Santa Catarina's Military Police recorded 92 deaths caused by its officers in 2025, marking the highest number of such incidents since 2019. This figure represents a significant 24.3% increase compared to the 74 fatalities recorded in the previous year.
The rise in lethal force coincides with the first full year of operations without the use of body cameras by the state's police force. The monitoring program, which had been in place for six years and was a pioneering initiative in Brazil, was officially terminated in September 2024.
The Military Police justified the end of the camera program by citing equipment obsolescence, a lack of proper maintenance, and insufficient capacity to store the recorded footage. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from public safety experts and state authorities.
In response to the increased lethality, the police force stated that a growth of over 300% in its operations has led to greater exposure to risk during incidents. The PM asserted that confrontations arise from suspects resisting lawful orders and that its officers act within established protocols.
The state's Public Ministry (MP) opposes the removal of the cameras and has formally requested their reinstatement. In a legal action filed by the Public Defender's Office, the MP argues that the equipment is essential for ensuring transparency in police actions, controlling the use of force, and improving the quality of evidence.
Leonardo Silva, coordinator of the Brazilian Forum on Public Security, described the removal of the cameras as a step backward. He emphasized that the footage provides security for the officers themselves and that the state must prioritize controlling lethality to reduce these numbers.
"With intelligence, investigation, and technology, you reduce confrontation incidents. These confrontations do not impact criminal dynamics and put police, victims, and the public at risk, as they often occur on public roads," Silva stated. "These situations need to be avoided and should only occur in cases of extreme necessity."
Based on reporting from g1.