UPP presence has significantly reduced drug trade in many favelas but has not been able to eliminate it completely. however, overall security has improved visibly with gang members no longer controlling the streets with heavy arms. 

UPP officers have shown much optimism in relation to the force's operations. one of the reasons for this optimism is, that unlike past law-enforcement initiatives, this time the city is addressing both security and social programs simultaneously, creating a synergy of results likely to have long lasting effects on all communities.

in the final stage of the process, following the deployment of the upp, the official city administration  is free to enter the area. development commences by installing and improving basic infrastructure such as electric and water distribution, and by formalizing local businesses as well as residents' real estate and land ownership.