Civil society organization provides data on security

INTERVIEW/ Renato Sérgio de Lima

The road to better security in 2009 means finding viable solutions for combating violence. Often, however, valuable information is lacking. Even when existing data is divulged, it is often released without much needed complementary information necessary to support the design of public security strategies.

Created in March 2006, the Brazilian Public Security Forum is a non profit, non governmental organization, with no political afiliation that is becoming a reference in the field, it holds meetings, issues publications and has an interactive website.

Interviewed by Comunidad Segura, the Scientific Coordinator of the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP), Renato Sérgio de Lima, a sociologist, stresses the importance of greater accountability, a debate on the role of municipalities in security, and the need to value the work of police officers and law enforcement institutions. De Lima is hopeful with respect to 2009:

“The challenges are great, but we can say that we can say we there is already accumulated wealth of initiatives, energy and experience, whether this comes from police officers, civil society or governments.”

The yearbook compiles data that is available from a number of sources, but that cannot be easily accessed. When we present data, we offer it in a format that allows for contrasting and comparing information, we also offer data organized chronologicaly in what we call historical series. Our larger goal is to promote transparency, and with it accountability in public security policy and law enforcement.
What are the most important points of the 2008 yearbook?

In the 2008 yearbook we highlight the debate on the the role of municipalities in public security, one of the main topics in Brazil's political agenda. We also updated the series we began in 2007 on public spending and crime statistics.

When will your 2008 meeting be held?

The III FBSP Meeting will be held in Vitória, Espírito Santo State, April 1st to 3rd. We are being supported by the State of Espirito Santo, by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the National Public Security Office (Senasp).

What does 2009 bring the FBSP?

Aside from the yearly meetings, we have a number of projects that focus on divulging technical data on the one hand, and on promoting a greater appreciation of the work of police officers on the other. We have a scholarship program, an interactive website, and there are partnerships with the Latin American Network of Police Officers and Civil Society, to name a few.
How does the Forum see the National Program for Public Security with Citizenship (Pronasci)?
The Forum does not take political stances. Since we do not have any tecnical evaluations of the Pronasci, I am unable to comment.

The Forum was created in hopes that we may see that light, in the belief that if we invest in accountability mechanisms, and an appreciation of police institutions, it will make a difference. Of course the challenges facing us are great, but there is already a wealth of accumulated initiatives, energy and experiences, whether it comes from law enforcement, civil society or governments.