Use of force and police reform in Brazil: a national survey of police officers

Abstract

This study examined self-reported use of force on the street by police officers in Brazil. The survey was conducted as part of an evaluation of a nationwide reform effort aimed at upgrading police professionalism, tightening standards for police operations, improving managerial practices, enhancing quality of life among the lower ranks, and inculcating greater respect for citizens’ rights through training. Respondents were serving in 26 of the country’s 27 federal states and 1938 different municipalities. The opportunity to participate was presented on the web page that they log on to routinely in order to perform administrative tasks. The frequency of self-reported use of force was driven most strongly by perceptions of a risky work environment, including both their self-assess personal risk and a general rating of the area in which they worked. Use of force was reported being used less frequently by officers who were satisfied with their careers, scored high on a personal professionalism index, supported the reform program and community policing, which was also being promoted. Women, older officers, and those with more education reported less frequent use of force.

Keywords:

• Brazil
• police reform
• use of force
• risk
• work environment
• satisfaction
• officer survey

Notes

1. For an exception, see da Silva and Cano (2007).

2. In urban areas, traffic control and other similar functions is also performed by an expanding Guardas Municipais, whose officers are sometimes armed but largely conduct ‘preventive” patrolling operations.