BETWEEN THE RULE AND THE PRACTICE: THE USE OF THE SEAT BELT AND THE LIFE PRESERVATION IN THE POLICE CARS OF THE PARANÁ MILITARY POLICE

Abstract

This article analyzes the use of seat belts in police vehicles within the Paraná State Military Police (PMPR), discussing the challenge of reconciling life preservation with the operational demands of policing activities. The research was developed through a literature review and documentary analysis of institutional data, encompassing national and international studies on road safety in the law enforcement context. The results indicate that, although seat belt use is legally mandatory and recognized as an effective safety measure, its adherence is still influenced by cultural and operational factors, such as the perception that the device may hinder agility during rapid disembarkation situations. PMPR records from July 2021 to September 2025 suggest that most on-duty or duty-related police deaths resulted from traffic accidents, highlighting road safety as a crucial dimension of institutional safety. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating doctrine, compliance with regulations, organizational culture, and technical training as strategies to strengthen institutional values, enhance operational efficiency, and consolidate the appreciation of life as an essential principle of the policing profession.