Difficulties Measuring and Controlling Homicide in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><div>Official crime data is generally limited by restrictions of quality and access. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil provides an example of the problems involved in measuring&nbsp;the homicide rate in a developing country, including the lack of proper crime reporting and the use of separate categories to reduce the number of homicides&nbsp;in official crime reports. Using longitudinal data, we can explain differences between the official homicide rate and alternative calculations that consider&nbsp;otherwise neglected categories. The interests of politicians, police, business, and citizens contribute to the difficulties in measuring and controlling homicides&nbsp;in the city.</div></span>

Keywords

• Homicide
• Violent crime
• Police
• Brazil