Crime in Brazil

In terms of absolute number of murders in a year, Brazil has the most murders of any country by total number(62,318) followed by India (44,049) and Mexico (24,576). However, when the populations are taken into account, this translates to a higher murder rate.

In 2017, Brazil's murder rate was 29.53 per 100,000 population. In contrast, India's murder rate was 3.22 and Mexico's was 19.26 per 100,000 people. [7]

In 2018, Brazil had a murder rate of 24.7 per 100,000 people. In 2017, Brazil had a murder rate of 29.2 per 100,000 population.[8] There were a total of 56,101 murders in Brazil in 2017.[8] Another study has the 2017 murder rate at 32.4 per 100,000, with 64,357 homicides.[9] In 2016, Brazil had a record 61,819 murders or on average 168 murders per day, giving a yearly homicide rate of 29.9 per 100,000 population.[10]

In 2017, Brazil had a record number of murders, with homicides rising 3.7% with 63,880 homicides.[11][12]

List of the Brazilian state capitals by homicide rate (homicides per 100,000):[13]

Capital/Region	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	% change
Northern (state capitals)	31.9	39.5	31.3	34.2	32.1	34.2	34.4	31.8	35.6	34.9	33.0	+3.7
Belém (PA)	24.5	29.1	15.1	25.9	27.0	31.8	34.7	29.6	44.7	33.9	34.2	+39.7
Boa Vista (RR)	34.6	51.5	51.4	40.4	32.1	38.2	33.0	21.5	23.1	220	25.7	−25.8
Macapá (AP)	46.6	51.0	64.1	46.2	44.3	44.0	44.1	38.5	38.0	35.8	32.3	−30.8
Manaus (AM)	35.3	40.7	35.3	33.0	25.2	26.5	29.3	26.2	29.4	32.3	32.5	−7.8
Palmas (TO)	70.0	12.7	19.7	21.8	26.5	20.5	21.5	21.3	13.0	13.6	12.8	-82.5
Porto Velho (RO)	38.3	70.3	55.5	61.0	66.9	63.2	51.1	71.4	56.4	68.5	51.3	+33.8
Rio Branco (AC)	36.6	38.4	17.0	36.4	39.0	44.8	37.9	30.9	23.9	36.3	30.1	−17.8
Northeast (state capitals)	40.8	33.6	30.2	34.0	39.5	39.4	41.7	40.8	44.8	49.6	52.4	+28.5
Aracaju (SE)	19.3	16.8	35.2	39.9	60.9	54.4	50.6	47.2	40.5	46.7	38.9	+101.2
Fortaleza (CE)	27.0	20.3	25.2	28.2	27.9	31.8	29.5	28.5	34.0	35.0	40.3	+49.5
João Pessoa (PB)	33.3	38.4	36.0	37.8	41.3	42.5	44.7	42.6	48.1	48.7	56.6	+70.3
Maceió (AL)	38.4	33.3	30.9	45.1	59.3	61.3	61.2	64.5	68.6	98.0	97.4	+153.5
Natal (RN)	18.1	16.2	9.6	10.4	15.6	13.9	23.0	13.2	18.5	20.5	28.3	+56.4
Recife (PE)	105.3	114.0	99.3	97.5	97.2	90.5	91.4	91.8	88.2	90.7	87.5	−16.9
Salvador (BA)	41.6	15.4	7.9	12.9	21.3	23.2	28.6	28.5	39.7	43.7	49.3	+18.3
São Luís (MA)	22.2	16.5	12.8	16.6	27.4	21.4	30.8	32.6	30.0	31.4	38.4	+73.1
Teresina (PI)	16.9	17.6	14.0	22.2	23.2	27.8	28.5	26.0	29.4	33.5	28.2	+66.9
Southeast (state capitals)	56.0	58.0	59.8	58.9	58.0	55.0	54.5	47.5	36.5	34.5	27.8	−50.3
Belo Horizonte (MG)	20.7	25.0	26.8	34.8	35.0	42.9	57.6	64.7	54.4	49.9	49.5	+139.7
Rio de Janeiro (RJ)	65.8	62.6	53.5	56.6	55.5	62.8	56.1	52.8	41.9	46.4	35.7	−45.8
São Paulo (SP)	56.7	61.1	69.1	64.8	63.5	52.6	52.4	39.8	28.3	23.2	17.4	−69.4
Vitória (ES)	103.5	106.6	108.3	79.0	85.1	80.2	73.0	82.7	83.9	86.1	75.4	−27.1
Southern (state capitals)	29.5	25.1	27.3	29.9	30.3	34.8	35.5	39.3	40.4	40.3	43.3	+46.4
Curitiba (PR)	26.6	22.7	25.9	26.2	28.0	32.2	36.6	40.8	44.3	48.9	45.5	+70.7
Florianópolis (SC)	9.4	9.3	8.9	10.2	17.0	24.7	27.1	28.9	24.4	19.4	19.5	+106
Porto Alegre (RS)	37.2	31.4	32.9	39.2	36.5	40.5	36.4	40.3	40.1	35.5	47.3	+27.3
Central-West (state capitals)	35.3	37.7	37.6	39.2	39.1	37.4	39.3	36.8	33.4	33.4	34.1	−3.2
Brasília (DF)	35.6	37.4	36.7	37.5	36.9	34.7	39.1	36.5	31.9	32.3	33.5	−5.9
Campo Grande (MS)	41.9	36.4	30.8	39.3	34.0	34.5	35.3	30.7	28.5	27.1	32.2	−23.2
Cuiabá (MT)	55.3	76.0	68.5	69.5	76.9	52.0	49.8	45.5	44.4	40.7	38.8	−29.9
Goiânia (GO)	22.1	22.6	30.1	28.6	29.4	38.1	37.4	37.4	34.6	36.4	34.6	+56.6
Brazil (state capitals)	45.7	45.3	44.6	45.8	46.5	45.5	46.1	42.4	38.5	38.7	36.6	−19.8

Murdered journalist in Rio de Janeiro

Murders increased during the late-2000s. Bucking this trend are the two largest cities. In 2008 Rio de Janeiro registered the lowest murder rate in 18 years, while São Paulo is now approaching the 10 murders per 100,000 mark, down from 35.7 in 1999. A notable example is the municipality of Diadema. where crime rates fell abruptly.

Total murders set new records in the three years from 2009 to 2011, surpassing the previous record set in 2003. 2003 still holds the record for murders per 100,000 in Brazil; that year alone the rate was 28.9.[14] Police records post significantly lower numbers than the health ministry.

Seven out of the twenty most violent cities in the world are in Brazil due to a rise in street violence.[15] In descending order as of April 2018, they are: Natal (fourth highest homicide rate worldwide), Fortaleza (seventh), Belém (tenth), Vitória da Conquista (eleventh), Maceió (fourteenth), Aracaju (eighteenth), and Feira de Santana (nineteenth).[16]

Carjacking is common, particularly in major cities. Local citizens and visitors alike are often targeted by criminals, especially during public festivals such as the Carnaval.[17] Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. Thieves operate in outdoor markets, in hotels and on public transport.

A crime trend known as “arrastões” (dragnets) occur when many perpetrators act together, simultaneously mug pedestrians, sunbathers, shopping mall patrons, and/or vehicle occupants stuck in traffic. Arrastões and random robberies may occur during big events (Carnaval), soccer games, or during peak beach hours.[18]

Express kidnappings, where people are abducted withdrawing funds from ATM, are common in major cities including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Salvador and Recife.[19]

Corruption in Brazil is a pervasive social problem. Brazil scored 38 on the 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index, tying with India and Bosnia and Herzegovina, being ranked 76th among 175 countries.[20] Corruption was cited among many issues that provoked the 2013 protests in Brazil.[21] Embezzlement and corruption have influenced Brazilian elections for decades; however, the electorate continues to vote, whether out of preference or lack of choice, for candidates who have been accused, and in some instances convicted, on charges of corruption.[22]

