Deaths of prisoners and precarious conditions: what the MP says in a complaint against overcrowding in the CDP of Americana

FILE IMAGE: CDP in Americana is overcrowded Paulo Augusto/EPTV A report from the Public Ministry of São Paulo (MPSP) points to a series of structural, sanitary and security failures, in addition to the deaths of at least seven inmates, in the Provisional Detention Center (CDP) in Americana (SP). The Court of Justice ordered the São Paulo government to reduce overcrowding and correct problems. According to the document, among the deaths – all registered in the first half of 2026 – there are cases of pneumonia, which may be linked to precarious hygiene conditions and overcrowding at the CDP AEVP Renato Gonçalves Rodrigues. Supervisory bodies classify the scenario as a moderate to high health risk. ? Join the g1 Campinas channel on WhatsApp The MPSP highlights that the unit was designed for 639 people, but houses around 1,190 prisoners, 551 above capacity – that is, it operates at approximately 190% of what is expected. The irregularities were gathered in reports and inspections that supported the public civil action represented by the body. The irregularities were gathered in reports and inspections that supported the public civil action presented by the MPSP and the court decision that ordered the State to reduce overcrowding and correct sanitary and fire safety problems in the prison (understand the decision in this report). What are the main problems highlighted by the MPSP? According to the report presented by the Public Ministry, in addition to overcrowding, the following sanitary irregularities were found: Precarious hygiene: cells and bathrooms were described as damp environments and in a poor state of repair. Irregular water supply: the artesian well system operates without a technical person, without the monitoring required by law and without recording information in the Water Quality Surveillance Information System for Human Consumption (Sisagua). Problems in health care: expired medications were found, there was no responsible pharmacist and there was no sink in the doctor's office. Health risk: the inspection bodies classified the conditions of the unit as having a health risk between moderate and high. There are also problems linked to the structure, including: Overcrowded cells: spaces designed for nine people housed around 20 prisoners. Prisoners sleeping on the floor: due to lack of space, detainees had to sleep on mattresses spread across the floor, in a position known as "jack" – with their heads alternating between the feet of the person next to them, so that more people could fit in the available space. Bed sharing: in addition to mattresses on the floor, prisoners were also forced to share beds. No AVCB: the prison does not have a Fire Department Inspection Report (AVCB) and was officially classified as "irregular". Failures in fire prevention: the report points to the absence of a fire detection and alarm system, an insufficient number of fire extinguishers, inoperative hydrant pumps and irregular use of LPG gas within the unit. Deteriorated structure: inspections identified wear on the floors, walls and ceilings of the cells, in addition to leaks in the hydraulic installations and damaged toilets. Staff shortage: the number of criminal police officers is approximately 50% short, compromising the security and management of the unit. Lack of ventilation: the pavilions do not have cross ventilation, a situation that causes excessive heat and favors the spread of respiratory diseases.