Key Facts
- ✓ Teresina's Municipal Guard currently employs only 307 agents, operating at less than one-sixth of its legally required size.
- ✓ Federal law mandates that cities with populations over 500,000 maintain a civil guard equal to 0.2% of their residents.
- ✓ With a population of 905,000, Teresina should have approximately 1,808 Municipal Guard agents according to constitutional requirements.
- ✓ The planned 2026 competition will offer 300 new positions for the Municipal Guard, representing a significant recruitment effort.
- ✓ Colonel Wagner Torres serves as the Secretary of Public Security for Teresina and announced the competition plans on January 22.
- ✓ Mayor Silvio Mendes, representing União Brasil, is expected to formally announce the competition details later in 2026.
Quick Summary
Teresina is preparing to address a significant gap in its public security apparatus with plans for a major recruitment drive. The city's security secretary has confirmed that a new competition for the Municipal Guard is scheduled for 2026, aiming to fill 300 positions.
This initiative comes as the current force operates at less than one-sixth of its required size according to federal law. The planned hiring represents a critical step toward restoring adequate security coverage for the capital of Piauí.
The Announcement
The Secretary of Public Security for Teresina, Colonel Wagner Torres, revealed the plans during a statement on Thursday, January 22. The announcement specifically targets the Guarda Civil Municipal (GCM), the city's primary law enforcement agency for municipal ordinances.
According to the secretary, the competition will offer 300 vacancies for new agents. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the city's security infrastructure. "The expectation is that the competition will be formally announced by Mayor Silvio Mendes during the course of the year," Torres indicated.
The current staffing situation presents a clear challenge. The Municipal Guard currently operates with only 307 active agents. This number falls dramatically short of what is legally mandated for a city of Teresina's size.
"The Constitution established a percentage of 0.2% for each city with more than 500,000 inhabitants."
— Colonel Wagner Torres, Secretary of Public Security
The Constitutional Gap
The Constitutional requirement for municipal security forces is a critical factor driving this recruitment. Federal law establishes a specific percentage that cities must maintain for their civil guards.
The Constitution established a percentage of 0.2% for each city with more than 500,000 inhabitants.
With Teresina's population reaching 905,000 residents according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the legal requirement is substantial. The city should maintain a force of approximately 1,808 agents to meet constitutional standards.
The current force of 307 agents represents less than one-sixth of this required number. Colonel Torres identified this disparity as the primary bottleneck in the city's security strategy. The 300 new positions, while significant, represent just the first step toward closing this substantial gap.
Current Status
While the announcement sets a clear timeline, several logistical details remain undefined. The competition is still in its early planning stages, with key decisions yet to be finalized.
Specifically, the organizing board for the competition has not been selected. Additionally, the official competition notice (edital) has not been drafted or released. These administrative steps typically precede the formal announcement by several months.
The timeline suggests a methodical approach to the recruitment process. By announcing the plans well in advance, the city administration allows for proper planning and resource allocation. This extended timeline also provides potential candidates with adequate preparation time.
Leadership & Context
The announcement comes from the city's top security official, Colonel Wagner Torres, who serves as the Secretary of Public Security for Teresina. His statement carries significant weight regarding the city's security priorities.
The planned competition requires approval and formal announcement from the city's highest office. Mayor Silvio Mendes, representing the União Brasil party, is expected to make the official declaration later in 2026.
This recruitment initiative addresses a long-standing challenge for the Municipal Guard. The force has operated below capacity for years, creating operational constraints for municipal law enforcement. The 300-vacancy competition represents the most significant single hiring effort in recent years for the GCM.
Looking Ahead
The planned 2026 competition marks a pivotal moment for Teresina's public security strategy. While the 300 new positions will not immediately resolve the constitutional staffing gap, they represent a substantial step toward restoring adequate security coverage for the city's nearly one million residents.
Stakeholders and residents alike will be watching for the formal announcement from Mayor Silvio Mendes. The release of the official competition notice and selection of the organizing board will provide the concrete details needed by prospective candidates and the broader community.
Ultimately, this initiative reflects a commitment to addressing a critical public safety need. As Teresina continues to grow, maintaining an adequate security force remains essential for the city's continued development and the safety of its citizens.
"The expectation is that the competition will be formally announced by Mayor Silvio Mendes during the course of the year."
— Colonel Wagner Torres, Secretary of Public Security
