Supreme Court Orders Body Cameras for São Paulo Police
Supreme Court Orders Body Cameras for São Paulo Police

The Supreme Court of Brazil has decided that all military police in São Paulo must use body cameras during their work.

Justice Luís Roberto Barroso issued this decision on December 9, 2024, to address concerns about police violence and strengthen trust in law enforcement.

Impact on Police Operations

Police officer in Brazil wearing a body camera during operations
Reducing police violence and improving public safety|YouTube Screenshot/Axon

Studies have shown that the use of body cameras can significantly reduce incidents of police violence.

Research by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety revealed a 62.7% decrease in deaths resulting from police interventions in São Paulo, with the majority of this reduction occurring in battalions equipped with body cameras.

It also has the potential to significantly reduce the homicide rates, and lead to higher safety in cities all over Brazil. Removing bribing police officers as a possibility is surely a huge step forward.

Governor Revises His Position on Body Cameras

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas initially opposed the expansion of body cameras but changed his position after reviewing the evidence.

He announced plans to extend the program statewide, acknowledging the benefits for both public safety and officer accountability.

National Guidelines

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security has introduced federal rules for using body cameras.

Officers must record specific situations, including personal searches and responses to incidents.

The new standards aim to improve oversight and ensure that cameras operate effectively.

Benefits in Policing

Global studies show that body cameras reduce the use of force and provide clear evidence during investigations.

In São Paulo, pilot programs have already shown a decline in police-related deaths when cameras are used consistently.

Public Support and Future Plans

A police officer in Brazil wearing a body camera
Enhance transparency and reduce violence/YouTube Screenshot/Axon

The mandatory use has gained strong public backing. Advocacy groups and families affected by police violence view this move as a step toward justice.

The São Paulo government is now responsible for ensuring proper use of the devices, training officers, and monitoring compliance.

Mandatory cameras are expected to reduce violence and increase transparency. Other states may soon follow São Paulo’s example to build public trust in law enforcement.

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Miloš Nikolovski
Miloš Nikolovski
I am Milos Nikolovski, a journalist with an insatiable curiosity for global affairs, cultural intersections, and the stories that define our time. My work spans continents, covering the pulse of international relations, the evolving dynamics between the United States and Brazil, the complexities of politics, and the deeper narratives found in travel, food, and everyday life. Every story I tell comes from direct experience, firsthand conversations, and an unfiltered approach to truth. I do not chase sensationalism or empty headlines. My focus remains on substance—on the issues that shape nations, the policies that drive decisions, and the cultural shifts that reveal where societies are headed. Whether dissecting diplomatic strategies, unraveling the economic forces linking Brazil and the United States, or walking through the markets of São Paulo to uncover the hidden layers of a city’s identity, I believe in journalism that informs and challenges perspectives. Travel plays a crucial role in my work, not as an escape but as a means to engage with the world. The places I visit are not vacation spots; they are living, breathing spaces filled with voices, struggles, and triumphs. Whether exploring the political landscapes of Latin America, tracing historical legacies in Europe, or uncovering the latest food revolution in an unexpected corner of the world, my mission remains the same—to document, to report, and to bring forward stories that matter. Beyond borders and breaking news, my work is guided by core values: honesty, independence, and accessibility. Journalism must be fearless, unfiltered, and unbound by external pressures. I write for those who seek more than surface-level narratives, for those who value depth over distraction, and for those who refuse to settle for anything less than the full picture.
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