Portos do Paraná holds port security training forum with 36 participants

With the aim of improving security and increasing effectiveness in the fight against international drug trafficking, Portos do Paraná held a Port Security Training Forum, developed by the Port Security Administrative Unit (UASP), also known as the Port Guard.

The course was held in collaboration with DBK9 Detection Brasil and brought together 36 participants, including port guards and security agents working in the ports of Paranaguá and Antonina (Paraná), São Francisco do Sul (SC), and Santos (SP). A member of the Integrated Business Security and Intelligence Council (Cisie) also participated in the Forum.

The training cycle consisted of 24 hours of instruction. The program included conferences, workshops, and operational practices, with simulated exercises reflecting the reality of Brazilian ports, in order to strengthen the technical, operational, and behavioral capabilities of port security professionals.

Major César Kamakawa, head of the Port Security Administrative Unit of Portos do Paraná, considers the Forum important because, in addition to strengthening technical knowledge and providing guidance on how to act in adverse situations, it allows for integration among security forces and the exchange of experiences.

"This proximity allows the practices applied in Paranaguá and Antonina to somehow serve the ports of Santos and São Francisco do Sul, just as this interaction brings greater knowledge to the members of the ports of Paraná," highlighted Kamakawa.

Felipe Kanitz Braga, director of DBK9, reinforces the need for collectivism for the joint action of security forces and details that the Forum provides guidance for the best operational performance of agents and guards. All content was transmitted by active and highly qualified professionals.

"The instructors have extensive professional experience, mainly linked to public security. The Port Guard is a security agency that operates on the front lines, especially in the fight against international trafficking. Therefore, all this experience is transmitted to them so that they can adapt this knowledge to the port environment and better serve society," emphasized Kanitz Braga.

Among the experiences that could be leveraged by security forces from other states is joint work to suppress illicit activities. Thanks to the use of intelligence and the adoption of strategies, since 2019 there has been a reduction in drug seizures, representing an 87% decrease in the ports of Paraná.

"We do not need to resort to direct armed confrontation, as we have other ways to combat organized crime. We act through governance actions, reducing the gaps that opportunists could exploit; therefore, our current tasks prioritize closing these windows of opportunity," detailed Major César Kamakawa, who spoke at the opening of the event.

Also speaking in the first class were the Federal Police representative, Alessandro de Barros Vivone, head of the Special Maritime Police Unit (Nepom), and Gerson Zanetti Faucz, delegate of the Federal Revenue Service in Paranaguá.

According to Vivone, professional qualification, organized integration among security forces, and investments in technology are some of the factors that contributed to the results observed in the ports of Paraná.

"This integration is fundamental for port security, as it complies with the requirements of the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code). Paranaguá has evolved significantly in terms of security, both through technology and preparation, as is currently being carried out with the security unit," stated the head of Nepom.

The delegate of the Federal Revenue Service noted that continuous training for port agents and guards is necessary for constant updating, especially to keep up with the modus operandi of criminals.

"As crime evolves and seeks new ways to operate, it is essential that everyone stays updated and active, collaborating in a joint effort between the Federal Revenue Service, the Federal Police, private security, and public security in the Port Guard's yard. A rapid exchange of information is necessary because crime is increasingly organized and developing new strategies," says Gerson.

The Forum program included cooperative activities between teams, workshops on chain of custody, drug seizure, escorting people, techniques for approaching people, vehicles, and buildings, tactical pre-hospital care, practical exercises, and case studies. The content was presented interactively, with discussions and group dynamics.

On this last day, participants carried out simulations applying everything learned through cooperative experiences.

The training includes practical exercises to apply the knowledge acquired in real situations. The qualification concludes with a technical briefing and a final evaluation, culminating in the delivery of certificates to the participants.