São Paulo police investigations into body camera misuse surge

The São Paulo Military Police have opened 928 investigations into the improper use of body cameras during the first half of 2026. This represents a 208 percent increase compared to the 301 cases recorded in the second half of 2025, averaging more than five investigations per day.

The Public Security Secretariat (SSP) attributed the rise in investigations partly to a 26 percent increase in operational cameras, which grew from 11,900 in December to 15,000 by May and June. During June alone, the Portable Operational Cameras (COPs) generated over one million videos.

Of the 928 investigations initiated, 175 have been concluded, resulting in 107 sanctions, including 81 reprimands and 25 disciplinary detentions within battalions. Identified issues include camera obstruction (7.6 percent), non-compliance with usage rules (29.67 percent), and incorrect occurrence categorization (62.52 percent).

Concerns have been raised regarding officers activating cameras only after discharging firearms, which prevents the recording of full confrontations and complicates investigations into deaths during police operations. This reporting follows an agreement with the Supreme Federal Court to strengthen disciplinary systems and ensure auditing of body camera usage.