The local management of security and the implementation of the national security and citizenship program in Brazil: From the falls in crime indexes to gain of citizenship and accountability

The research investigates the recent model of the Brazilian public security, parting from the analysis of of the National Security with Citizenship/ Pronasci. With the return of democracy in Brazil, problems such as high crime rates and violence increased because of a history of exclusion and social inequality from the lower layers of the population. The research investigates the process of implementing a new paradigm when it comes to public safety, using the model of a decentralization process that makes the municipalities become key players in the process, acting in cooperation with other federal entities such as states and the Union. There is a focus on security management in the municipalities and the effectiveness of actions concerning the reduction of crime and violence. Pronasci is based on the combination of qualified repression and social programs, developing from the coordination between the three federal entities. The program assumes that crime is a multifactorial phenomenon, with a territorial base, so the experience and local knowledge are valued. The program is being implemented in the municipalities of metropolitan areas with high levels of vulnerability and exposure to violence, especially homicides. In methodological terms, interviews, focus groups and analysis of social indicators are showing a drop in crime rates and greater popular participation and engagement of vulnerable groups in public spaces, resulting in a gain in citizenship and accountability.