PMPA conducts crisis simulation with explosives in Belém shopping mall
Aimed at private security professionals from shopping centers in Greater Belém, the training focused on technical preparation for critical situations involving explosive devices
The Military Police of Pará (PMPA), through the Special Police Operations Battalion (Bope), conducted on the morning of this Friday (12) the seventh practical training on crisis management aimed at private security professionals from shopping centers located in Belém and the metropolitan region. The training is part of the Pedagogical Formative Project (PPF) and focused on technical preparation for critical situations involving explosive devices.
The action involved the participation of the Special Missions Command (CME), which includes the action of the sniffer dogs from the Canine Action Battalion (BAC) and the specialized policing of the Special Police Operations Battalion (Bope), in addition to the Military Fire Brigade and security teams from the shopping mall, firefighters, civil firefighters, janitors, and other professionals working in the common areas of the mall.
During the training, realistic simulations were conducted to test crisis response protocols and align the procedures of private establishments with those of the Military Police, without interfering with the already established internal flows.
“With the investments from the State Government, the General Operations Department is conducting various trainings and courses throughout the year aimed at responding to high-complexity occurrences. We identified that shopping centers, being public places with a large flow of people, need to be prepared for this type of situation,” explained the head of the General Operations Department (DGO), Colonel PM Mariuba.
According to the colonel, the training focuses on acting in crisis situations, which involve individuals with psychological disorders to fleeing criminals who take hostages or use explosive devices. “Our goal is not to interfere with the internal protocol of the establishments, but to adapt them to the operational needs of the Military Police. The first response, isolation, and containment already prepare the ground for police action and reduce the risks of escalation. But, above all, the focus is always on preserving life,” Mariuba emphasized.
Major Rocha, commander of Bope, highlighted that the training follows the crisis management manuals of the corporation, which encompass a variety of scenarios, including possible terrorist actions. “This type of preparation is essential for agents who may be called upon in these situations. The training helps ensure that they are ready to carry out their missions accurately and effectively,” said the major.
From the perspective of private security, the Military Police is seen as an indispensable tool for improving internal practices. “The great importance of this type of training for the shopping team is precisely the enhancement and development of service protocols in critical events, whether they are of low, medium, or high complexity,” evaluated Marco Rocha, security coordinator of Shopping Grão Pará.
“Our security teams, fire brigade, civil firefighters, janitors, all are on the front lines and, often, are the first to encounter a crisis situation. Therefore, it is essential that they are prepared to act until the specialized forces arrive,” he added.
The activity mobilized approximately 200 participants, including members of the security forces, guests, and shopping collaborators. The expectation of PMPA is that this type of training will be expanded to other commercial centers in the capital and the interior, contributing to a more efficient and integrated response in emergency situations.
