Public Security Yearbook reveals Paraíba as one of the safest states in the Northeast

Paraíba has stood out on the national and regional stage in terms of public security, with positive results, as reported by the Brazilian Forum on Public Security in the 2024 Yearbook. The data reveals a significant advancement, with substantial reductions in crime rates and continuous improvements in the protection of Paraíba citizens, consolidating the state as one of the safest in the North/Northeast.

Reduction in Murders and Improvement in Homicide Rates
Paraíba is highlighted as one of the safest states in the North/Northeast regions, recording the second lowest murder rate in the Northeast and the third lowest in the North/Northeast, with 26.9 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, following only Piauí (22.5) and Acre (25.8). Among the capitals, João Pessoa has the third lowest murder rate in the Northeast, with 26.5 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, preceded by São Luís (18.4) and Natal (24.9).

Since 2011, Paraíba has achieved the second largest cumulative reduction in murders in the Northeast, decreasing from 1,667 deaths to 1,069 in 2023, representing a reduction of 35.9%. These results reflect the continuous and effective efforts of public policies implemented to improve security throughout the state.

Decline in Robberies and Thefts
Another highlight is the significant reduction in robbery and theft rates. Paraíba has the third lowest rate of vehicle robberies and thefts in the Northeast, with a reduction of 9.8% in 2023. Notably, no Paraíba city appears in the ranking of cities with the highest number of cell phone robberies and thefts in Brazil, contrasting with other northeastern states that have at least one city on the list.

Furthermore, Paraíba has the lowest total robbery rate in the Northeast and the seventh lowest in Brazil, with 246.9 occurrences per 100,000 inhabitants, demonstrating the effectiveness of preventive and repressing measures adopted by the state's public security.

Addressing Racial Crimes and Gender Violence
In addressing racial crimes, Paraíba has the second lowest racial insult rate in the Northeast and the sixth lowest in Brazil. The state also stands out for having the lowest rate in the Northeast and the second lowest in Brazil for crimes of racism and homophobia and transphobia, reaffirming its commitment to promoting equality and combating discrimination.

Regarding the murders of women and femicides, Paraíba maintains the third lowest rate in the Northeast and the ninth lowest in Brazil for female murders. The state also has the lowest rate in the Northeast and the third lowest in Brazil for attempted femicides, reflecting intensified efforts to protect women and prevent gender violence.

Other Crimes and Gun Seizures
Paraíba records the lowest rates of rape and vulnerable rape of both sexes in the country, a crucial indicator in protecting victims and promoting justice.

Additionally, Paraíba leads in combating arms trafficking, presenting the highest rate of gun seizures in the Northeast and the fourth highest in Brazil, with 80.4 seizures per 100,000 inhabitants. In 2023, 3,197 firearms were removed from circulation, reinforcing security in communities and preventing violent crimes.

Jean Nunes, the Secretary of Public Security and Social Defense of Paraíba, highlighted the significant advances in the state's public security: “The results presented in the Yearbook of the Brazilian Forum on Public Security reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting the lives of Paraíba citizens. The significant reduction in crime rates and the increase in arms seizures are the fruits of the tireless work of our operational forces and the implementation of effective public policies. We will continue steadfast in this purpose, aiming to provide an increasingly safe environment for all,” he assured.