Between 10 and 15 women are murdered per day in Brazil.[23][24] A government sponsored study found that 41,532 women were murdered in Brazil between 1997 and 2007.[24] In 2012, 8% of all homicide victims were female. However, this is still far below the male victimization rate, in which men constitute 92% of homicide victims in Brazil as of 2012.[25]

Brazil has started a crime fighting program specifically meant to combat gangs and gang centered violence. The UPP program; involving 'Pacifying Police Units', has been introduced in the traditionally violent favelas of Rio de Janeiro since 2008/2009. UPP personnel are well-educated and trained in both human rights and modern police techniques; their aim is to supplant the community presence of gangs as central community figures. As of 2013, 34 UPP units are operational in 226 different communities, with a reach of 1.5 million citizens.[8]

The UPP program has so far proven its worth by significantly reducing the number of homicides, while also reducing violent crime rates in general. Local residents are mostly positive about the program and an overwhelming number of residents felt safer. Furthermore, the UPP program symbolizes a new crime prevention paradigm that focuses on social inclusion and community development. However, in some areas the homicide rate was already dropping prior to the implementation of the program. Therefore, the drop in crime may be due to a general trend of decline in homicides as well.[8]

Police officers in the favela of Rocinha

Gang violence has been directed at police, security officials and related facilities. Gangs have also attacked official buildings and set alight public buses.[26] May 2006 São Paulo violence began on the night of 12 May 2006 in São Paulo, Brazil. It was the worst outbreak of violence which has been recorded in Brazilian history and was directed against security forces and some civilian targets. By May 14 the attacks had spread to other Brazilian states including Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and Bahia. Another outbreak of violence took place in São Paulo in July 2006.

2016 saw a new string of deadly prison riots. The nature of these riots was a turfwar between the Primeiro Comando da Capital and other gangs as an extension of a turfwar that has been increasing in intensity with the PCC aggressively expanding its territory.[27][28] In 2019, a prison riot between two gangs Comando Vermelho and Comando Classe A left 57 dead after hours of fighting.[29]

Gang violence in Brazil has become an important issue affecting the youth. Brazilian gang members have used children to commit crimes because their prison sentences are shorter. As of 2007, murder was the most common cause of death among youth in Brazil, with 40% of all murder victims aged between 15 and 25 years old.[30]

In regard to inter-gang conflict, gangs typically challenge or demand an aggressive reaction to defend their reputations. If someone does not respond in this manner, they are socially isolated. The gangs in Brazil are very territorial, and focused on their illegal business. Theft and robbery bring in small amounts of money compared to narcotic and weapons sales so it is less common for these gangs to get involved in petty crimes of theft or robbery.[31]

The gangs more specifically in Rio de Janeiro are interested in harmony because they do not want any contact with the police. They will even go to helping others in the community, with money and even protecting them, just to be sure that the police do not come around. Children and other members of the community see notably rich and powerful gang members and want to emulate this behavior. Gang members then become a substitute for family and are role models because they have respect with more than average monetary gains.[31]

It is most common for these gangs to be under a military command structure.[31] Each Rio's favela has one dono who is in charge of controlling the managers of a favela and the soldados in his territory. The latter protect the favela against other drug factions and the police. They are also responsible for taking over other favelas. The managers of a favela control the managers of the bocas (the places where drugs are sold in the favela). The managers of the bocas in turn control the drug dealers who sell the drugs in the area around a boca. There are children and women who wait at the entrances to a favela to signal to the others if the police or other gangs are about to enter.[31] It is normal to join at about 10 years old, and by 12 years old to carry weapons. These gangs are attractive to the children and youth because they offer protection, recognition, and career options that those who join could not achieve on their own. Favelas are now often controlled by juveniles and young adults.[31]

The concern here is of the strong ties that are between illegal business and politicians, police officers, the justice system, and the economy. Not all people are involved but all layers of society are affected because of corruption. Police are bribed to not disturb what these gangs are doing, as well as many of them are dealers themselves.[31] Also, the young children are carrying guns and may be nervous, aware of peer pressure, or on drugs and can become careless. The level of brutality and homicide rates have skyrocketed in countries with younger gang members like this.[31]

Cracolândia ("land of crack") in central São Paulo.

