The chronology of the chain ​​of custody and the significant impact of military police on the evidence: the search for the real truth

DOI: https://zenodo.org/records/15545161

Abstract

Thisa rticle aims to analyze the impact of the military police officer's role as the first intervener in the chain of custody, examining to what extent his/her conduct contributes to or compromises the integrity of the evidence in the context of criminal proceedings. Acting within the constitutional precepts, military police officers perform the function of residual police, ensuring the public security imposed by the State. In situations of breach of order, they are generally the first to arrive at the scene of the events, and therefore become fundamental pieces in discovering the real truth in criminal scenarios. Specifically, the article seeks to address the main terminologies related to the formation of evidence, in addition to analyzing the relevance of the chain of custody in criminal prosecution. In this context, the question is: Are military police officers properly trained and aware of their essential role in the chain of custody? To contribute to the analysis, the internal mechanisms adopted by the Military Police of Paraná (PMPR) are examined, which demonstrate that the role of the military police officer is not limited to the preservation and isolation of the crime scene, but can extend to active participation, aiming to ensure the integrity of the evidence. The methodology used is deductive in nature, with a qualitative approach, based on a bibliographic review and documentary analysis of legal regulations and police procedures. Based on the study developed, it is concluded that the military police officer, as the first intervener, plays a role that transcends the mere containment of the crime, consolidating himself as a structural figure that ensures justice and legality in the investigative process.