The state of Rio has received a total of 38 UPPs across 264 territories - gaining support from various sectors of society, uniting a wide array of politicians and organizations which had previously held antagonistic and conflicting views with regards to how to tackle issues relating to safety, justice and rights in the favelas.  

The first UPP unit was installed in the Santa Marta favela in 2008, and From 2010 the scale and scope of the UPP increased significantly - often, occupations were announced well in advance by the governor and security secretary, greatly reducing resistance from criminals at the time of implementation. 

In 2010 the UPP Social program was introduced to produce detailed information about each favela and support the implementation of social programs to strengthen dialogue between residents, community leaders and public officials.