MILITIAS IN RIO DE JANEIRO AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR EXISTENCE ON THE STATE’S PUBLIC SECURITY

Abstract

Militias in Rio de Janeiro are criminal organizations that dominate communities through extortion, threats and violence, claiming to offer security in exchange for money. These groups are mainly made up of police officers, firefighters and former military personnel and their existence has serious consequences for the security of the state and its inhabitants. First, militias corrupt police institutions, weakening law enforcement and undermining the population's trust in authorities. Furthermore, these groups often engage in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, loan sharking and land grabbing, increasing crime and violence in the areas they control. The presence of militias also prevents the State from acting effectively in vulnerable areas, limiting access to public services, such as education and health, and perpetuating the cycle of poverty and social exclusion. To weaken the militias and restore security in Rio de Janeiro, a joint effort is needed that involves restricting security forces, protecting those involved, and implementing social policies that address the underlying causes of the problem. This is a challenging task, but essential to ensuring a safe and stable environment for Rio de Janeiro's communities.