After the death of a child in Santos, the Public Defender’s Office again asks the STF to force the São Paulo PM to use cameras

The recent tragedy involving the death of a child has brought to the fore the discussion about the implementation of body cameras in police uniforms. The State Public Defender’s Office intensified its appeal to the (Supreme Federal Court), requesting that the São Paulo government adopt more rigorous measures for the use of these devices. The death of Ryan, a 4-year-old boy, on the 6th, generated commotion and raised questions about the actions of the Military Police. Preliminary investigations suggest that the shot that killed the child came from a police officer, who claimed to be in a confrontation with criminals. However, the lack of body cameras makes it impossible to verify the version presented by the police.

Public defender Fernanda Baleira expressed scathing criticism about the misuse of cameras, highlighting that, although they are mandatory, the guidelines for their use are not being properly followed. She questions the reason why police officers without cameras are deployed for operations, which goes against the rules established by the Prosecutor’s Office. In response to an action by the Public Defender’s Office, the president of the STF, determined in June that the State of São Paulo should follow the parameters of the Ministry of Justice when purchasing cameras and present a report on the effectiveness of these devices.

“Yes, the police have to do their job, but this cannot cost the lives of innocent people,” said Baleira. The São Paulo Public Security Secretariat, in turn, states that the State already has a body camera program and that the current administration is working to improve and expand its use. According to SSP, there was an 18% increase in the number of devices, and the cameras comply with the guidelines of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

*With information from Camila Yunes

*Report produced with the help of AI