PERSPECTIVES ON PUBLIC SECURITY AMONG THE HOMELESS POPULATION IN THE CITY OF BELÉM/PA

Abstract

 The unfavorable conditions to which homeless populations in the municipality of Belém, in the state of Pará, are subjected require services that prioritize protective actions, as well as measures aimed at reducing illicit acts committed by these individuals. Thus, the following question is raised: how does the homeless population living in Belém and assisted by institutions of the Integrated System of Public Security and Social Defense (SIEDS) perceive its relationship with public security? This study aims to analyze the perceptions of the homeless population occupying public spaces in Belém who are assisted by agencies of the Integrated System of Public Security and Social Defense (SIEDS). A quantitative–qualitative, exploratory, and applied research methodology was employed, with bibliographic and documentary data collection and field research conducted with the homeless population in the municipality of Belém. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were applied to the social phenomenon under study. The main results show that the homeless population studied is under conditions of social vulnerability, with evidence of violent acts both committed and suffered by this social group, as well as a negative perception of the services provided by public security institutions. In conclusion, it is observed that the public security system and other organizations assisting this vulnerable group must develop mechanisms to improve the services provided in order to mitigate violations of their basic rights. It is also necessary to articulate protective policies and promote further studies on the topic to support public decision-making.