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.

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

In 2024, the Mexican city of Colima was the second most deadly city in the world, with a murder rate of ****** per 100,000 inhabitants. * out of the top 10 cities with over ******* habitants and the highest homicide rates were located in Mexico.

Historical dataset showing Latin America & Caribbean murder/homicide 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 Latin American public safety market, valued at $51.11 million in 2025, is poised for significant growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.40% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Rising crime rates across major Latin American cities are compelling governments to invest heavily in advanced technologies for improved surveillance, crime prevention, and emergency response. Furthermore, increasing adoption of cloud-based solutions offers scalability and cost-effectiveness, fueling market growth. The market is segmented by component (software – encompassing location management, record management, investigation management, crime analysis, and criminal intelligence – and services), deployment mode (on-premise and cloud), and end-user industry (medical, transportation, law enforcement, firefighting, and others). The increasing prevalence of sophisticated cybercrime necessitates robust cybersecurity measures within public safety systems, further boosting demand for specialized software and services. Government initiatives promoting digital transformation and smart city projects are also contributing positively to market expansion. However, challenges such as budgetary constraints in certain regions and the need for robust data privacy regulations could act as potential restraints. The significant market share held by law enforcement agencies is expected to remain prominent throughout the forecast period. The robust growth trajectory is fueled by the increasing adoption of integrated security systems offering comprehensive solutions. Companies like Cisco, Esri, Genetec, Honeywell, and Motorola Solutions are major players, leveraging their expertise in advanced technologies to cater to the evolving needs of Latin American public safety agencies. The market is witnessing a transition towards cloud-based solutions driven by their inherent flexibility and enhanced accessibility. This trend is particularly pronounced in regions with improved internet infrastructure. The presence of established players alongside emerging technology providers ensures a competitive market, spurring innovation and driving down costs. Continued investment in research and development of cutting-edge technologies will be crucial in shaping the market landscape and effectively addressing the escalating security challenges in the region. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia are anticipated to represent significant portions of the market, reflecting their larger populations and higher crime rates. Recent developments include: February 2024: Irisity, a Swedish AI and video analytics software provider, increased investments in Latin America, focusing on public security, transportation, and mission-critical infrastructure. The company supplies technology in countries like Mexico and Argentina and supports emergency services in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, Irisity collaborates with the Uruguayan security firm Grupo Securitas. The regional strategy includes bolstering brand recognition, expanding the team, and fostering partnerships with integrators, resellers, and camera manufacturers., June 2023: Hexagon AB's Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division launched a new Citizen Reporting portal for its HxGN OnCall Records suite. The portal allows citizens to file police reports online, search for incident records, request services, and view incident maps. According to the company, this public-facing portal aims to streamline interactions between citizens and law enforcement agencies, increase transparency, and alleviate staffing challenges that public safety agencies and local governments face.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Investments in Advanced Cybersecurity Technologies to Protect Sensitive Data, Critical Infrastructure, Stringent Government Regulations to Invest in Safety Measures to Enhance Safety. Potential restraints include: Increasing Investments in Advanced Cybersecurity Technologies to Protect Sensitive Data, Critical Infrastructure, Stringent Government Regulations to Invest in Safety Measures to Enhance Safety. Notable trends are: Software Component to Hold Significant Market Share.

Crime is a major problem in Latin America and the Caribbean. With 9 percent of the world's population, the region accounts for 33 percent of global homicides. This dataset makes extensive new survey data available to help identify what anti-crime policies citizens in the region demand from their governments, as well as who is demanding what and why. This dataset accompanies a recent report on Combating Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Latin America Electronics Security Market size was valued at USD 4.3 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8.7 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Crime Rates and Security Concerns: Rising crime rates and security concerns are driving the Latin American electronic security market. According to the UNODC, Latin America accounts for 33% of all killings while having just 8% of the world's population. According to the Inter-American Development Bank, crime costs the region approximately 3.5% of its GDP each year. Electronic security spending increased by 37% between 2020 and 2023. Governments, organizations, and people are all investing in security systems to safeguard assets.

This dataset is the main survey created for the publication "Past, Present, and Future of Crime and Violence Observations in Latin America and the Caribbean" (Related Publication Only Available in Spanish). This study examines the creation and evolution of crime and violence observatories in Latin America and the Caribbean, starting from the early 1990s. It explores their historical and conceptual development, maps out 66 observatories across 18 countries, and provides recommendations for their improved design, monitoring, and evaluation. The goal is to enhance their effectiveness in supporting public policies aimed at reducing crime and violence in the region.​

As of 2023, Colombia recorded the highest cost of violence as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in South America. The country reported costs of ******* of the country's GDP, followed by the neighboring country Brazil, with ** percent.

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.

Can crime victimization increase support for iron-fist crime-reduction policies? It is difficult to assess the political effects of crime, mainly because of the presence of unmeasured confounders. I use panel data from Brazil and strategies for reducing sensitivity to hidden biases to study how crime victims update their policy preferences. Additionally, I use survey data from 18 Latin American countries to improve the external validity of the findings. I find that crime victims are more likely to support iron-fist or strong-arm measures to reduce crime, such as allowing state repression. Also, I show that affected citizens attach less value to democracy, and that might explain their willingness to accept the erosion of basic rights in favor of radical measures to combat delinquency. These results reveal that exposure to crime can change what people think the state should be allowed to do, which can have important political implications.

