W’Cup: Security beefed up ahead of Sunday’s final

The National Public Safety Secretariat of the Brazilian Ministry of Justice (Senasp/MJ) has announced security measures for Sunday’s final match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup match.

It said it would double the number of National Public Security Force troops on duty in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the final match.

The ministry, which is charged with troops deployment, said this was part of the integrated operational plan by the Brazilian ministries of Justice and Defence for states hosting World Cup matches.

Teams constituted by the National Public Security Force are also on standby in Brazil’s capital, Brasília, for prompt deployment to Rio de Janeiro if necessary.

The troops are to patrol a number of roads in Rio de Janeiro.

These include Linha Amarela and Linha Vermelha, Lagoa da Barra highway, Niemeyer Avenue, Paulo de Frontin bypass, Rebouças Tunnel and Francisco Bicalho Avenue.

Public security initiatives are also planned for subway stations in co-ordination with the Brazilian Federal Highway Police.

Stations to be patrolled include Praça Cardeal Arcoverde, Siqueira Campos, Cantagalo, Central do Brasil, Copacabana, Saens Peña, São Francisco Xavier, Carioca and Cidade Nova.

Co-ordinator of the security operations in Rio de Janeiro, Lt. Col. Américo Gaia, said security efforts are planned to focus mostly on ostensible policing activities at strategic points in the city.

He said, “Actions were also planned under the Pacificadora II (Pacifier II) Operation, including all-round policing of the Santo Amaro community.

“This is in addition to social inclusion activities and occupational practices offered by 108 firefighters from the National Public Security Forces.”

He added that outside of Rio de Janeiro, the National Public Security Force would also reinforce preventive security operations in Natal (Rio Grande do Norte) and Cuiabá (Mato Grosso).

This was where state governors have requested the support of federal troops.

He said, “In addition to direct support in these three state capitals, the National Public Security troops will operate in partnership with the Brazilian Federal Highway Police in six states.

“The states are Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro.”