With the Olympic Games only a few days away, it’s difficult not to notice the heightened security on the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian government has deployed 88,000 troops to safeguard the half a million tourists expected, but locals are skeptical on whether having police on the streets makes any difference.
“Does it solve the security problem in Rio de Janeiro? No, it solves it momentarily but not in the long term because we have a very serious security problem,” says Inês Costa, a 24-year-old born and raised in Rio.
Security forces are made up of Rio police, the Brazilian army and officers from other states.
“It’s not common to see the army on the streets, but we heard this was going to be the case for such a large scale event,” says Inês.
She highlights it’s reasonably safe to walk around Rio’s touristy Zona Sul in the daytime, but there are a number of precautions she takes to stay safe.
“Walk around at night in Rio de Janeiro alone or with another woman? No, it’s not safe and I don’t do it,” she says.
“Catch public transport alone, at night, I mean around 10 or 11 at night? No, I don’t do it.
“Some areas of the city I wouldn’t walk around alone even during the day.”
Joilma da Silva, a nanny who lives in Rio’s Pavuna suburb, says she expects tourist areas to receive all the attention at the expense of other parts of the city.
“I’m sure there will be more police in Copacabana, Ipanema, near the Christ Statue, that’s all,” she says.
“Police officers were on strike not long ago as their wages were delayed, they’re also going through a difficult time.”
She believes the security problems the city is facing are only a symptom of much deeper issues and she hopes to see a long term solution.
Rio Police officers in Copacabana. Source: Rafael Garcia
“They’re putting on the Olympics and all, but we’re lacking on health, we’re lacking on education, we’re lacking on security. So this is only like lipstick,” she says.
Like most locals, she’s become used to the reality of armed robberies and always being on guard. She is one of many concerned about the threat of terrorism, something Brazil has limited experience in dealing with.
Nanny Joilma Batista da Silva and 5-year-old son Pablo picking up 2-year-old Theo Mor from daycare. Source: Rafael Garcia
“I’m more worried about a possible terrorist attack, because a lot of people are saying something is imminent and we’re not as prepared as other countries,” she says.
Taxi driver Rodolpho is optimistic about everyone’s enjoyment during the Games.
Security across Rio has increased ahead of the Olympic Games. Source: Rafael Garcia
“Things are a bit tense, but you can’t think about it too much,” he says. “No matter how many police officers are on the streets, they simply can’t look after all of us, but it does help.”
Long time Copacabana resident Regina is also confident that the Games will be the safest time to be in Rio: “I’ve never seen so many police around, they’re everywhere, nothing bad is going to happen.”