Crime is a major problem in Latin America and the Caribbean. With 9 percent of the world's population, the region accounts for 33 percent of global homicides. This dataset makes extensive new survey data available to help identify what anti-crime policies citizens in the region demand from their governments, as well as who is demanding what and why. This dataset accompanies a recent report on Combating Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean, https://publications.iadb.org/en/combating-crime-latin-america-and-caribbean-what-public-policies-do-citizens-want. Data from Americas Barometer study were collected in 2016–17 and refer to the subsample of 17 countries in Latin America. The IADB–LAPOP–Capital Cities Project includes data collected from 2017, between August and September. A total of 6,040 interviews in seven countries were conducted as part of the project (Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay). Methodology and Code variables definitions are available here: https://publications.iadb.org/en/what-public-policies-do-citizens-want-combating-crime-latin-america-and-caribbean-dataset

Latin America's Video Surveillance market was USD 2707.71 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2024 to 2031. The market is foreseen to reach USD 5487.2 million by 2031 due to the rising crime rates and the need for improved public safety measures.

Latin America's home control and security systems market was USD 2807.13 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2024 to 2031. The market is foreseen to reach USD 5439.4 million by 2031 due to the rising crime rates.

The Latin American surveillance camera market, valued at $3.03 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.21% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Increased urbanization across the region is creating a demand for enhanced security solutions in both public and private spaces. Furthermore, rising crime rates and concerns about public safety are prompting governments and businesses to invest heavily in advanced surveillance technologies. The adoption of IP-based systems is a significant trend, surpassing analog-based systems due to their superior scalability, flexibility, and integration capabilities. Government initiatives promoting smart city development further contribute to market growth, with projects focusing on improved infrastructure and public safety management incorporating advanced surveillance systems. The healthcare and banking sectors, particularly, are embracing sophisticated security solutions to protect assets and sensitive data, driving demand for high-resolution cameras and advanced analytics. However, the market faces challenges including high initial investment costs associated with upgrading existing infrastructure and the need for skilled personnel to manage and maintain these complex systems. Despite these restraints, the market segmentation reveals significant opportunities. The IP-based segment is expected to dominate the market share, driven by its technological advantages. Among end-user industries, the government sector holds substantial market share due to its extensive investment in public safety and security initiatives. However, the banking, healthcare, and transportation and logistics sectors are showing significant growth potential as they increasingly prioritize security and data protection. Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are the major markets within Latin America, contributing significantly to the overall regional growth. The continued adoption of cloud-based video management systems and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics into surveillance solutions will continue to shape the trajectory of the Latin American surveillance camera market in the coming years. 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.

Number, percentage and rate (per 100,000 population) of persons accused of homicide, by racialized identity group (total, by racialized identity group; racialized identity group; South Asian; Chinese; Black; Filipino; Arab; Latin American; Southeast Asian; West Asian; Korean; Japanese; other racialized identity group; multiple racialized identity; racialized identity, but racialized identity group is unknown; rest of the population; unknown racialized identity group), gender (all genders; male; female; gender unknown) and region (Canada; Atlantic region; Quebec; Ontario; Prairies region; British Columbia; territories), 2019 to 2024.

The size of the Latin America Security Services market was valued at USD XXX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 4.80% during the forecast period.Security services include broad measures against threats and risks that individuals, properties, and sensitive information may suffer. Such services are required by businesses and governments because they help the former in reducing potential loss, sustaining security, and ensuring continuous operations.The Latin American security services market is witnessing high growth, because of increasing crime rates, soaring cybersecurity threats, and high awareness about security risks in the region. As such, the economies in that region continue to develop rapidly, and digital transformation accelerates across the board, so the demand for security solutions increases.Latin American security service providers provide a variety of services, such as physical security, cybersecurity, and risk management. Physical security services consist of surveillance systems, access control, and guard services. Cybersecurity services will cover the protection of digital assets against hacking, phishing, malware, and other forms of cyber attacks. Risk management services deal with the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks that organizations might face. Recent developments include: May 2024: Fortra introduced its cybersecurity platform called Fortra, which brings together advanced solutions in one place to protect against various types of attacks. The platform is designed with an innovative and easy-to-use approach. As security products are integrated into the platform, it can identify attacks from multiple sources, analyze and connect them using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect patterns and assist customers in reducing risks for a more secure and resilient organization. The latest edition of the Fortra platform incorporates well-known features such as Fortra Cloud Email Protection, Fortra XDR, and Fortra Vulnerability Management., October 2023: IBM Corporation released an enhanced version of managed detection and response services, which now feature new AI technologies. These technologies enable the automatic escalation or closure of nearly 85% of alerts, resulting in quicker response times for customer security. The updated Threat Detection and Response Services (TDR) provide ongoing monitoring, analysis, and automated handling of security alerts from different technologies in clients' hybrid cloud setups. This includes integrating with existing security tools and assets, as well as cloud, on-premise, and operational technologies.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising Awareness of Cyber Security Risks, Adoption of Emerging Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Potential restraints include: Lack of Assessment Tools to Measure Serious Game Effectiveness. Notable trends are: IT and Infrastructure to Witness Significant Growth.