Barroso Orders São Paulo Police to Use Uninterrupted Body Cameras, Reversing Tarcísio's Proposal

Dec 9, 2024, 03:51 PM

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) President, Minister Luís Roberto Barroso, has mandated the obligatory use of body cameras by São Paulo's Military Police (PMs), requiring automatic and uninterrupted recording during operations. The decision was prompted by a request from the Defensoria Pública de São Paulo, following concerns over police misuse of cameras and potential risks to fundamental rights. Governor Tarcísio de Freitas had previously proposed changes to the camera system, including remote activation and non-continuous recording, which raised oversight concerns. Secretary of Public Security, Derrite, has since changed his stance and aligned with the STF's decision, stating that cameras "protect good police officers" and are "allies of the force." The ruling also stipulates the disclosure of data, restoration of the number of cameras, uninterrupted recording, and monthly reporting by the state government. The policy continues the automatic and uninterrupted recording model implemented under former Governor João Doria.