THE POLICE DESIGNATED MARKSMAN AND THEIR OPERATIONAL ROLE IN INVESTIGATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT

Abstract

There has been a recent increase in the training and operational employment of the Police Designated Marksman (PDM) across Brazil. This article aims to analyze the Brazilian doctrine of precision shooting, with an emphasis on the role of the PDM and its applicability in the activities of the judicial police, particularly in operations targeting organized crime and so-called ultra-violent offenses, such as "new cangaço" and city takeovers. The study starts from the observation that the growing complexity and lethality of these criminal actions require civil police forces to adopt advanced tactics and the ability to engage targets effectively at greater distances than those of conventional operators. The problem investigated is the doctrinal gap and the lack of formal regulation regarding the role of the PDM within civil police forces, which compromises operational effectiveness, technical preparedness, and equipment standardization. The methodology used was qualitative, with a descriptive and exploratory approach, based on a literature review of manuals, legislation, and institutional technical articles. The structure of the study addresses the historical origins, operational characteristics, training, and qualifications of PDMs, as well as their implementation in state-level civil police. The results indicate that the formal adoption of the PDM doctrine represents a strategic evolution by providing proportional response capabilities, enhancing operator protection, and reducing collateral damage in high-complexity police operations.