Greetings,

This morning, as I was preparing for work, I heard on my radio an alarming statistic. The news program reported that the homicide rate for last month (I suppose it was for March 2002) in Rio de Janiero
was in excess of 830 persons killed or as the announcer put it "disappeared".

This would average to about 27 people killed per day or about one per hour (ouch!). The news reader then went on to rant about what was wrong with Brazil and why can't they control crime especially if they
wish to attract tourists and retirees.

I don't know what the source for the statistic was and therefore I cannot give it complete credence but I have to wonder if crime is getting out of hand in Rio. I have always believed that Sao Paulo
was fairly dangerous with much street crime and homicide of residents and sometimes tourist. But is it really as bad in Rio as the announcer cited? I hope not.

I have had the opportunity to travel to quite a few cities around the world and the scariest place I have ever been was Johannesburg, South Africa ( I was extremely happy to leave there). I would hate to
think that a wonderful country such as Brazil with such warm and friendly folk would be the homicide capitol of the world. Especially since I would like to retire there someday soon.

What is your experience, Boris? Do you feel that the cities (especially Rio) are as terribly dangerous as the world press is making them appear? Or is this all overblown media hype? Thank you.

Hi George,
I don't know about the statistics and if they are true, but I can tell you about my personal experience. I went to Rio for the first time in
February. It struck me as any other major city. There are places you can get in trouble if you don't use common sense. I live near Atlanta, and to me it
is just as dangerous if not more so than Rio.
At no time in Rio did I feel threatened. The people were warm and hospitable, And most are honest( just like here) One day I overpaid for a pack of cigarettes at a kiosk and the man chased me for a block to give my R$1 back. All the Cariocas are pleasant and helpful, very warm and friendly
people. The government has taken visible steps to protect the tourist areas and cops are everywhere, although I didn't need them. Bottom line is that Rio is no more dangerous than any other city I have
visited( actually less so than some). If you use common sense, you'll be fine. I am going back next month and have even encouraged my parents to go
this summer. I would never do that if I thought they would be in danger. The sights in and around Rio are some of the best in the world, and well worth
the trip in my opinion.
Randy

George,

The news that you hear are completly credible and true. It is one of the most hotly debated topics in the newspapers, on TV and during dinner conversations in Rio... The Goverment here is corrupt and mostly incompetent in handling the crime wave. While I do not want to diminish the professionalism and dedication of many Brazilian police officers, I need to point out that they are underpaid and outgunned.

The statistics are grim, the life in Rio is anything but... While violence is an ever present factor here, it is hardly an impediment. There are some explanations to the situation. For the past three + months there are a few turf wars going on in Rio
favelas. Most of the violence occurs in Zona Leste and Zona Norte and not in Zona Sul (tourist zona). There are constant shoot outs between police and gangs as well as amongst the gangs. There was an
increase in the violent crimes in parts of Zona Sul as well,mostly Copa and Ipanema. Being aware and alert go a long way here. Knowing the right people and being vigilant can keep you safe within
reasonable margins. I still feel a lot safer in Rio then I do back in New York.

Thank you for point the news out. I was putting on hold writing about this developments for couple of days, trying to figure out the 'correct' way to put it.

Boris