Mário Braga, senior analyst for Brazil at Control Risks: “The Rio de Janeiro state government’s Integrated City program has some positive aspects, as it goes beyond a merely security-oriented approach to tackling crime. On paper, it also focuses on improving access to public services and better infrastructure while having measures aimed at boosting local communities’ economies. This broader approach is critical in public authorities’ efforts to regain control over favelas currently dominated by drug trafficking gangs and militias (formed mostly by rogue active and retired police officers). However, it is still unclear how prepared the government is to implement these initiatives. The program also lacks proper planning and coordination with key local stakeholders. State authorities did not engage with municipal-level officials, community leaders or civil society organizations. This will undermine the initiative’s possible efficacy–including the need to regain the population’s trust in the public security apparatus…”