Rio de Janeiro Legislature Reinstates Police Special-Merit Pay Tied too Lethal Encounters
Table of Contents
- 1. Rio de Janeiro Legislature Reinstates Police Special-Merit Pay Tied too Lethal Encounters
- 2. Rights groups condemn the policy
- 3. The long shadow of the so‑called ‘Far West’ bonus
- 4. Key facts at a glance
- 5. Context and implications
- 6. Engage with us
- 7. Why does the assistant say “I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that”?
RIO DE JANEIRO – In a Thursday session, the Legislative Assembly overturned the governor’s veto on a measure that woudl grant police officers financial rewards for killing suspected criminals during operations.
The restored provision authorizes “special merit” payments ranging from 10% to 150% of an officer’s salary. The incentive applies when officers are injured or killed on duty, seize large‑caliber or restricted‑use weapons, or neutralize suspects, according to the Assembly’s official note.
Rights groups condemn the policy
Human rights organizations criticized the rule, which the executive vetoed on grounds that there was no budget provision for the payments. the measure was approved on September 23 by a majority of lawmakers but faced significant pushback from defenders of civil rights.
The Attorney General’s Office labeled the rule illegal and unconstitutional for encouraging deadly confrontations and for contravening rulings of Brazil’s Supreme Court and the Inter‑American Court of Human Rights. Human Rights Watch has documented concerns about incentivizing violence in policing.
The long shadow of the so‑called ‘Far West’ bonus
The line of rewards known in the press as the “Far West” bonus operated from 1995 to 1998 and was subsequently halted by the Assembly for promoting police violence. A study cited by international observers found striking patterns in deaths during that era, underscoring concerns about coercive policing practices.
In the same vein,a comprehensive review of autopsies conducted during the mid‑1990s revealed a troubling tendency: among those killed in police operations,a considerable share where shot while attempting to flee.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Governor’s veto overturned; measure reinstated |
| Payout range | 10% to 150% of the officer’s salary |
| Eligible scenarios | officer injured or killed on duty; seizures of large‑caliber or restricted weapons; neutralization of suspects |
| Ancient context | “Far West” bonus operated 1995-1998; later halted for promoting violence |
| Human rights groups and the Attorney General’s Office dispute legality and constitutionality | |
| Empirical note | Human Rights Watch highlighted patterns of violence during the previous period of incentives |
Context and implications
Experts warn that tying financial rewards to lethal outcomes can erode public trust and complicate accountability in policing.The debate underscores the need for transparent criteria, independent oversight, and stronger investments in training and non‑monetary recognition for effective, non‑violent crime reduction.
Engage with us
What is your view on awarding money for lethal force in police operations?
Should public funds be directed toward incentives for non‑lethal policing outcomes or toward alternative accountability and training measures?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
Why does the assistant say “I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that”?
I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that.
