Crime and traffic threaten the World Cup in Fortaleza.

Camila Maciel
Reporter from Agência Brasil

São Paulo - Events related to common crime and traffic incidents are the situations most likely to occur in Fortaleza (CE), during the Confederations Cup games, according to a risk report produced by the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin). The document, which is mostly confidential, was delivered to the authorities of each host city in early April. Abin's assessment identifies sources of threats that could harm the execution of the tournament and endanger the safety of the public, delegations, and authorities.

In addition to these two items, threats related to extremist and terrorist groups, incidents involving fans, pressure groups, and technical failures are also analyzed, with the first two presenting the lowest risk of occurrence. Each of these threat sources, according to the classification proposed by ABIN (Brazilian Intelligence Agency), was evaluated in seven locations related to the games, such as the Castelão and Presidente Vargas stadiums (training); facilities at the University of Fortaleza, which will also be used for training; Pinto Martins Airport; and hotels that will host the delegations.

The methodology adopted by ABIN (Brazilian Intelligence Agency) grades risks into five levels, ranging from very high to very low. In the capital of Ceará, 45% of threats are of the medium type and 32% are low. High-level (11%) and very low-level (12%) risks were also identified. No very high-level threats were detected. If the intelligence agency's recommendations are adopted by the authorities, the projection is that the threats with the highest probability of occurring will disappear, giving way to rates of 30% for the very low level; 46% for the low level; and 25% for the medium level.

The Secretary of Public Security of Ceará, Francisco Bezerra, points out that this higher probability of common crimes is not a condition exclusive to Fortaleza. "Given the characteristics of Brazilian cities, the tendency is that, if something happens, it will be related to daily, routine crime. We don't have, for example, the prospect of terrorism or a major natural disaster," he considered.

Bezerra said that the state already does daily work to combat crime and that this will be intensified during the games. "All necessary measures are being taken in the state: for example, we increased the number of military police officers by 3 new officers, and since 2007, there are now more than 7. In addition, we are record holders in weapons seizures. From 2011 to 2013, there were more than 13,2," he exemplified.

According to the Brazilian Yearbook of Public Security, Ceará has a homicide rate of 30,7 deaths per 100 inhabitants, based on 2011 data, ranking 7th among the 15 states that adequately feed data into the national security statistics system.

The secretary informed that 2,2 military police officers will be deployed to locations related to the Confederations Cup. In addition, 200 members of the National Force will be stationed there and will be called upon if necessary. Bezerra denies that this measure is related to the threat of a strike by military police officers during the games, reported in local newspapers last month. "[The arrival of the National Force] was not our request. We were informed that this measure is being adopted in all host cities. We have no indication of this [strike] within the troops. This was even reported irresponsibly," he stated.

In addition to increased police presence at game venues and fan fests (public spaces where games are shown and musical performances take place), the secretary emphasized that routine police work is guaranteed, including the reassignment of officers from administrative roles. "We are creating a task force that will allow us to resize the police presence in many areas to minimize disruption to ordinary operational personnel, both in the capital and the interior," he assured. According to Bezerra, the Ceará police force consists of 15 officers, with 55% stationed in the capital.

ABIN (Brazilian Intelligence Agency) reported that, since the end of May, risk assessment work has been ongoing in the host cities and will continue during the Confederations Cup games, from June 15 to 30. Intelligence teams were sent to the five cities for what is called a "hot" assessment, which aims to update the risk variations described in this report.

Edited by: José Romildo