Rio must triple security investment says minister

Rio de Janeiro must triple its security outlay ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games, especially to crack down on rampant violence spread by drug gangs, Justice Minister Tarso Genro said yesterday.

His assessment, given at a meeting with Rio authorities, came days after bloody clashes between slum gangs and police left 45 people dead and saw a police helicopter shot down.

“If the current level of public security investment continues as it is, we will not end up with a satisfactory situation,” Genro told reporters.

“As such, we have to triple the rhythm of work and necessary investment to improve public security and in 2016, we will be prepared.”