Brazil is taking steps to embed the Unified Public Safety System (SUSP) into its Constitution through a proposed amendment currently under discussion in Congress. The initiative, championed by Justice Minister Ricardo LEWANDOWSKI, aims to strengthen cooperation among federal, state, and municipal security forces while preserving the autonomy of each.
Published on Aug 4,2025 at 11:38 AM | Updated on Oct 1,2025 at 3:46 PM

Although SUSP was legally created in 2018 under former President Michel Temer, its implementation has remained limited due to the absence of constitutional authority. The new amendment seeks to change that by clarifying institutional responsibilities and giving SUSP a formal legal foundation.

The system is inspired by Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), with the intention of creating a collaborative, decentralised framework for public security. SUSP would standardise data sharing, training, resource allocation, and operational procedures across various police agencies and judicial bodies. Minister LEWANDOWSKI underscored the importance of this approach during his remarks at the Rumos 2025 conference, where he explained that the proposal had been delayed to allow for dialogue with state governors. Acknowledging the concerns raised—particularly fears that federal oversight might override state control—he emphasised that the federal government would merely set broad guidelines, with enforcement remaining in the hands of local authorities.

 

Tackling Criticism and Enhancing Coordination

The constitutional amendment, submitted as PEC 18/2025, passed its first major hurdle on 15 July 2025, when it was approved by the Chamber of Deputies’ Commission on Constitution and Justice. It is now due to proceed to a special commission in August before heading to two rounds of voting in both houses of Congress. The government has modified its original proposal to reflect feedback from governors and lawmakers, particularly by removing exclusivity clauses around federal legislative authority and granting judicial police powers to agencies beyond the Federal Police. The proposal also calls for the inclusion of municipal guards within the national framework.

A key feature of the new system would be an integrated database, enabling police and judicial authorities to quickly access criminal records and background information. Ricardo LEWANDOWSKI argued that this would address a major weakness in current operations, where lack of access to data often leads judges to release suspects for procedural reasons. By creating a shared information network, the system could support more robust arrests and reduce the perception that the justice system is too lenient.

 

Modernising Policing and Balancing Oversight

Beyond the structural reform of SUSP, the amendment opens the door to broader conversations about policing practices in Brazil. Minister LEWANDOWSKI addressed the controversial topic of body camera use, stating that while the cameras are important, they should not be compulsory for an officer’s entire shift. Instead, he proposed a flexible model with three operational modes: continuous use, activation by command, or officer discretion, depending on the situation. The aim, he said, is not to monitor officers but to protect both them and the public, as well as to ensure proper evidentiary documentation.

The minister also touched on the delicate issue of police operations in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas. Responding to criticism of a Supreme Court ruling that restricts such interventions to reduce fatalities, Ricardo LEWANDOWSKI suggested that the Court may revisit its stance. He hinted that other justices could push for amendments to allow security forces greater flexibility, provided that human rights concerns remain a priority.

 

Towards a More Coherent and Responsible Public Security

As debate continues in Congress, the government is hopeful that the amendment will pass and provide Brazil with a more cohesive, accountable, and effective public safety architecture. While hurdles remain, particularly around political consensus and constitutional thresholds, the momentum behind this reform signals a shift in how Brazil confronts its complex security challenges.