Brazil government authorizes Armed Forces to work in prisons
President Michel Temer and authorities of all security bodies and military institutions attended a meeting aimed to explore public safety strategies.
This Tuesday (Jan. 17) the federal government has authorized the Armed Forces to work in prisons to look for prohibited items and to strengthen security in prison units. The announcement was made after a meeting attended by President Michel Temer and authorities of all security bodies and military institutions, aimed to explore public safety strategies.
"In an innovative and pioneering initiative, the president offered the Armed Forces' support to state governments. The proven operational capability of our military officers is offered to governors for specific cooperation actions at prison units," said Alexandre Parola, spokesman for the presidency.
However, according to the government, prison and police officers will continue to be responsible for the internal security. "Prisons will be subject to routine inspections for detecting and seizing prohibited contraband items in those facilities. This operation aims to restore normality and achieve basic safety standards in Brazilian prisons," Parola reported.
The spokesman also said that state governments are "according to the constitution, responsible for prisons," but as the prison crisis has reached a "national level," it requires an "extraordinary operation of the federal government."
Six ministers attended the meeting at the presidential office, together with representatives from the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN), the National Secretariat of Public Security (SENASP), among others, in addition to members of the Federal Highway Police and the Federal Police.
The participants of the meeting are members of the Advisory Council of the Brazilian Intelligence System (SISBIN), formed by different bodies for exchanging intelligence information. The meeting schedule of state and federal security officials became more demanding after the crisis in the prison system worsened—since January 1, at least 119 prisoners were killed in Manaus (AM), Boa Vista (RR) e Nísia Floresta (RN).
The cooperation between local and federal authorities in combating organized crime and modernizing prison units is part of the National Security Plan launched by the federal government ten days ago. The meeting was closed and lasted just over one hour.
Prison system reform
According to the spokesman, President Temer ordered the creation of a commission aiming to reform the Brazilian prison system. The commision will be formed by members of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches, along with the organized civil society.
The government also intends to improve Brazil's intelligence integration, like happened during Rio Olympic Games last year.
Translated by Amarílis Anchieta
Fonte: Brazil government authorizes Armed Forces to work in prisons
