The Homeland Security Annual Report 2023 (Perhaps 2023), released last week, despite the two month delay, shows an increase in violent and serious crime, constituting an indicator to take into account the population’s feeling of insecurity, should therefore deserve reflection, by all entities responsible for Internal Security.
Rogério COPETO
Colonel of the GNR
Master in Law and Security and Homeland Security Auditor
O RATION 2023 consists of an “instrument for measuring the results of the work of the various entities that compete for Internal Security in Portugal”, whose biggest highlight is the increase in violent and serious crime, that grew 5,6%, having registered 14.022 crimes, more 741 cases than in 2022, the highest value since 2019.
General crime has also increased 8,2% in 2023, having the eight Criminal Police Bodies (OPC), National Republican Guard, Public Security Police, Judiciary Police, Foreigners and Border Service, maritime police, Food and Economic Safety Authority, Tax Authority and Military Judicial Police, received 371.995 complaints, more 28.150 shares that in 2022, the highest value since 2014.
O RATION 2023 indicates that the most relevant increases in the chapter on serious and violent crime are extortion, which shows an increase in 25,8%, for kidnapping kidnapping and hostage taking (+22%), for resistance and coercion on employee (+13,2%), stretch theft (+7,7%) and robbery on public roads (+0,8%). Unsurprisingly, almost two-thirds of serious and violent crime (64%) be constituted for the crimes of robbery, in its different forms.
As usual, all media outlets, released RASI data 2023, with most articles reporting the increase in serious and general crime, as shown in the article, of the day 29 May RTP “Homeland Security Report. Crime and violence increased in 2023” e do DN, on the same day "Extortion, robbery and kidnapping among the violent crimes that rose the most in 2023".
So, from RASI reading 2023, we found out that in 2023 They were more committed crimes, in which 2022, concluding that more people were victims of crimes, and therefore more people experienced a greater feeling of insecurity.
The increase in crime is a phenomenon that has direct implications for the population's feeling of insecurity, this feeling being fueled by the constant perception of risk, whether through personal experiences or exposure to news about violent crimes.
When the crime rate increases, Citizens' trust in institutions responsible for public security tends to decrease, generating this distrust, a feeling of vulnerability and fear, which can affect the quality of life and well-being of the population, and the feeling of insecurity can also lead to social isolation, the reduction in urban mobility and the decrease in economic activity in areas considered dangerous.
To confront this phenomenon, It is essential to adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses both the perception of safety and the effective reduction of crime, investing in Proximity Policing, promoting interaction and cooperation between police and the population, strengthening trust in Security Forces (FS) and increase the feeling of protection.
One of the functions that police elements assigned to Special Proximity Policing Programs have is the identification of security weaknesses in communities, therefore the contributions of the FS, must be accepted by the responsible entities, such as local authorities, being one of the important measures, the increase in well-lit areas, because they are less prone to criminal activities, and must also invest in urban infrastructure, with the aim of discouraging the commission of crimes or incivilities, thus increasing the perception of security.
That is why, in this aspect, there should be greater concern in the execution of urbanization projects, the perspective of public security must be considered, where the creation of safe public spaces and the elimination of risk areas, contribute significantly to reducing crime.
The implementation of educational and social inclusion programs that aim to reduce inequality and provide opportunities for personal development are also fundamental, education being a powerful tool in long-term crime prevention.
Invest in programs aimed at the rehabilitation and social reintegration of ex-prisoners, thus contributing to the reduction of criminal recidivism, It is essential to offer employment opportunities and social support to these citizens.
Victims of crime must also receive special attention, Therefore, it is of paramount importance to provide psychological support and assistance to victims of crimes, helping to mitigate traumatic effects and restore confidence in public safety.
The use of new technologies must be increased, such as the installation of video surveillance cameras, which, as a deterrent, contribute to the prevention of crime, well for identifying suspects, when crimes occur, technology is also used to improve the efficiency of the operational activity of FS.
It concludes like this, that the increase in crime could contribute to an increase in feelings of insecurity, Therefore, reducing crime and increasing the feeling of security depends on the implementation of an integrated approach that involves both immediate actions and long-term preventive measures, where cooperation between public entities, community and private is crucial to implementing effective strategies, through well-structured public policies and a joint effort, it is possible to build a safer environment and a more confident and resilient society.
Note: The text constitutes the exclusive and unique opinion of its author, which only binds to this and do not reflect the opinion or position of the institution where it provides services.
