Rio Olympics police warn: 'We won't be able to protect you'

Concerns are growing over security at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, which begins in one month, with Brazilian police officers themselves warning of the scale of the problem.

Street violence is increasing and police and the government "are at loggerheads" over pay and working conditions, CNN reports. "The message from police to tourists is clear: we won't be able to protect you," it adds.

Brazil has one of the highest homicide levels in the world, according to Amnesty International. "Those living in the most marginalised areas of the city are disproportionately affected by this crisis," the charity says.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Police budgets have been cut and salaries delayed, leading to widespread anger and protests.

"Security forces are so pressed for funds that some have to beg for donations of pens, cleaning supplies and even toilet paper," reports AP.

The situation has now deteriorated to the point where police helicopters and patrol cars have been grounded.

Officers greeted arrivals at Rio airport last week with signs reading: "Welcome to hell", and: "Police and firefighters don't get paid, whoever comes to Rio de Janeiro will not be safe."

Brazilian officials have dismissed the criticism, saying the Games "could start today" and that tens of thousands of security personnel will be stationed at key venues and travel hubs in the city.

"The country has put together a solid security program of 85,000 federal, state and municipal government personnel to ensure that sporting events take place in an atmosphere of absolute peace and tranquillity," said interim president Michel Temer.

But the country's problems go far beyond security concerns: a corruption scandal has led to widespread protests and the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff; Brazil has plunged into recession, and the Zika virus has led to several high-profile athletes, including golfer Rory McIlroy, pulling out of the Games.