as far as metropolitan safety goes, rio de janeiro has for many years endured a negative, often undeserved reputation - a fame that in reality far exceeded the actual dangers of the city - this said, like in most metropolis, criminal behavior is an unfortunate part of life in rio.

Prior to the globalization of internet access, portable cameras and smartphones, a combination of sensationalistic press and lack of general and direct information contributed to creating an image mostly based on myth and emotion rather than on actual figures.

Today a variety of institutions make statistics accessible and many brazilian publications are instantly available online from anywhere around the world, thus helping to maintain a more factual image. the modern expansion of crime in rio de janeiro traces its roots to several factors, going back to the mid 20th century.