in some occupied favelas, such as the favela 'mangueira' home of the homonymous samba school, police forces worked more intensely to win the trust and cooperation of the locals. in other favelas, such as in the complexo do alemão, police forces were openly welcomed and received many tips and assistance in the chasing and removal of the drug lords.  

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.