I read in LP that you need to carry your passport in the Amazon as you may be stopped by the Federal Police and asked to show it. Is it possible to get an authorized photocopy to carry around to show the police?

The reason for my concern is that I have overstayed my visa (pretty crazy an American illegal immigrant in Brazil) and am a little concerned since if caught I will be given 8 days to get out of the country. In addition, a friend told me his boat up the Amazon stopped at a police station and all of the foreigners had to show their passports. I am curious if this happens often and whether or not I should be worried. If you have traveled up the Amazon from Belem to Manaus and Manaus to Tefe or Porto Velho please let me know if you had to show your passport and where. In addition, am I at risk for the same sort of thing in the Pantanal?

Thanks in advance for your advice

Daz