RIO DE JANEIRO, June 9 — BOPE, the elite division of Rio de Janeiro’s military police, will be on standby to police the city during the World Cup.
In addition to counter-terrorism operations, the squad will also be tasked with dealing with football hooligans if post-World Cup partying spirals out of control.
The special unit’s logo is a skull pierced by a knife and two golden pistols. According to MSN News, the symbol signifies armed combat, war and death. It is also thought to emanate protective powers.
Only the best of Rio de Janeiro’s military police can gain a spot in the 400-strong division. All officers have to serve on the capital’s slums for six years at minimum before their seniors recommend them to enrol in the selection tests.
BOPE officers have to endure a demanding training regime that covers jungle warfare and hostage rescue. Other routine exercises include running and martial arts.
The squad has seen its fair share of controversy, as it is often criticised of using excessive force. One of the most well-known incidents occurred in 1997, when officers were dispatched to a favela to deal with a drug gang ahead of Pope John Paul II’s visit. In the four-month operation, the squad killed about 30 people and arrested 30. At least two innocent bystanders were killed. — Reuters
