Rio Lawmakers Revive ‘Faroeste’ Bonus as Prosecutors Cite Unconstitutionality

Overview

• The Alerj approved a measure restoring bonuses of 10% to 150% of salary for police who seize large‑caliber weapons or “neutralize” suspects, but it is not yet in force.
• Governor Cláudio Castro has up to 15 days to veto or sanction the text, and any implementation would still require state regulation; he has not commented.
• The MPF formally notified the governor of three constitutional defects: vício de iniciativa, conflict with STF rulings in ADPF 635, and violation of the right to public security.
• The Rio Public Defender’s Office petitioned the STF within the ADPF das Favelas case, arguing the bonus incentivizes lethal force and contradicts court‑ordered efforts to reduce police lethality.
• Opposition parties plan an ADIN if the governor signs and question the absence of budget estimates, as international coverage and experts highlight past links between such bonuses and higher lethality.