Under a law passed by the Rio de Jainero state legislature on 23/9, local police will receive bonuses equivalent to 10-150% of their salary for confiscating heavy weapons or "neutralizing" suspects during anti-crime operations.

Rio de Jainero state police have five levels of force, ranging from verbal persuasion to lethal force to protect officers' lives. "Neutralizing" encompasses restraint, non-lethal force, and ultimately, shooting suspects.

Supporters argue this policy boosts morale among security forces, who frequently confront drug gangs and armed criminals in Rio de Jainero's crowded favelas.

Brazilian special forces police patrol in Brasilia on 14/9. Photo: Reuters

Brazilian special forces police patrol in Brasilia on 14/9. Photo: Reuters

However, critics warn the law could lead to excessive force, making "killing a public policy." Representative Henrique Vieira believes it could result in extrajudicial killings.

Lawyer Djeff Amadeus, representing a Black rights organization, worries police will exploit the law for financial gain, escalating violence.

Rio de Jainero had a similar policy from 1995-1998, dubbed the "Wild West Bonus" by the media. It was abolished after a surge in police killings sparked widespread condemnation.

In 2024, Rio de Jainero recorded 703 deaths during police operations, nearly two per day. This is down from 871 in 2023 and 1,330 in 2022, but still high compared to other regions.

The law's proponents cite the decline in deaths over the past two years as proof of the approach's effectiveness. They believe seizing heavy weapons and neutralizing suspects protects the public and disrupts criminal networks terrorizing poor neighborhoods.

Thanh Danh (Rio Times, AFP)