Minas Gerais prison system faces overcrowding and security crisis

The prison system in Minas Gerais is facing critical challenges regarding overcrowding, security, and staffing. The Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG) has initiated mediation meetings with the State Secretariat of Justice and Public Security (Sejusp-MG) to address judicial and administrative interdictions affecting 63 prison units across 17 regions.

Data from May 2026 indicates a significant capacity deficit, with approximately 72,000 individuals held in 166 units despite only 42,500 available vacancies. This overcrowding has been linked to a series of inmate escapes, highlighting vulnerabilities in the current infrastructure.

Simultaneously, a debate is underway regarding the replenishment of the Penal Police workforce. Proponents argue that utilizing approved candidates from existing civil service exams—rather than launching new, costly, and time-consuming selection processes—would be more economically efficient and faster, potentially reducing the time to bring new officers into service by over 80%.