São Paulo police deploy motorcycle battalion to combat crime

The São Paulo Military Police have intensified patrolling in the city's North Zone through the Batalhão de Resposta Avançada Operacional (BRAvO). This specialized unit utilizes 150 motorcycles to navigate heavy traffic and access narrow streets, providing greater agility than traditional vehicles.

Operational planning is driven by criminal data, intelligence, and the Muralha Paulista system to target areas with high rates of robbery and theft. Key neighborhoods under surveillance include Vila Maria, Vila Guilherme, Parque Novo Mundo, Vila Medeiros, Vila Gustavo, and Tucuruvi.

Since its inception on September 22, the unit—comprising 250 officers—has reported significant results. In its first week of operation, the battalion conducted over 3,100 individual stops and inspected 1,659 vehicles, resulting in 34 arrests, including eight individuals wanted by the justice system. Officers also recovered stolen vehicles and seized drugs, cash, and mobile phones.