How the population of the State of São Paulo perceives the public and private security sector

an exploratory survey study

Abstract

The article explores public opinion on the public security and private security sectors in the State of São Paulo in an exploratory way. The focus is on two issues: (i) the importance that the population attaches and the trust it has in the police forces (civil, military and federal), municipal guards and private security companies; and (ii) public perception of the nature of the occupation, professional aptitude and abuses by private security guards and military police. The results suggest that the public and private security sectors are positioned in the popular imagination as distinct models of security provision: the state, perceived as more relevant and reliable in combating crime, but with a pattern of action considered more abusive; and the private, perceived as less important and reliable in facing crime, but with a better ability to relate respectfully to the public.