Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais The Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais ( Police Special Operations Battalion or BOPE ) is a specialized unit for patrols , combat and progression in confined and restricted places . It is one of the most efficient troops in urban combat of the world . It operates in extreme risk operations , whether in patrolling high - risk sites , fighting in places of difficult access , incursions into the favelas , hostage incidents localized events involving explosives , and situations of confrontation with drug dealers . History . The BOPE was created on January 19 , 1978 as Nucleus of the Society of Special Operations ( Nuco ) through a project developed and presented by the then Captain PM ( military police ) Paulo Cesar de Souza Amendola the Commander - General of PMERJ ( Military police of Rio de Janeiro ) , Colonel of the Brazilian Army Mário José Sotero de Menezes . In 1982 he was elevated to the rank of Special Operations Company ( Compania de Operações Especias or COE ) . Changing its name in 1984 to the Nucleus Independent Company of Special Operations ( NuCIOE ) . In 1988 gained administrative autonomy to Independent company of Special Operations ( CIOE ) . In 1991 it was transformed into a battalion , remaining still quartered in the Regiment Marshal Caetano de Farias , Headquarters of Shock Police Battalion , among other police units . In 2000 won an own headquarter , located in the Morro do Pereirão in the neighborhood of Laranjeiras . In southern part of Rio de Janeiro . Progression in Favelas . This technique was developed in Brazil by BOPE , Police Special Operations Battalion of Military Police , by the need to act in the chaos of the narrow streets of the slums and favelas of Rio de Janeiro . The slums have become an area hostile to the police due to organized crime , And was a major obstacle for the police actions , because criminals usually have a privileged position itself strategically in the hills . The BOPE has earned the respect of foreign military units to act in these tough urban environments . Armament . The armament of the Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais consists of : The Caveirão . The BOPE has armored vehicles , popularly known as " caveirões " ( big skulls ) , used mainly in operations where there are conflicts with narcotraffickers who employ heavy weapons . The tanks have a capacity for a garrison of 12 men , and have their own weapons , and its power to fire up the guns of the garrison . The chassis used in vehicles is the same found in truck Ford Cargo 815 , was considered inadequate by specialists , since the weight of the vehicle , complete with trim , overcomes the 8 tonnes gross weight for which the chassis was designed . The main purpose of armor is to protect the lives of the elements of the garrison , and breaking down physical barriers used by narco - trafficking . The tanks are still essential in supporting the rescue of trapped and police units in the removal of injured of scenario of confrontation . Currently , the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro has 22 armored vehicles distributed by several battalions of PMERJ at least four of them belong to BOPE . The shield of the vehicle " caveirão " supports strong shots , like the 7 . 62 rifle , and submachine guns . Entrance . To join the BOPE , the candidate must be military police PMERJ at least two years , having an excellent fitness , as well as being adopted in the physical assessments , medical and psychological . Are offered two modes of travel for the two tasks of the unit :