Government publishes decree on use of force in police operations

Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security published a decree on Tuesday (Dec. 24) to regulate the use of force during police operations. Signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the measure establishes guidelines for the gradual use of weapons to prevent police violence throughout Brazil.

Under the decree, the use of firearms must be a “last resort” measure. Thus, weapons can only be used when other resources of “lesser intensity are not sufficient to achieve the intended legal objectives.”

The text also stipulates that police actions should not discriminate against people on the grounds of color, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, language, religion, or political opinion.

Within 90 days, the Ministry of Justice will issue an ordinance detailing the procedures to be adopted by police officers countrywide. The ministry will also provide training for public security agents.

Compliance with the measures will be monitored by the National Committee for Monitoring the Use of Force, which is yet to be created.