Army armored patrols lack legal framework, unions warn of risks

The Uruguayan army's deployment of armored vehicles for security patrols has raised significant concerns among unions and opposition parties regarding the lack of a legal framework. While acknowledging the necessity of such vehicles to combat rising violence and the firepower of criminal elements, unions highlight potential risks to ground personnel and the chain of command.

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it is a “necessity” to have this type of vehicle, “based on the violence that exists in society today and the high firepower that crime has, not only in high caliber, but also in the quantity of ammunition.”

Carlos Piedra, president of the Republican Guard union, stated that armored vehicles are a "necessity" given the current level of violence and the sophisticated weaponry used by criminals. He noted that police vehicles are increasingly unable to enter "red zones" due to direct gunfire. Piedra emphasized that military personnel driving these vehicles must possess basic police knowledge, including radio codes and familiarity with the terrain, if they are to operate on the ground.

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Today, patrol cars and vans are not entering these neighborhoods called red zones, for the simple fact that they now receive us with gunfire directly, not just with stones as before.

"First, legislation must be enacted," Piedra argued, questioning the operational strategy and the legal coverage for military personnel who might dismount from vehicles to engage in confrontations. He pointed out that police can act in self-defense, but soldiers might be deployed unarmed, raising questions about their legal standing in such scenarios. Piedra also highlighted the lack of clarity regarding traffic incidents, such as accidents or fines, and how they would be handled under the current arrangement.

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if the team goes down to the ground, they need to know basic things, from police codes to knowledge of the terrain.

Patricia Noy, president of the National Police Union (Sipolna), expressed a "positive view" on enhancing security resources but echoed the call for a clear legal framework and the transfer of these armored vehicles to the Ministry of the Interior. She expressed concern over the limited information available and the recurring pattern of such announcements from the executive branch without clear implementation plans. Noy stressed that military drivers lack the legal authority and backing to act if necessary, especially when operating across different ministries.

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First, legislation must be enacted.