Brazil: Rio beach security operation launched Sep. 30

Event

Rio de Janeiro state’s military police launched an operation on Saturday, September 30, to reinforce the security of Rio de Janeiro’s beachfront. The operation employs an additional 800 police officers to patrol the waterfront area between Flamengo and Recreio. Authorities have improved communication between military and local police to ensure efficiency and an expedient response to potential emergencies. It is hoped the additional police presence will improve the tourism outlook for the area.

Context

In late July, Brazilian President Michel Temer authorized the deployment of 10,000 troops to Rio de Janeiro state to help combat a rising wave of gang violence. The recent deterioration of security conditions in Rio sheds light on the failure of the state's security polices, notably the ''pacification'' strategy, which involves the deployment of Police Pacification Units (Unidade de Polícia Pacificadora; UPP), to establish a presence in particularly crime-ridden areas of the city, notably favelas.

Rio de Janeiro state experienced a 42 percent drop in tourism during the first four months of 2017 as compared to 2016, primarily due to rising crime rates.

Advice

Due to the high crime threat in Rio - and Brazil more generally - individuals in all Brazilian cities should remain vigilant in public place and to avoid entering favelas (slums; often located in very close proximity to more affluent neighborhoods). Keep in mind that criminals are often armed; never offer resistance if assaulted.