THE PMZITO SOCIAL PROJECT AS A PRIMARY PREVENTION STRATEGY: AN ANALYSIS OF MILITARY POLICE OFFICERS’ PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the perception of military police officers from the Military Police of Pará regarding the PMZITO Program as a primary prevention strategy in combating crime. The study is based on the understanding that contemporary public security requires the incorporation of preventive actions, especially those aimed at the civic education of children and adolescents in situations of social vulnerability. This is a quantitative and qualitative study, of a descriptive and exploratory nature, conducted with 100 military police officers through the application of a structured questionnaire. The results revealed a high level of knowledge about the program; however, weaknesses were identified regarding the understanding of its principles, low participation in activities, and limitations in its institutional internalization. It was also observed that most respondents recognize PMZITO as a primary prevention and community policing strategy, aligned with contemporary public security guidelines. It is concluded that the program has strong potential to contribute to the institutional mission of the Military Police of Pará, making it necessary to strengthen its implementation through training of personnel, increased participation, and improved institutional communication.