The Brazilian city of Taubaté has its very own Batman, and the Military Police have officially recruited him to help fight crime in the city's most dangerous neighborhoods.

Behind the mask is military retiree André Luiz Pinheiro, 50, who met with officials from the 5th Military Police Battalion yesterday to discuss ways he could help "combat crimes such as murder and drug trafficking." Details of the arrangement between Batman and law enforcement haven't been released yet.

"I am eager to know how we can work together," Pinheiro told reporters.

The high-crime neighborhood of St. Therese Terrace is ready to welcome their new defender.

Local housewife Fatima Ferreira, 52, said she thinks the presence of the Dark Knight "will help rescue the values ​​that are lost here," and local police believe the hero might convince kids not to follow a criminal path.

Batman's first operation in the neighborhood is due to take place within the next 17 days.

[crackajack]