With the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro quickly approaching, Brazil expects over half a million foreign tourists.
Given the crime rate in Rio, local officials have declared war on major offenders, primarily the drug lords, in their numerous "favelas." Nearly 25% of Rio's population reside in these favelas, which are extremely condensed areas that have been held by various drug lords. Frequent shoot-outs have been common for many years in these neighborhoods.
When the police aren't able to subdue the problem, a special type of enforcer is called in. The "Special Police Operations Battalion," or BOPE, is an elite group of officers that many citizens of Rio fear — and not just the criminals.
Some believe that BOPE's existence is a curse, rather than a blessing — human-rights groups have accused the elite organization of extrajudicial executions and corruption. With a menacing logo of a knife through a skull and all black uniform and vehicles, it's easy to scrutinize BOPE's method of rooting out crime.
However, as the last resort for Rio's police force, BOPE may be Rio's only option to rid the favelas of drug activity in order to ensure a safer area for thousands of incoming Olympic tourists.
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An aerial view of the Rocinha — one of Rio's many favelas.
BOPE, the elite military police battalion, enter the unpacified Complexo da Mare, one of the largest favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
A BOPE officer reads notes — allegedly from drug traffickers — that lists the amount that was paid to people who tipped off gang members about police presence.
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