Pelotas is located in the southern part of Brazil on the banks of São Gonçalo and home to over 325,000 people. In addition to its natural beauties and rich historical heritage, marked by beautiful and imposing manor houses built under strong European influence, the city is also recognized as the National Capital of Sweets.
343,132
7 m
1,609 km2
The key strategy to combat violence in Pelotas is the Pelotas Pact for Peace (Pacto Pelotas pela Paz), launched in 2017. This initiative, which is a comprehensive Municipal Public Safety and Violence Prevention Program, coordinates sectoral public policies, institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the broader community in a unified effort to reduce violence. Specifically, it aims to implement strategic actions across five pillars: Policing and Justice, Administrative Oversight, Urban Planning, Technology, and Social Prevention.
Moreover, the Pact’s continuous monitoring of criminal and social indicators ensures data-driven decision-making. Fundamentally, the program is built on a new public safety model that is preventive, proactive, multidisciplinary, and integrated. It is grounded in scientific evidence and a strong commitment to accountability.
Current challenges include not only sustaining recent reductions in crime and violence rates, but also addressing disturbances of public peace and combating persistent crimes against vulnerable groups. For instance, issues such as cars heavily equipped with loud sound systems in residential areas highlight the difficulty in balancing the right to rest, business operations, and nightlife activities. Consequently, strategies must consider regional characteristics and community habits to be effective.
Since 2017, Pelotas has significantly reduced Intentional Lethal Violent Crimes and Property Crimes. Between 2017-2023, the city achieved:
reduction in Intentional Lethal Violent Crimes (from 34.8 to 10.4 per 100,000 inhabitants).
reduction in Pedestrian Robbery.
reduction in Commercial Establishment Robbery.
reduction in Vehicle Theft.
reduction in Residential Robbery.
reduction in Public Transport Theft.
Being part of the Peace in Our Cities network has been very significant for Pelotas. The support and exchange of knowledge we receive help us tackle our local challenges more effectively. Through shared experiences, we enhance our approach to public safety and violence prevention, fostering a safer community for all.
Aline Crochemore - Executive Coordinator of Pelotas Pact for Peace
