The data also shows majority support for the use of body cameras by police officers (82%)
The report Fear of Crime and Elections 2026from the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP), shows that 96.2% of Brazilians report some type of fear related to crime, such as digital scams, robberies and lethal violence. The study indicates that insecurity has consolidated itself as one of the population’s main concerns and influences behavior, perceptions and political priorities. Read (PDF – 852 kB).
The data converge with recent opinion polls. A Genial/Quaest survey released in May points to violence as the main concern of Brazilians, ahead of topics such as corruption, health, economy and education. The persistence of the issue at the top of concerns suggests strong potential for political and electoral mobilization.
THEME UNITES DIFFERENT ELECTORATES
Violence appears as a relevant concern among voters on the left, center and right. Among supporters of the president (PT), the issue leads with 36%. Among independents, it reaches 31% and is also among the main concerns of right-wing and Bolsonarian voters.
Although corruption has gained ground in some more conservative segments, violence remains the most far-reaching issue among different ideological groups. The result indicates that public security should play a central role in the 2026 presidential race.
POPULATION DEFENDS STRENGTHENING OF INSTITUTIONS
Research by the Sou da Paz Institute suggests that the majority of Brazilians support measures aimed at strengthening public security institutions. According to the survey, 73% advocate that criminals be tried and imprisoned, while only 20% agree with the phrase “a good criminal is a dead criminal”.
The data also shows majority support for the use of body cameras by police officers (82%) and for improving the structure of security forces (65%). Furthermore, 55% believe that the country should prioritize the application of existing laws, a higher percentage than those who defend tougher penalties.
The scenario reinforces the tendency for proposals related to public security to gain space in the presidential campaign, given a concern shared by different segments of the electorate.
This text was published by The Conversation on May 28, 2026. The content is free for republication, the source is cited, and has been adapted to the Poder360.
