Brazil: Unionized civil police officers plan to strike in Bahia State March 25-27

Event

Civil police officers affiliated with the Civil Police Union of Bahia (Sindicato dos Policiais Civis da Bahia, Sindpoc) have announced a strike March 25-27 in Bahia State to protest a lack of progress in negotiations over wages and other grievances. Unless averted, around 5,000 officers are likely to join the action. Protests associated with the work stoppage are also probable, especially in the state capital Salvador.

Localized traffic disruptions and low-level skirmishes are possible near any strike-related protests that materialize. Some public security services may be limited due to the action. However, the civil police are primarily responsible for criminal investigations and forensics, therefore their walkout is unlikely to significantly reduce the number of police patrols or slow law enforcement response times to routine or emergency calls, which are primarily handled by uniformed military and municipal police forces.

Advice

If operating in Bahia, as a standard precaution, avoid any strike-related demonstrations that materialize. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of a security disturbance. Plan accordingly for delays in criminal investigation processes and supporting administrative tasks, as well as the completion of certain background investigations until the strike ends.