PM command calls on troops to sing “happy birthday” to the battalion in DF

Responsible for the security of Guará, the 4th Military Police Battalion (4th BPM) celebrates its 53rd anniversary on Friday (26/4). Unofficially, the command invited the troops to participate in the celebration. Adherence was low. Afterwards, the general graduation ceremony was announced, for which all soldiers in the battalion were called up. The “congratulations” for the battalion will take place immediately after the official ceremony.

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After police officers did not respond to an invitation to the PM battalion’s birthday, command called in troops
Material provided to Metrópoles

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Command sent an invitation to the troops. The time of the invitation events coincides with the birthday party
Material provided to Metrópoles

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Behind the scenes in the troops, the command’s decision sparked outrage
Hugo Barreto/Metrópoles

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According to police officers, summonses can only occur for police and public safety actions
Felipe Torres/Metrópoles

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The command of the 4th BPM determined the scale for general graduation, under the circumstance defined as “special”. Therefore, the entire battalion must be present, in uniform and in formation. Any time off has been suspended. The command’s decision revolted part of the battalion.

According to troop representatives, in a private conversation, the determination of a special scale should only be applied to police services, such as crises, emergencies and large events requiring security. Using the instrument for an internal event would be mistaken. For police officers, the forced measure, in this case, violates freedom and, instead of strengthening, weakens the relationship of trust between troops and command.

In 2023, the 4th BPM gained national notoriety, as it was the place where the former Secretary of Public Security of the DF and former Minister of Justice of the Bolsonaro government, Anderson Torres, was detained during the investigation into his alleged involvement in the undemocratic acts of 8 January. Torres was imprisoned in Guará for 4 months. The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) closed the civil investigation against him, at the beginning of 2024. The criminal investigation is ongoing, but Torres, who claims innocence, is free.

Other side

The Military Police (PMDF) and the 4th BPM denied using general graduation to force troops to participate in the anniversary. According to the command, the call has legal support and aims to present the unit’s new commander, address administrative issues, pay homage to prominent military police officers and those who joined the reserve.

Read the full PMDF note:

In response to the demand regarding the mandatory participation of police officers in the anniversary of the 4th BPM (Guará), we clarify that the Military Police of the Federal District (PMDF) and the battalion command state that there was no obligation for the troops to attend.

The convocation refers to the general graduation, where the new unit commander will be presented, relevant administrative issues will be addressed and honors will be given to military police officers who stood out in their roles, in addition to those who joined the reserves. This event is of institutional importance and integration between the members of the unit.

Regarding legality and regimental support, the call for general graduations is supported by military discipline and organization, aiming to strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and cohesion between the members of the corporation.