The G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro from 14 to 20 November brought together world leaders for discussions on global challenges while posing significant logistical and security demands for the city. The Civil Police Bomb Squad responded to 24 incidents, including preventive sweeps and a bomb threat, ensuring safety during the event. In addition to security measures, the city reported crimes such as thefts and robberies, with some involving foreign visitors. Over 17,000 security personnel were deployed, supported by advanced technology, including drone monitoring and facial recognition systems. The event also left a legacy of six new Segurança Presente bases across the city.
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Bomb Squad
The Civil Police Bomb Squad was activated 24 times during G20-related events between 14 and 20 November. Of the requests, 22 were for preventive bomb sweeps, one for post-explosion site analysis with the seizure of an incendiary device, and one for a bomb threat.
Other Cases
According to the Civil Police, in addition to the bomb disposal operations in the Central Region and South Zone of Rio, there were 19 reports of thefts and five robberies. Three vehicles were recovered and there were three arrests. There were also four cases involving foreign victims: three thefts and one robbery.
More than 17,000 Agents
The Civil Police reported that 17,500 agents from the Civil, Military, Penal Police, and Operation Security Present participated in the special security scheme. The agents had access to technological equipment, such as the drone monitoring center set up by the Institutional Security Office at Marina da Glória and the Integrated Mobile Command and Control Center, provided by the government. The result was considered positive.
New Bases
A few days before the G20, Operation Security Present inaugurated six new bases that will remain as a legacy for the city – at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM), AquaRio, Boulevard Olímpico, Lapa, Copacabana and Cinelândia. They have facial recognition cameras and vehicles equipped with a system capable of identifying vehicles with a theft record. The Copacabana, MAM, and Boulevard Olímpico bases have monitoring rooms equipped with screens that transmit real-time images captured by cameras of the streets and businesses.
SEOP’s activities
The Public Order Department (SEOP) and the Municipal Guard also carried out actions to organize, patrol, control access to Flamengo Park and monitor traffic in the areas affected by the G20. According to SEOP, the agencies deployed 935 officers per day in strategic locations in the city.
SEOP’s actions during the G20 resulted in 1,141 items being seized from illegal street vendors, such as beverages, clothing, food, glass bottles, and illegal advertising. 1,456 traffic fines were issued, and 1,822 identification bracelets were distributed to children. In addition, the teams sent two people to the police station.
Analysis:
The G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro posed significant logistical and security challenges, demonstrating both the strengths and areas for improvement in the city’s approach to managing large-scale international events. The deployment of over 17,000 security personnel and the integration of advanced technologies, such as drone monitoring and facial recognition systems, showcased the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for global leaders and attendees.
However, the recorded incidents of thefts and robberies, including cases involving foreign visitors, emphasize the persistent vulnerability of urban security, particularly in high-profile events. While the Civil Police Bomb Squad’s proactive measures were critical in mitigating potential threats, the broader coordination between security agencies to preempt common urban crimes could be strengthened. This highlights the need for a more comprehensive and integrated approach that balances high-tech solutions with community-based policing and targeted interventions in high-risk areas.
Sources: O Globo.
