THE MILITARY POLICE OFFICER AS AN AGENT OF SOCIAL EDUCATION IN BRAZIL: LEGAL FOUNDATIONS, THE ROLE OF THE STATE, AND EDUCATIONAL ACTION WITHIN PROERD

Abstract

Social Education is configured as a strategic field of educational intervention aimed at citizenship formation, prevention of social vulnerabilities, and promotion of rights. In Brazil, this practice goes beyond formal school spaces, incorporating different state agents, including the Military Police, especially through the Educational Program of Resistance to Drugs and Violence (PROERD). This article aims to analyze the Military Police officer as a Social Education agent, highlighting its legal foundations, the role of the Brazilian State, and the educational action developed within PROERD. Methodologically, this is a qualitative bibliographic and documentary research, based on the analysis of legislation, public policies, and national and international scientific productions on Social Education, public security, and prevention. The results indicate that the Military Police officer’s role in PROERD is legally legitimized and aligned with a preventive and educational conception of public security, contributing to the civic education of children and adolescents. It is concluded that the Brazilian State plays a central role in the institutionalization of Social Education by integrating education, security, and social policies, recognizing the military police officer as a social educator and expanding prevention and social development strategies.