In 2024, the highest homicide rate among 22 Latin American and Caribbean countries surveyed was in Haiti, with around 62 murders committed per 100,000 inhabitants. Trinidad and Tobago came in second, with a homicide rate of 46, while Honduras ranked seventh, with 25. In the same year, the lowest rate was recorded in El Salvador, with a homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. A violence-ridden region Violence and crime are some of the most pressing problems affecting Latin American society nowadays. More than 40 of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world are located in this region, as well as one of the twenty countries with the least peace in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Despite governments’ large spending on security and high imprisonment rates, drug and weapon trafficking, organized crime, and gangs have turned violence into an epidemic that affects the whole region and a solution to this issue appears to be hardly attainable. The cost of violence in Mexico Mexico stands out as an example of the great cost that violence inflicts upon a country, since beyond claiming human lives, it also affects everyday life and has a negative impact on the economy. Mexicans have a high perceived level of insecurity, as they do not only fear becoming victims of homicide, but also of other common crimes, such as assault or rape. Such fear prevents people from performing everyday activities, for instance, going out at night, taking a taxi or going to the movies or the theater. Furthermore, the economic toll of violence in Mexico is more than considerable. For example, the cost of homicide and violent crime amounted to 2099.8 and 1778.1 billion Mexican pesos in 2023, respectively.

Several countries located in Central America and the Caribbean registered some of the highest homicide rates in the Latin American region in 2023. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked first, with around 51.32 homicides committed per 100,000 inhabitants. Jamaica came in second with 49.44 homicides per 100,000 people. The source defines intentional homicide as the unlawful death inflicted upon a person with the intent to cause death or serious injury. When it comes to the total case count, Brazil was the Latin American country with the largest number of homicide victims. Central America and the falling rates El Salvador was commonly named the murder capital of the world for a few years. The inability of previous governments to control organized crime and gangs resulted in the highest homicide rate in the world for a couple of years. Nonetheless, the current administration and the measures applied during the emergency state had an incredibly positive impact in terms of the security of the Salvadorean citizens. But not only El Salvador has seen a considerable reduction in its murder rate in Central America. Honduras and Guatemala are also two great examples of crime reduction, introducing new policies, institutions, and changes to their judicial system to achieve better results. The Caribbean is still ridden by crime Some islands in the Caribbean are not only known as tax heavens, as some nations in the region are considered the main enablers of tax evasion in the world, but also for being ridden by crime. Haiti is one example of the still-rising levels of criminality. As a country with precarious conditions and extreme food insecurity, the homicide rate has been on the rise for almost four consecutive years. Another one is Jamaica, at the top of the Latin American ranking, that has also seen an increase in the youth involved in organized crime due to lack of employment and economic conditions.

The average for 2017 based on 9 countries was 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people. The highest value was in Brazil: 30.5 homicides per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Chile: 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2017. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Historical dataset showing Latin America & Caribbean crime rate per 100K population by year from 2010 to 2021.

Honduras was the Latin American country with the highest femicide rate as of 2023. In that year, it was estimated that around seven women were murdered on account of their gender per 100,000 female population in this Central American country. Chile recorded one of the lowest femicide rates, at 0.4 victims every 100,000 women. In that same year, Brazil registered the largest number of femicide cases in the region.

The average for 2016 based on 8 countries was 839 thefts per 100,000 people. The highest value was in Uruguay: 3205 thefts per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Colombia: 178 thefts per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 2003 to 2016. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Brazil led the list with a total of 4,390 kidnapping cases in the latest available data. Ecuador followed with 1,246 occurrences in 2022. On the flip side, there was only three reported kidnapping in the Antigua and Barbuda during that year. Homicides, another recurrent problem in Latin America Among the region's prevalent offenses, intentional homicide emerged as one of the main concerns in the region. Nonetheless, the rates vary among the different countries. Brazil leads the ranking of the most number of homicides in Latin America, as well as being the most populated country by far. On the other hand, Jamaica holds the top position according to the homicide rate, reporting nearly 61 instances per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. Nevertheless, even with these varying homicide rates across countries, four out of five of the world's most perilous urban centers are situated in Mexico, with Colima leading the pack at a 2024 homicide rate of 140 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Cost of violence in Central America Following criminal acts, the responsibility for addressing the consequences falls squarely on the government, causing government expenditure to surge, called the cost of violence. Notably, Panama is more severely impacted in Central America, with the economic cost of violence per inhabitant accounting for over 3,771 U.S. dollars in 2022. In terms of a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), El Salvador takes the first place with a value of 15 percent of their GDP.

