Biting the Bullet: Cariocas Struggle to Cope with Crime Rate Spikes

Violent confrontations between criminal gangs and police are increasingly becoming a familiar occurrence in Rio de Janeiro as the security situation continues to deteriorate across the city. In the past three years, Rio has hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, major sporting events which brought the world’s attention to the city. Whilst the global spotlight and additional resources helped reduce crime rates and improve law and order in the short term, tranquillity has been short lived, and crime rates are again on the rise.

Rio has witnessed a 20 percent increase in petty crime and homicide rates since 2016, and criminal gangs are once again exerting overt authority over low-income communities. High levels of violence are forcing schools to shut and commuters now find themselves checking social networks before leaving home to find out about the latest gunfight or criminal activity en route. Satellite navigation applications are not trusted due to the possibility of being routed through a dangerous area and armoured cars have become increasingly common for those who can afford them. The Mayor has even suggested that it may be appropriate to provide architectural armouring for school classrooms in some favela communities. The marked increase in crime in the city is reminiscent of the period immediately prior to the inauguration of the Police Pacification Unit (UPP) programme in 2008, suggesting that the programme, which was initially successful at re-imposing normality and rule of law to some favelas, has lost its impact and credibility. 

A recent alliance between two large drug trafficking gangs, Terceiro Comando Puro and Amigos dos Amigos, poses a threat toward Comando Vermelho, reportedly the most powerful criminal organisation in Rio. Turf battles continue to disrupt residents’ lives as the gangs try to project their power throughout the city. Furthermore, extortion activities and the extent of their control over local business was demonstrated recently by a large scale robbery in which ten shops in central Rio were looted simultaneously by heavily armed men because of their failure to maintain protection payments. 

As well as increasing in frequency, crime in Rio is becoming ever more violent too. Robbers frequently resort to assault rifles rather than handguns, and shootouts on the streets have become commonplace. Criminal gangs are known to operate divisions dedicated to cargo theft and there has been a 220 percent increase in this type of crime in the city over the last four years. This has forced companies to invest heavily in security measures and insurance in an attempt to cover losses which amounted to BRL 620 million (approximately USD 190 million) in 2016 alone. The corresponding rise in consumer goods prices has reached 35 percent in some cases, due to the increased cost of distributing products to retailers in Rio. 

The increase in violence and criminality can be attributed to a number of political and social factors, all of which are underpinned by a significant reduction in funds for law enforcement. This has been caused by Rio de Janeiro state’s bankruptcy, which has been aggravated by a severe national recession. The arrest on corruption charges of former state governor Sérgio Cabral as well as the arrest of the president of the Rio de Janeiro State Court of Auditors and four of his counsellors has contributed to a loss of confidence in the government and a growing sense of abandonment amongst the population. 

The lack of funding has inevitably undermined the morale and effectiveness of the police forces. In addition to low salaries and a lack of resources, police wages are frequently delayed for months at a time. Poor working conditions, unreliable weapons and equipment, and high rates of attrition have resulted in frequent strikes, fewer police officers on the streets and reduced working hours, all of which favour the resurgence of criminal activity in the city. Rio police kill more people than any other force in Brazil, but they are also the most victimised: as of the end of May, 72 police officers had been murdered so far this year. 

Government security initiatives have ultimately proven ineffective. The UPP and the privately funded Segurança Presente programmes are in decline and face closure due to lack of funding. Whilst expectations for long term progress are generally low, an improvement in economic conditions coupled with increased assistance from federal troops may help stem the deterioration in public safety. 

In any event, without significant improvement, the activities of the large variety of criminal entities will force companies to continue to invest heavily in insurance and protection measures for their employees, families, customers and assets in the city.