Thursday, 23 May 2013

Rio de Janeiro is now a safer place


Rio de Janeiro is today a much safer place than in the past. The city and state authorities have invested heavily of public security: police is pretty visible in key areas of Rio, the favelas have gone through a “pacification” programme that has shown results, informal means of transportation such as those known as “vans” are better monitored and gang leaders have been either arrested or killed in police operations and others have migrated to other cities. The subway system is also better controlled, including during the rush hours, when the practice of “Women only” carriages is implement with a great degree of success. One feels more tranquil when walking the streets or taking public transportation.

Outside Rio, in many other states, security remains a serious issue.  

In small towns, close to beaches and resorts patronised by the very rich, the police seems to be very “responsive” to the needs of the millionaires. Unorthodox ways are used to make sure that law and order is undisturbed. Local rogues learn very quickly that they better move fast to large urban centres, such as Sao Paulo. Slow learners might not get a second chance…

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