
This force is responsible for the city’s general public order and uniformed street patrols. Their headquarters is on Rua Evaristo da Veiga, also in the city center. The Quartel General da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, located at Rua Evaristo da Veiga, 78, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, serves as the historic headquarters of the state’s Military Police (PMERJ). Originally known as the Quartel dos Barbonos, it has been a central hub for the PMERJ since its establishment, notably contributing 510 officers to the Paraguayan War in 1865. This site remains a key administrative and operational center for maintaining public order in the state.
Architecturally and culturally significant, the Quartel General has been recognized for its historical value and was officially designated as a heritage site by the Instituto Rio Patrimônio da Humanidade. Its location in the bustling Centro district makes it accessible via multiple public transport options, including bus lines (157, 201, 249, 410, 492) and metro lines (L1, L2, L4). The building stands as a symbol of the PMERJ’s enduring role in Rio’s history, from the colonial era to modern times.
The Quartel General is not only an administrative base but also a site of historical narratives, such as the story of Bruto, a stray dog who became the PMERJ’s mascot during the Paraguayan War. It houses key offices, including the Comando-Geral and the Coordenadoria de Comunicação Social, facilitating the coordination of the PMERJ’s statewide operations. Visitors and personnel can contact the headquarters at (21) 2333-2800 for inquiries or emergencies, with the 190 hotline available 24/7.