Drug trafficking makes up for an increasingly large portion of crime in Brazil. A total of 27% of all incarcerations in Brazil are the result of drug trafficking charges. Between 2007 and 2012 the number of drug related incarcerations has increased from 60.000 to 134.000; a 123 percent increase.[32]

The primary drug trafficking jobs for children and youth are:

• endoladores: packages the drugs[31]
• olheiro(a) and/or fogueteiro(a): person who looks out to provide early warnings of police or any enemy drug faction invasion[31]
• Drug mule: carries drugs to others inside their body, these are unwilling members of a gang, and don't survive for very long.
• vapor: drug sales persons[31]
• gerente da boca: overseer of drugsales[31]
• soldado(a): soldiers, armed and employed to maintain protection[31]
• fiel: personal armed security guard for the "gerente geral"[31]
• gerente geral or dono: owner/boss[31]
• Aviões (literally translated to "little airplanes"). These are the children who deliver messages and drugs to customers. They are not described in the hierarchal organization, but they are very low/entry-level positions. In addition, this position has the most arrests.[31]

Of 325 youth that were incarcerated, 44% of boys and 53% of girls reported some involvement with drug trafficking.[31] Selling and carrying drugs were the most common activities between both boys and girls. The most common drug was marijuana, followed by cocaine and crack.[31] From the study; 74% had used marijuana, 36% had snorted cocaine, and 21% had used crack.[31]

Youth held low positions in the hierarchy and engaged in relatively low volumes of activity for short periods of time. The police are capturing the front-line players of the drug industry rather than the donos. 51% of youth involved with trafficking reported it to be very easy to obtain a gun,[31] while 58% involved in trafficking reported it to be very easy to obtain cocaine.[31]

The penalties in regard to the youth have the intent to withdraw the youth from circulation, as a lot of street culture crime is from children and youth. The main penalty is internment in educational centers, the stay not exceeding 3 years.[33] They are not punished under the penal code, but under the Brazilian Statute of the Child and Adolescent.[33]

For adults, the Rousseff administration has made a change in 2006, where consumers and suppliers of drugs are differentiated. The consumption of drugs has been nearly decriminalized, while other activities which are in any way related to the sale of drugs remain illegal.[34] Unfortunately the effects of the 2006 drug law are contested, as legally the distinction between drug consumers and suppliers remains poorly defined. The result of this ambiguity is that judges have a high degree of discretion which causes unequal punishment and evokes accusations of discriminatory court rulings.[32] Drug consumers receive a light penalty varying from mandatory self-education of the effects of drugs to community service. The minimum sentence for a drug supplying offense is 5 to 15 years in prison.[35] Several critics argue for a less rudimentary categorization of drug abusers than just the two categories, as it would allow for more lenient punishments for minor drugs violations.[36] Critics such as former UN secretary general Kofi Anan and former president of Brazil Cardoso[37] propose to step away from the 'war' approach in general, saying the militant approach can be counterproductive.[35] However, the other side of the debate, and much of popular opinion, expounds a more hard-line preference of heavy penalization.[34]

Along with reform sentiment throughout Latin America, Supreme court justice Luís Roberto Barroso has called for the legalisation of drugs; starting with the decriminalization of Marijuana, and if successful, following with the decriminalization of cocaine. His argument for legalisation revolves around the failure of the current 'war' approach, potential savings for the penitentiary system, law enforcement and the judiciary. Furthermore, it would help prevent Brazil's current mass incarceration problem, which funnels youths into gang membership.[38]