President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is preparing to launch a nearly R$1 billion package focused on public security, in an attempt to strengthen the fight against organized crime and respond to criticism of the government's performance in this area. The initiative is part of the "Brazil Against Organized Crime" program and is expected to be announced in the coming days, initially scheduled for May 12th.
The plan foresees the allocation of R$ 960 million in actions ranging from combating arms trafficking to strengthening the prison system. The proposal includes the issuance of a decree and at least four ordinances detailing the operational measures and the allocation of resources.
Political pressure and the electoral landscape
Public security is seen as one of the main points of contention for the federal government. The issue is also expected to play a central role in the 2026 elections, in a scenario where political opponents are betting on harsher rhetoric against organized crime.
Within the Presidential Palace, the assessment is that it is necessary to present concrete results to address the negative perception regarding the fight against criminal factions. The initiative therefore seeks to provide a more structured response to this challenge.
Prison system and technology
Among the measures planned is the expansion of the Integrated Committee for Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery (Cifra), currently concentrated in Rio de Janeiro, to other states. The initiative seeks to expand the tracking and blocking of illicit funds.
The plan also includes investments in forensics and scientific policing, with the goal of increasing the homicide clearance rate. Currently, according to data cited in the proposal, only about 36% of these crimes are solved in the country.
Prison system and technology
Another important front involves strengthening security in state prisons, considered strategic points of operation for organized crime. The package includes the distribution of equipment such as drones, cell phone jammers, and body scanners, as well as the creation of a National Center for Penal Intelligence.
In the financial area, the government intends to accelerate the allocation of assets seized from crime, with early and centralized auctions, directing the resources to public security funds. It also plans to offer technological tools to states to track illicit financial flows.
Investments and coordination
The program's resources will be primarily allocated to the National Public Security Fund and the National Penitentiary Fund. This new contribution represents a significant increase over the budget already allocated to these areas.
Furthermore, the government is considering creating lines of credit so that states can expand investments in security, although the model is still under development.
Meanwhile, the Executive branch is trying to move forward with the so-called Security Amendment, currently under review in the Senate. The proposal could restructure the area and even recreate the Ministry of Public Security, depending on its approval.
With over 40 homicides recorded annually in Brazil, public safety remains one of the population's biggest concerns.
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