Homicide in São Paulo, 1st ed. 2016 An Examination of Trends from 1960-2010

This volume aims to explain the mechanisms for the ?epidemic-like? rise in homicide rates São Paulo, Brazil during the late 20th century as well as their sharp decrease after 2000. The homicide rates increased 900 percent from 1960s-2000, and then dropped relatively quickly to 1970s levels over the next decade. While the author finds the Brazilian military government and rise of para-military police forces to be a major factor in the rise of homicide rates in Brazil, research on violent crime trends has demonstrated that it is generally due to the intersection of many factors (for example changes in policing, social or political structures, availability of weapons, economic influences) rather than a single cause. This work integrates individual, neighborhood, and structural dynamics at play in both the rise and drop in homicide rates, and provides a framework for understanding similar phenomena in other regions, particularly in the developing world. 

Introduction.- Theory and Methodology for Studying the Homicide Curve in São Paolo.- São Paolo before the Homicide Rise.- The Beginning of Growth: Death Squads in São Paolo, Police and Justiceiros.- The Spread of Homicide: Intraterritorial Conflicts.- Strengthening of the First Capital Command and Processing of Criminal Careers.- New Policies and Technologies.- A New Pact to Avoid Self-Annihilation.-The Homicide Decline in São Paolo and throughout Brazil.- Conclusion.

Bruno Paes Manso, has an Economics degree (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and journalism (PUC-SP). He worked for ten years as a reporter for the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo. He also served in Veja magazine, Folha da Tarde and Folha de S. Paulo. His is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for the Study of Violence at USP. He completed his master's degree and doctorate in the department of political science at the University of São Paulo, where he researched the rise and fall of homicides in São Paulo. He is the author of the book The X Man - A story about the soul of the killer SP which won the Premio Vladimir Herzog best book report 2006.

Examines violent crime trends in São Paulo, Brazil Presents an integrated, contextual explanation for homicide trends Provides a unique view into the historical, cultural, and political landscape of São Paulo from 1960-2010 Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras