DISCRETION IN POLICE LAW AND THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUALITY: THE LEGALITY OF TACTICAL ADAPTATION IN OPERATIONAL SCENARIOS IN MANAUS

Abstract

This scientific article analyzes the legality and operational necessity of tactical adaptation in the procedures of the Military Police of Amazonas (PMAM) facing the complex risk scenarios found in the "red zones" of Manaus. The research discusses the tension between legitimate administrative discretion and arbitrariness, from the perspective of the constitutional principle of material equality, the public order framework of Article 144, and the emerging doctrine of Police Law. The methodology employed is bibliographical and documentary research, with the application of the discourse analysis technique on current standards (such as Interministerial Ordinance No. 4,226/2010), jurisprudence on reasonable suspicion, and recent academic production. The results demonstrate that the modulation of the use of force and tactical resources — embodied in long weapons and motorcycle patrolling — does not violate legal equality, being a technical imperative for survival. It also concludes that the integrated use of technologies, such as drones and body cameras, acts as the ultimate legal guarantee of the legality of these actions in urban conflict zones.