Rio de Janeiro’s legislature revived a daring measure on September 23 to reward civil law enforcement officials who seize high-caliber weapons or “neutralize” suspects throughout operations.
Officers can earn a bonus starting from 10% to 150% of their month-to-month wage, topic to constitutional pay limits. Governor Cláudio Castro now has 15 days to approve the regulation.
Lawmakers promise the additional pay will enhance morale amongst officers who face armed prison teams day by day within the metropolis’s favelas. State safety knowledge reveal 703 deaths linked to police operations in 2024, down from 871 in 2023 and 1 330 in 2022.
Supporters level to the drop in fatalities as proof that stronger incentives steer officers towards decisive motion in opposition to violent gangs.
They argue that seizing restricted weapons and neutralizing threats protects residents and dismantles prison networks that terrorize neighborhoods.
Critics, nonetheless, warn that the bonus dangers incentivizing deadly power over arrests and investigations. They say that paying officers extra for “neutralizing” suspects may encourage pointless violence and undermine due course of.
Rio Police Bonus Plan Sparks Trust and Rights Concerns
Community leaders worry the measure will erode belief between residents and regulation enforcement, making individuals much less prepared to report crimes or cooperate with investigations in underprivileged areas.
The “Far West” allowance first appeared within the mid-Nineties however lapsed in 1998 amid considerations over rising police killings. Conservative deputies related to former President Jair Bolsonaro championed its return this yr as a part of a broader plan to reform the Civil Police.
Budget analysts warning that widespread bonus payouts may pressure Rio’s fragile fiscal restoration, siphoning funds from well being, training, and social packages.
Human rights teams name for strict oversight, clear operational standards, {and professional} coaching to stop abuse. They urge authorities to watch each bonus fee and guarantee officers comply with authorized protocols throughout raids.