Historical dataset showing Latin America & Caribbean murder/homicide rate per 100K population by year from 2010 to 2021.

In 2023, Brazil registered a total of 1,463 murder cases that were classified as femicide, or the killing of a woman or girl on account of their gender. Meanwhile, the number of women killed on account of their gender in Mexico reached 852 in that same year.

Some of the most populous countries in Latin America were also the nations that register the highest number of murders. Brazil was the country with the largest number of intentional homicides in the region with 44,367 victims. Mexico came in second, with 33,287 homicide victims, followed by Colombia with over 13,000 victims.

As of 2023, Brazil recorded the highest cost of violence in South America. The biggest country in the region, recorded more than *** billion USD PPP in cost of violence this year. Colombia followed with a cost of around *** billion USD PPP this same year. When it comes to cost of violence as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Colombia leads the region.

Uruguay's tourist safety and security obtained the highest score among Latin American countries studied in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) in 2021. By contrast, Mexico got the lowest rate that year.

The article examines the relationship between victimization, fear of crime, and democratic legitimacy in Latin America, considering both the causal mechanisms and contextual effects involved in this process. Fear of crime and victimization are regarded as distinct (yet interconnected) phenomena, each potentially operating through different causal mechanisms. Democratic legitimacy is understood from a multidimensional perspective. The hypotheses consider country-level contextual factors and are tested using multilevel analysis, based on data from the 2016 and 2018 Americas Barometer. The findings underscore the detrimental impacts of victimization and fear of crime on democratic legitimacy in Latin America, with a particular emphasis on the intensified negative effect of victimization in countries with high homicide rates.

The Latin American non-lethal weapons market exhibits robust growth potential, driven by increasing demand for crowd control solutions, heightened security concerns, and rising crime rates across the region. The market's expansion is fueled by substantial investments in law enforcement and military modernization efforts. Government initiatives promoting public safety, alongside the adoption of advanced non-lethal technologies such as less-lethal ammunition, tasers, and chemical agents, contribute significantly to market growth. While specific market size data for Latin America is unavailable, considering a global CAGR of over 3% and the region's unique security challenges, a reasonable estimate for the 2025 market size would be in the range of $200-250 million USD. This figure considers factors such as economic development disparities across the region and varying levels of investment in security infrastructure among different Latin American countries. The market is segmented based on weapon type (e.g., tasers, pepper spray, rubber bullets), end-user (law enforcement, military), and geographic distribution (e.g., Brazil, Mexico, Colombia). Significant growth opportunities are foreseen in the adoption of technologically advanced non-lethal weapons, particularly those incorporating enhanced precision and reduced collateral damage. However, market growth may face restraints due to budgetary constraints in certain countries, regulatory hurdles surrounding the use and deployment of non-lethal weapons, and concerns about potential misuse or human rights violations. Key players like Axon (Taser), Safariland, and Rheinmetall are actively engaged in the Latin American market, either directly or through partnerships, vying for market share. The forecast period (2025-2033) promises sustained growth, reflecting increasing investment in security and public safety across the region, despite potential challenges in specific market segments. Key drivers for this market are: , Increased Seaborne Threats And Ambiguous Maritime Security Policies; Increasing Adoption Of Security Technologies In Bric Countries. Potential restraints include: , High Risk Rate In Ungoverned Zones; Unstructured Security Standards And Technologies. Notable trends are: Law Enforcement Segment Held the Largest Share.

The average for 2017 based on 79 countries was 105 robberies per 100,000 people. The highest value was in Costa Rica: 1587 robberies per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Oman: 1 robberies per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 2003 to 2017. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The Latin American surveillance camera market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $3.03 billion in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.21% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increasing concerns about public safety and security, particularly in major urban centers like Mexico City, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires, are fueling demand for advanced surveillance solutions. Furthermore, the growth of e-commerce and the rising adoption of smart city initiatives across the region are creating new opportunities for surveillance camera deployment. The banking and government sectors are significant adopters, prioritizing security for financial assets and critical infrastructure. Technological advancements, such as the transition from analog to IP-based systems offering higher resolution, better analytics, and remote accessibility, are further stimulating market growth. Hybrid systems, combining the best of both analog and IP technologies, are also gaining traction, catering to diverse needs and budgets. While the market faces challenges such as economic instability in some Latin American countries and potential concerns regarding data privacy and surveillance ethics, the overall growth trajectory remains positive. The market is highly competitive, with a mix of global players and regional companies vying for market share. The increasing adoption of cloud-based surveillance solutions and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics into surveillance systems are expected to be key trends shaping the market in the coming years. The diverse end-user segments in Latin America contribute to the market's multifaceted nature. The healthcare sector is adopting surveillance for patient monitoring and security, while the transportation and logistics industry uses it to enhance safety and streamline operations. Industrial applications encompass security and process monitoring in manufacturing and other industrial settings. Competition among established players like Hikvision, Dahua, Bosch, and Axis, alongside the emergence of regional players, creates a dynamic market landscape. Growth will likely be strongest in countries with robust economic growth and improving infrastructure, leading to increased investment in security solutions. The market will witness a gradual shift towards more sophisticated systems incorporating AI and advanced analytics, enhancing their efficiency and providing valuable insights beyond basic security. This will lead to higher average selling prices and further fuel market value growth. This report provides a detailed analysis of the Latin America surveillance camera market, offering valuable insights into market size, growth drivers, challenges, and future trends. The study covers the period from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 as the base year and a forecast period extending to 2033. This comprehensive research examines the market's dynamics, competitive landscape, and key technological advancements, providing crucial information for stakeholders across the surveillance technology sector. This report utilizes data from 2019-2024 as the historical period and includes a focus on key market segments and influential players, ensuring a holistic understanding of this rapidly evolving market. Recent developments include: April 2024: LenelS2, one of the global leaders in advanced physical security systems, has teamed up with Hanwha Vision, one of the leaders in video surveillance. This strategic alliance positions LenelS2 as a reseller of Hanwha Vision cameras across the Americas. This partnership is pivotal, granting end users access to the comprehensive range of Hanwha Vision's IP camera portfolio. They can obtain these cameras through LenelS2's authorized value-added resellers (VARs), in conjunction with LenelS2's own products and services.February 2024: About 20 security cameras were installed in Cozumel City, Mexico. The cameras are equipped with facial recognition analytical technology to allow the city authorities to react immediately to any eventuality.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Government Efforts to Enhance Public Safety, High Crime Rates and Security Issues. Potential restraints include: Increasing Government Efforts to Enhance Public Safety, High Crime Rates and Security Issues. Notable trends are: IP-based Camera Gaining Popularity.

Violence has harmful effects on individuals and society. This is especially true in Latin America, a region that stands out globally for its high homicide rate. Building on research on subnational politics, democratization, and an inter-disciplinary literature that seeks to understand sources of violence, we examine the effect of municipal politics on homicide rates in Brazil while controlling for conventional socio-structural accounts. Specifically, we test the effect of four key political variables – party identification of mayors, partisan alignment of mayors and governors, electoral competition, and voter participation – and examine the locally varying effect of these variables with geographically weighted regressions (GWR). Our emphasis on political explanations of criminal violence is a rare departure from dominant accounts of violent crime, suggesting comparisons with the literature on political violence, and the spatial approach allows an analysis of the territorially uneven effect of political variables. The results show the statistical significance, direction, and magnitude of key political factors vary substantially across Brazil’s 5562 municipalities, showcasing the uneven effect of predictors of violence across space, and generating new hypothesis regarding the conditional effect of key predictors. In the time period examined (2007–2012), the largest left party in Brazil, Workers' Party (PT), had a beneficial effect, reducing violence in large parts of Brazil, the center party that held most local governments (PMDB) had a harmful effect in certain areas of Brazil, and the largest center-right party (PSDB) had mixed effects – helpful in some parts of Brazil and harmful in others. These results help us understand key features of the relationship between Brazilian politics and public security across different parts of the country, illuminating the political geography of violence in the region's largest country.

The Latin American electronics security market, encompassing surveillance, alarming, access control, and other systems, is experiencing robust growth. Driven by increasing urbanization, rising crime rates, and a growing need for enhanced security in various sectors like government, transportation, and retail, the market is projected to expand significantly. The 6.50% CAGR (2019-2033) indicates a healthy trajectory, with substantial opportunities for established players like Hikvision, Dahua, Bosch, and Honeywell, as well as emerging regional companies. Market segmentation reveals a strong demand across end-user industries. Government initiatives focused on national security and smart city projects fuel considerable growth, while the banking and retail sectors contribute significantly due to increasing concerns about fraud and theft. The transportation sector's adoption of advanced security technologies is also a key growth driver. While specific market size figures for 2025 are not provided, extrapolating from the 6.5% CAGR and assuming a reasonable base year value, the market size in 2025 could be estimated in the range of several billion dollars. Further expansion will be influenced by factors such as government regulations regarding data privacy, technological advancements in AI-powered surveillance, and the increasing affordability of sophisticated security systems. Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are likely to be the leading markets in Latin America, given their larger economies and higher levels of urbanization. However, other countries like Colombia, Chile, and Peru will also experience substantial growth. The market's growth is, however, subject to economic fluctuations and potential political instability in some regions. A crucial factor will be the expansion of reliable internet infrastructure to support advanced security features such as cloud-based video storage and remote monitoring. Increased cybersecurity awareness and the adoption of robust cybersecurity practices will also be critical to fostering market growth and protecting sensitive data. Recent developments include: February 2022 - Ajax Systems, the manufacturer of alarms and security systems, announced that it is entering the Argentina market and plans to build a local team. Also, the company confirmed that its products would be available for sale from the company's first official partner and distributor, Getterson.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Use of Cloud-based Access Control Solutions, Continuous Innovations for Rising Security Concerns. Potential restraints include: Increasing Use of Cloud-based Access Control Solutions, Continuous Innovations for Rising Security Concerns. Notable trends are: Surveillance Security to Hold Major Share.

The Latin American video surveillance market, valued at approximately $3.87 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing urbanization, rising crime rates, and the expanding adoption of smart city initiatives across the region. Key growth drivers include the increasing demand for advanced video analytics capabilities, the shift towards cloud-based video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), and the growing need for enhanced security across commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. The market is segmented by hardware (cameras – analog, IP, and hybrid – and storage solutions), software (video analytics and video management software), and services (VSaaS). Furthermore, end-user verticals contributing significantly include commercial, infrastructure, institutional, industrial, and defense sectors. While residential adoption is growing, it lags behind other segments. Competition is fierce, with major players like Honeywell, Panasonic, Hikvision, Dahua, and others vying for market share through innovative product offerings, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion. The market's growth trajectory, however, faces certain restraints including high initial investment costs, the need for skilled technical expertise for installation and maintenance, and varying levels of technological infrastructure across different countries within Latin America. Despite these challenges, the overall market outlook remains positive, fueled by continued investment in security infrastructure and a rising awareness of the importance of proactive crime prevention strategies. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates a sustained CAGR of 5.50%, indicating a substantial market expansion. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia are expected to be the major contributors to this growth, driven by substantial investments in public safety and private security. However, variations in economic conditions and regulatory frameworks across different Latin American nations might influence the market's growth trajectory, necessitating a nuanced approach for market participants. The prevalence of IP cameras is projected to increase steadily, replacing traditional analog systems, reflecting a broader industry trend towards higher resolution, improved analytics, and enhanced network capabilities. Furthermore, the increasing affordability and accessibility of VSaaS solutions will contribute significantly to market expansion, particularly amongst smaller businesses and residential users. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Latin America Video Surveillance Market, covering the period 2019-2033. It offers invaluable insights into market size, growth drivers, challenges, and future trends, making it an essential resource for industry stakeholders. The report includes detailed segmentations and profiles of key players, empowering businesses to make informed strategic decisions. With a focus on IP cameras, video analytics, video management software (VMS), and VSaaS solutions, the report addresses the increasing demand for enhanced security and safety across diverse sectors. Recent developments include: January 2024: A new video management software was implemented in San Miguel de Tucumán to manage Argentina's modern video surveillance system. The newly implemented Axxon One VMS platform allows 911 center personnel to autonomously manage cameras with advanced functionalities such as face detection, license plate recognition, infrared rays, video walls, and other resources that increase real-time monitoring efficiency., October 2023: New surveillance system comprising MIC IP ultra 7100i cameras of Bosch was installed at the port of Paracas in Peru. The newly installed camera system features 12x zoom and optical image stabilization (OIS). Also, features such as mobile pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) devices give the cameras excellent coverage of large areas.. Key drivers for this market are: Government Initiative to Enhance the Adoption of Advanced Security & Surveillance Solutions, Technological Innovation in Video Surveillance Systems/Solutions. Potential restraints include: Government Initiative to Enhance the Adoption of Advanced Security & Surveillance Solutions, Technological Innovation in Video Surveillance Systems/Solutions. Notable trends are: The Camera Segment to Hold a Significant Market Share.