Government of SP informs that it will use cameras in police operations

The government of the State of São Paulo committed, this Wednesday, 24th, to adopt body cameras in police operations.

In the context of an action being processed in the Federal Supreme Court (STF)management presented a schedule that establishes the act until September 2024.

This commitment was made with the president of the STF, Luís Roberto Barroso, after a request from the State Public Defender’s Office.

Understand the case about police cameras

In 2023, the São Paulo Court of Justice rejected the Public Defender’s Office’s request to oblige the use of the equipment, since the annual cost to state coffers would be R$330 million to R$1 billion, directly interfering in the budget and policies public security in the State.

Therefore, the Public Defender’s Office appealed to the STF, and Minister Barroso denied ordering the installation immediately, for budgetary reasons, but highlighted the need to implement the equipment.

Therefore, the Public Defender’s Office asked the minister to reconsider the decision, due to an alleged increase in “lethality” in police operations in São Paulo.

Therefore, Barroso requested information from the Tarcísio government, which sent an installation schedule, with publication of the purchase notice in May. As a result, the president of the STF once again denied the request, due to the commitment made. Barroso, however, highlighted that the STF will monitor the schedule.

Barroso’s argument

In the decision, Barroso stated that police cameras “benefit the population”, the police force and the Judiciary itself.

“The use of body cameras is a relevant measure for the implementation of public security policy”, observed the STF judge. “The equipment protects citizens and police officers, as it prevents abuses, protects police officers from unfounded accusations and encourages the adoption of more appropriate behavior.”