Use of non-lethal weapons by police now a priority in Brazil

Non-lethal weapons like tear gas, rubber bullets and batons, pepper spray and tasers, will be prioritized in police operations all across Brazil, as long as the lives of police officers are not at risk—as set forth by Law 13.060/14, which came into effect on Tuesday (Dec 23).

After nine years of deliberation in Congress, the text, drafted by Rio de Janeiro Senator Marcelo Crivella, was approved by the Senate late in November, and describes non-lethal weapons as those designed to inhibit or debilitate people, which are not likely to cause death or permanent injuries.

The law also bans the use of guns in cases in which the police try to approach an unarmed person attempting to escape or an evading vehicle, provided that the use of an another weapon, of lower offensive potential, does not pose a risk to the lives of officers or other people.

It is also set forth that whenever a person is wounded by a public security agent, they should be provided with the appropriate medical assistance, and family members or other acquaintances should be informed of the incident.

Congressmen noted the importance of wielding non-lethal weapons, bearing in mind the violence often seen during police operations, which has resulted in an alarming death toll, especially among young people.  The new piece of legislation is expected to lower the number of severe cases arising from the misuse of power by public agents.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira