Governor Tarcísio de Freitas announced the redeployment of police from São Paulo's center to outer districts facing rising robberies, following the dismantling of Cracolândia. The state will boost police numbers and co-fund the city's Smart Sampa camera system. This aims to balance security across the city without neglecting the center.
São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) stated on February 4, 2026, that the city's public security strategy will shift following successes against Cracolândia and rising robberies in outer districts. "We had a serious problem in the center and concentrated police force there. There was a need to tackle Cracolândia and combat drug trafficking. How do we look at other areas? Crime grew here, so we'll redeploy personnel," he explained.
Data shows nine of the city's 93 police districts saw robbery increases from 2024 to 2025. Tatuapé in the east led with a 35% rise, followed by Parque Santo Antônio at 22% and Vila Sônia at 12%, all far from the center. Overall, citywide robberies dropped 14.6% in 2025 to 98,000 cases—the lowest since 2001—while thefts rose 3.6%.
Freitas noted the state will co-fund the Smart Sampa camera monitoring program under Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) and establish an integrated command between state and city. "The Government of São Paulo will join the co-financing of Smart Sampa and greatly expand monitoring. We understand that personnel alone won't suffice," he said. Operations in central areas like Campos Elíseos and Santa Ifigênia dispersed crack users, though similar scenes emerged elsewhere. The governor assured the center remains secure: "We won't rob Peter to pay Paul; that's why we're increasing the force."
