An analysis of the vulnerability of Maputo Municipal Police officers arising from the lack of regulation of the use of firearms

Abstract

This paper analyzes the vulnerabilities that Maputo municipal police officers are subjected to due to the lack of regulation on the carrying and use of firearms. The basis of analysis is the Regulation for the Establishment and Functioning of the Municipal Police, approved by Decree 35/2006 of September 6th, which refers the regulation of the carrying and use of firearms to the Minister that Superintends the area of Police. The analysis is made through a qualitative approach and resorting to bibliographic and legislative consultation as well as semi-structured interviews with five Municipal Police officers who occupy management and leadership positions. The research concluded that the competencies of the municipal police involve the carrying and use of firearms, given the risk and complexity that its execution requires, as well as the risks that the competencies entail, coupled with the fact that the passage of time of the approval of the RCFPM, in the name of good administration the successive Ministers had valid and opportune justifications to regulate the carrying and use of firearms by the municipal police