São Paulo prosecutor general warns election prosecutors over police ‘Rambos’

São Paulo’s prosecutor general has issued guidance to electoral prosecutors on how to respond to police candidates who turn campaign appearances into cinematic displays of force.

Paulo Sérgio de Oliveira e Costa’s technical note follows Ordinance 39/2026, issued in July by Civil Police internal affairs chief João Beolchi. The ordinance seeks to stop police officers running for office from using the force’s symbols, vehicles and image in campaign material, including filmed confrontations with suspects in streets or at their homes.

The campaign style described by the police oversight body includes camouflage uniforms, police cars and heavy weapons. Beolchi has criticized officers who use the institution’s principles and reputation to win votes, calling the approach a mistaken strategy. The order also applies to social media, and violations could lead to administrative sanctions and possible proceedings in electoral court.

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Rambo style.

Oliveira e Costa’s note contains eight guidelines for electoral prosecutors. It creates a systematic communication channel between the Civil Police’s internal affairs department and the Electoral Public Prosecutor’s Office during the preparatory period and throughout the 2026 general elections.

The prosecutor general urged speed in reviewing material sent by the police oversight body because electoral procedural deadlines are shorter than those under ordinary legislation. He also stressed that prosecutors must act independently of any disciplinary procedure inside the Civil Police. The conclusion of that procedure does not determine whether information is communicated or whether electoral measures are taken.

The note says the approach reflects a shared concern with the constitutional principle of impartiality, including the restriction in Article 37 of Brazil’s Constitution.

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Mistaken strategy.