COMMUNITY POLICY IN CEARÁ

AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROUND QUARTEIRÃO PROGRAM

Abstract

The concept of Public Security as an individual, social, fundamental and constitutionally guaranteed right in Brazil is a subject that is the target of several discussions, studies and proposals of public policies aimed at social peace. After a period of high crime rates in Ceará, a candidate for the State Government, launches an innovative proposal: the Ronda do Quarteirão Program. Based on studies of community policing models around the world, this program is well received by the population of Ceará and leads its proponent to victory in the elections. Conducted from a qualitative perspective of bibliographic and documentary nature, this research aims to carry out an analysis of this community policing program that, even taking a candidate to the election and reelection with expressive results, lasted only a decade. After a brief explanation of the public security system and ostensible policing in Brazil, issues that involve and relate police and politics are addressed. A descriptive memorial of the Ronda do Quarteirão Program is held, addressing its beginning, from the pilot phase of the project to its actual implementation, as well as its expansion from the capital to the interior of the State; its performance with due expectations, evaluations and criticisms; and the period of decline and extinction of this project. This study reveals the social need for a policing system that approaches the population and that elevates the police agent to a condition of social change. However, this is not an easy task, public policies must pay attention to social dynamics and adapt to them.