Brazil: Increase in shootings reported in Rio de Janeiro state /update 3

Event

An increase in shootings has been reported in Rio de Janeiro state over the last several months since the beginning of the federal military intervention in February. According to a report published by the Popular Truth Commission (CPV) on Wednesday, July 25, the number of shootings recorded in Rio de Janeiro state between February and June was 4005, marking a 37 percent increase over the previous five-month period. Among the areas with the highest increases in incidents include Baixada Fluminense, Belford Roxo, and Mesquita. Notably, homicides in which police intervention was involved rose by 28 percent from March to June when compared to March-June 2017 figures.

On a related note, the Leblon neighborhood of the city of Rio de Janeiro is expected to deploy a heightened security presence - including some 124 security forces personnel from the police and military - to patrol from Alto Leblon to Avenida Borges de Medeiros beginning in August. Some 95 security cameras will further augment security in the area, where pedestrian robberies are the most common crime; a mobile application ("Hot Line") will also allow victims of crimes to communicate with security officers. Heightened security measures are expected in the these and other areas of Rio de Janeiro in the coming months.

Context

Crime rates in Rio de Janeiro state, rising steadily since 2016, have reached all-time highs in 2017 and 2018. A total of 6732 homicides were reported statewide in 2017. The violence is largely attributed to fighting between heavily armed security forces and criminal gangs in favelas. Federal forces have been in command of security in the state of Rio de Janeiro since February, and are expected to remain in control until at least the end of 2018. According to one study, violent deaths have increased by 80 percent since the beginning of the military intervention.

Advice

Due to high crime rates in Rio de Janeiro - and throughout Brazil more generally - individuals should remain vigilant at all times, report any suspicious behavior to relevant authorities, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Conceal conspicuous signs of wealth to avoid attracting the attention of would-be thieves. Note that criminals are often armed (never offer resistance in the event of a mugging).