Rio police body‑camera removal in Operation Contenção shows 17% non‑use
A preliminary investigation by the Rio de Janeiro State Public Ministry (MPRJ) and the specialized public‑security group Gaesp examined the body‑camera footage of 51 BOPE officers who took part in the October 2025 Operation Contenção in the Penha and Alemão complexes. The analysis found that 17% of the officers deliberately removed their cameras, and in 7.8% of cases there were signs of intentional obstruction, while 82% of the recordings were captured correctly.
The raid, aimed at the Comando Vermelho, resulted in more than 120 deaths, including five police officers. In April, Supreme Court minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered the Federal Police to review the footage within 90 days. The MPRJ has filed eight complaints against 27 military police for illegal acts such as weapon appropriation, theft of vehicle parts, home raids, intimidation of residents, looting, and attempts to disable cameras. Ongoing measures include autonomous criminal investigations, real‑time monitoring, and activation of protocols under ADPF 635 (the “Favela” case). The ministry also issued recommendations in December 2025 and March 2026 for joint operational protocols and improved use of portable cameras (COPs). Testimonies from detained participants and families of victims are being collected as the inquiry continues.