DOCUMETÁRIO BOPE 2015

Summary

Igor Virgínio, a dedicated BOP (Special Police Operations Battalion) officer in Rio de Janeiro, shares his transformative journey from childhood to military service, eventually joining the police force. He discusses his early fascination with action and war movies, the challenges of police work, and the unique training and operations of the BOP. Through personal experiences, he reflects on the dangers of policing in high-risk areas, the emotional toll on officers, and the essential role of specialized units like BOP in maintaining public security. The narrative highlights the complexities of policing, sacrifice, and the ongoing fight to protect society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Igor Virgínio, also known as 'Soldier Virgínio,' has been serving in the BOP (Special Operations Battalion) for 3.5 years and has a background in the military, particularly in the army.
• 😀 Growing up in a community, Virgínio's initial perception of the police was negative, but a transformative experience during a shootout changed his view and led him to pursue a career in law enforcement.
• 😀 Virgínio’s desire to become a police officer grew after serving in the army, despite initial fear and resistance to joining the police force.
• 😀 The BOP police unit is known for being specialized, particularly in high-risk operations, and has gained significant experience in combat situations over the years.
• 😀 The police face a constant 'war-like' situation when entering dangerous communities, often dealing with armed confrontations that result in casualties, including innocent people.
• 😀 Virgínio reflects on the challenges of being a police officer in high-risk situations, where even innocent lives may be lost, and the moral conflict between protecting the public and ensuring their own safety.
• 😀 BOP officers undergo intense and specialized training, both in physical fitness and combat skills, to prepare for the tough operations they undertake in risky environments.
• 😀 Despite facing challenges and life-threatening situations, Virgínio emphasizes the importance of teamwork, preparation, and understanding the dynamics of the environment in each operation.
• 😀 The death of fellow officers is a harsh reality, with Virgínio recalling the tragic loss of Sergeant Ednelson, which highlighted the dangers police officers face in their daily duties.
• 😀 The BOP is equipped with armored vehicles (Caveirão) to protect officers during operations, especially in violent zones, as they help minimize the risk of harm and allow for strategic interventions.
• 😀 Virgínio stresses the importance of training, constant preparation, and understanding terrain to minimize errors during operations and protect both officers and the public.

Q & A

What is Igor Virgínio's background and how did he get into the police force?

Igor Virgínio, also known as 'Soldier Virgínio,' is 32 years old and has been serving in the BOP (Special Police Operations Battalion) for 3 and a half years. He was born in L, but spent his childhood in a community he doesn't wish to name due to safety concerns. Despite not initially imagining himself as a police officer, he served in the military for seven years and volunteered for the commando course. His shift towards the police force came after witnessing a police officer helping a civilian during a shootout, which altered his perception of law enforcement.

How did Virgínio transition from the military to the BOP?

Virgínio's transition from the military to the police force was quite swift. After leaving the army on February 28th, he was already working by March at CSN in Volta Redonda. When he passed his BOP tests, he was so eager to start that he resigned immediately without waiting to be called. His determination and excitement played a crucial role in his quick shift to the police force.

What was a significant moment that changed Virgínio's view on police officers?

A pivotal moment for Virgínio occurred when he witnessed a police officer helping an injured woman during a shootout. This act of compassion changed his view on the police, who he had previously feared and didn't admire. This incident inspired him to consider joining the police force.

How does Virgínio describe the nature of police work in high-risk areas like Rio de Janeiro?

Virgínio describes police work in Rio de Janeiro as intense and often dangerous, particularly due to the presence of war-grade weapons and the frequent confrontations with heavily armed criminals. He emphasizes that being in the BOP requires a unique mindset and preparation, as they are called in during extreme situations where other police units have failed. This often involves dangerous, unpredictable operations in areas like the favelas.

What challenges does Virgínio face personally regarding his work in the police force?

Virgínio faces significant emotional and psychological challenges due to the dangerous nature of his job. He speaks about the heavy weight of making life-or-death decisions and the toll it takes on both the police officers and the criminals involved. He also mentions the internal conflict between wanting to preserve his own life and fulfilling his duty to protect others, which can sometimes involve morally difficult choices.

How does Virgínio view the BOP's role in police operations?

Virgínio sees the BOP as a highly specialized and trained unit, specifically created to handle extreme crises that regular police units cannot manage. The BOP is called in for high-risk operations like hostage rescues, confrontations with armed criminals, and situations where other police forces have failed. The unit’s training and preparation set it apart from conventional police forces.

What are some of the physical and mental demands placed on BOP officers?

BOP officers face rigorous physical and mental demands. The training includes physical fitness routines, combat training, and shooting instruction, all designed to prepare officers for the extreme situations they might face. Officers are required to maintain peak physical condition through constant training, which involves exercises aimed at simulating real-life combat and rescue scenarios. Additionally, the stress and mental toll of their duties add to the pressure of the job.

How does Virgínio feel about the risks of police officers being killed in action?

Virgínio expresses deep concern over the frequent deaths of police officers, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, where the rate of officers being shot and killed is alarmingly high. He questions the security of society when the police, who are supposed to protect citizens, are constantly under threat. He emphasizes that the constant danger faced by police officers impacts their ability to protect others, as their own safety becomes a priority.

What is the significance of the armored vehicle used by the BOP?

The armored vehicle, often referred to as 'caveirão,' is a vital tool for BOP officers. It provides protection during high-risk operations and allows officers to enter dangerous areas with more security. Virgínio stresses the importance of the vehicle in keeping officers safe and improving their decision-making ability under high-pressure situations. It is considered an essential piece of equipment for carrying out operations safely.

What was Virgínio’s perspective on the infamous 174 hostage crisis, and how did it influence BOP tactics?

Virgínio reflects on the 174 hostage crisis as a turning point for the BOP. The tragic incident, which resulted in the death of an innocent teacher, led the BOP to refine its tactics in hostage situations. After the crisis, the BOP focused on improving their methods to ensure such a tragedy would never happen again. Virgínio views the incident as a valuable lesson that has shaped the current approach to handling hostage situations and minimizing collateral damage.