THE USE BY THE MILITARY POLICE OF PARANÁ OF WHATSAPP GROUPS AS A TOOL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME

Abstract

The use of instant messaging groups, such as WhatsApp, by the Military Police of Paraná (PMPR) in the fight against crime is a reality in most battalions, highlighting the effectiveness of these groups in optimizing operational strategies. They foster efficient communication, real-time information sharing, and coordination among security forces, resulting in notable advancements in operational effectiveness—beyond being merely a disseminator of administrative messages. However, there is a need for specific regulations for this practice, as, like any technology in the realm of social networks, it faces ethical challenges, including cybersecurity, privacy, and efficient integration of WhatsApp into operational practices. Therefore, the adoption of regulations and operational guidelines is essential to ensure the ethical and effective use of these groups, addressing aspects such as the purpose of such groups, access limitations, information classification, confidentiality, geolocation updates, communication standardization, among others. This article aims to emphasize the importance of the ethical implementation of WhatsApp and other instant messaging applications by the PMPR as an innovative strategy in combating crime, highlighting their benefits in communication, information sharing, and efficient coordination. It proposes to address ethical challenges and respect for human rights, contributing to team cohesion, community trust, and operational excellence for the PMPR.