, in the Shock Police Battalion and in BOPE
- estimated cost for implementing mandatory use throughout the corporation

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*Under supervision of Manuella Dal Mas

Source: CNN