Problems in Brazil and 9 Important Topics

Problems in Brazil: Police Accountability
The Brazilian police are protected by the constitution and therefore it is difficult for other offices or institutions to hold them accountable (Haberfeld & Cerrah, 2008, pp. 64).
The Brazilian have a lot of power in the country. They are therefore able to threaten anyone or any institution that tries to hold them accountable. Through illegal strikes, they have been able to cripple various state government. This shows their power in the country. Even elected officials such as governors have to align their interests with that of the police force. Appointed government officials such as the Secretary of Public Security (appointed by the governor), who control the budget of the Police institutions, align their interests with those of the police force. It becomes difficult for the Brazilian police to be held accountable.
The Brazilian police also oppose any changes in policies that would make them accountable for their actions (Haberfeld & Cerrah, 2008, pp. 64).
The 1988 Brazilian constitution gave too much authority to the Brazilian police force. Over time, it has become difficult to make changes to the constitution so that the police would be made more accountable. Proposals to amend the constitution, with the aim of making the police more accountable have always been shut down. This is because the police enjoy strong lobby, especially in smaller states. Therefore, police institutions in Brazil are always against and opposed to any amendments, such as being subjected to trials, that would make them more accountable.

The Brazilian police have been corrupted by the groups of criminals such that crime has become widespread in the country (Haberfeld & Cerrah, 2008, pp. 62).
Since the police cannot be held accountable by any other government institution, they have so much power within the country. Crime in Brazil has been institutionalized since it is easier to bribe the police. Due to lack of accountability, the Brazilian police seem to have the ultimate power in the country. The police have become part of the criminal organization.
Reference
Haberfeld, M. and Cerrah, I. (2008). Comparative policing. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.