Land/Region: Brasilien
Organisation: Papo de Responsa
Arbeitsfeld: städtische Gewalt, Dialoge, Polizei
Rampant crime, poverty, and drug trafficking in Brazil’s favela (slum) communities have led to some of the highest murder rates in the world.
Alleged deaths of favela dwellers by the police are especially severe. Over the years, police have come to see favelas as lawless territories, while the community, especially youth, view the police as invaders who abuse their authority with impunity. Roberto “Beto” Chaves, a member of Rio de Janeiro’s police force, is rebuilding trust between Rio’s police and its favela communities.
Through a series of “chats” held in schools with a law enforcement official, an ex-convict, and community youth, old stereotypes are gradually broken down and lead to respect and mutual understanding among the youth and the Civil Police Department. Beto then institutionalizes these changed attitudes within the police department and the affected communities.
The program has achieved so much initial success, reaching more than 20,000 youth in a few years, that it has attracted partners from all sectors, greater visibility, and respect within the police force.
Beto was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro as the youngest child in a working-class family. He worked in the family construction materials store, located at the edge of some of the biggest favelas in Rio. After receiving admittance into the Rio law enforcement, he served in many different roles including as part of the elite SWAT team, which was called into a favela to respond to reports of shooting involving police, and a high-profile working group to reform the force.
