Limites e possibilidades da formação de policiais militares por meio da educação a distância: uma análise dos cursos de formação dos Cabos e Sargentos da Polícia Militar do Maranhão

Abstract

The present study analyzes the limits and possibilities of the training of Corporals and Sergeants of the Military Police of Maranhão through Distance Education (DE), considering the institutional, pedagogical, and professional requirements of police activity within the context of contemporary transformations in the world of work and public policies. The study was theoretically guided by an approach in the critical field, emphasizing studies by authors such as Alves (2026, 2018, 2020), Alves (2029, 2011), Antunes (2005, 2009, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2022), Bayley (2001), Chesnais (1996), Frigotto (2010), Harvey (2028, 2014), Maranhão (1995, 2017, 2025, 2026), Srnicek (2017), and Zuboff (2020). Methodologically, the research adopts a qualita tive approach, as it seeks to critically understand and interpret phenomena from de scriptive data, focusing on their meanings and contexts. Regarding methodological procedures, this is an exploratory study developed through documentary and field research, based on scientific productions that discuss neoliberalism, productive re structuring, educational policies, and DE. The analysis was conducted from a critical dialectical perspective, seeking to apprehend the contradictions and mediations pre sent in the implementation of the distance modality. The results indicate that DE has the potential to expand access to training, optimize resources, and provide flexibility in professional qualification, especially in institutions with large territorial dispersion. Regarding the content analysis technique of a descriptive and interpretive nature, the aim was to identify, organize, and understand the content present in the documents and selected literature, relating them to the theoretical framework adopted in the re search. The study concludes that the implementation of Distance Education in the Military Police faces challenges related to the conflict between traditional military cul ture and the pedagogical principles of DE. Furthermore, there are divergences be tween the corporation's hierarchical levels, as managers prioritize the rationalization of resources, while instructors highlight methodological difficulties, technological limi tations, and the need for teacher appreciation.