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.

In 2025, Pietermaritzburg in South Africa ranked as the world's most dangerous city with a crime rate of 82 per 100,000 inhabitants. Five of the 10 cities with the highest crime rates worldwide are found in South Africa. The list does not include countries where war and conflict exist. South Africa dominates crime statistics When looking at crime rates, among the 10 most dangerous cities in the world, half of them are found in South Africa. The country is struggling with extremely high levels of inequality, and is struggling with high levels of crime and power outages, harming the country's economy and driving more people into unemployment and poverty. Crime in Latin America On the other hand, when looking at murder rates, Latin America dominates the list of the world's most dangerous countries. Violence in Latin America is caused in great part by drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and gang wars.

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.

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.

Violence Detection Analytics Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global violence detection analytics market size reached USD 3.28 billion in 2024, reflecting robust adoption across multiple sectors. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 18.7% during the forecast period, reaching an estimated USD 9.57 billion by 2033. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for advanced security solutions, increasing urbanization, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies into surveillance systems. As per our analysis, the convergence of real-time analytics and the growing need for proactive threat detection are the key accelerators shaping the global violence detection analytics landscape.

A significant growth factor for the violence detection analytics market is the escalating incidence of violent activities in public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions. This trend has heightened the urgency for timely detection and intervention, prompting governments and private organizations to invest in intelligent surveillance solutions. The proliferation of smart city initiatives worldwide has further amplified the deployment of violence detection analytics, as urban administrators strive to ensure public safety through real-time monitoring and rapid response systems. The increasing adoption of video surveillance cameras, coupled with advancements in computer vision and deep learning algorithms, has enabled the automation of threat detection, significantly reducing response times and enhancing situational awareness for security personnel.

Another crucial driver is the rapid technological evolution in AI-powered analytics, which has transformed traditional video surveillance into a more dynamic and intelligent process. Modern violence detection analytics systems leverage deep neural networks to identify suspicious behaviors, aggressive gestures, and anomalous activities with high accuracy. This has led to a paradigm shift in how organizations approach security, moving from reactive to proactive threat management. Furthermore, the integration of violence detection analytics with existing security infrastructure, such as access control and alarm systems, has enabled seamless incident management and improved operational efficiency. The increasing availability of cloud-based solutions has also democratized access to sophisticated analytics, making it feasible for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to deploy advanced security measures without incurring prohibitive costs.

Additionally, stringent regulatory frameworks and compliance mandates regarding workplace and public safety have fueled the adoption of violence detection analytics across various industries. Enterprises are under growing pressure to provide safe environments for employees, customers, and visitors, necessitating the implementation of robust monitoring systems. In sectors such as healthcare, education, and transportation, the ability to detect and mitigate violent incidents in real-time can be a critical differentiator, influencing organizational reputation and stakeholder trust. The increasing collaboration between technology vendors, law enforcement agencies, and governmental bodies has also catalyzed innovation, leading to the development of more sophisticated, user-friendly, and scalable analytics platforms.

From a regional perspective, North America commands the largest share of the global violence detection analytics market, accounting for approximately 39% of total revenue in 2024. This dominance is attributed to the high adoption rate of advanced security technologies, significant investments in smart infrastructure, and a strong regulatory emphasis on public safety. Europe follows closely, driven by widespread urbanization and proactive governmental initiatives. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, propelled by rapid economic development, increasing security concerns, and expanding urban populations. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging as promising markets, supported by growing awareness and the gradual modernization of security frameworks.

Colombia ranked second as the country with the largest number of new displacements caused by conflicts in 2024, with a total of 388,000 new displacements. Despite the region not being at war, gang violence, organized crime, and drug trafficking have turned Latin American countries into the most dangerous countries in the world. High murder rates, physical violence, extortion, death threats, kidnappings and femicides prompt the Latin Americans to flee their homes.

Fingerprint Powders Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global fingerprint powders market size reached USD 357.6 million in 2024, with the industry expanding at a robust pace. The market is projected to demonstrate a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2033, resulting in a forecasted market size of USD 626.9 million by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for advanced forensic technologies, rising crime rates, and the need for more accurate and efficient criminal investigations worldwide. As per our comprehensive analysis, the fingerprint powders market is witnessing significant innovation and adoption across both developed and developing regions, underpinned by technological advancements and greater investments in law enforcement infrastructure.

One of the major growth factors fueling the fingerprint powders market is the continuous evolution of forensic science, particularly in the area of latent print detection. Law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories are increasingly investing in sophisticated fingerprint powder formulations that offer higher sensitivity and accuracy in detecting latent prints on a variety of surfaces. The growing complexity of criminal activities and the need for reliable evidence in courtrooms are pushing for the adoption of better-quality powders, including magnetic and fluorescent variants. These products are designed to enhance the visibility and contrast of latent prints, even on challenging backgrounds, thus improving the overall efficiency of criminal investigations and judicial processes.

Another significant driver is the increased governmental focus on modernizing security and investigative frameworks. Many countries are allocating larger budgets for forensic research and development, as well as for the procurement of advanced crime scene investigation tools. This trend is especially prominent in regions with high urbanization rates and growing public safety concerns. The integration of fingerprint powders with digital imaging systems and automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) is further accelerating the market’s growth. These advancements not only streamline evidence collection but also minimize the risk of contamination, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained and that evidence stands up to legal scrutiny.

Furthermore, the rising awareness about the importance of forensic science in solving both violent and non-violent crimes is contributing to the expansion of the fingerprint powders market. Educational initiatives, professional training programs, and international collaborations are equipping forensic personnel with the latest knowledge and tools. The emergence of private forensic service providers is also boosting competition and innovation within the sector. As private investigators and non-governmental entities become more involved in forensic work, the demand for high-quality and specialized fingerprint powders is expected to surge, opening new avenues for market participants.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the global fingerprint powders market, accounting for the largest share in 2024. This leadership is attributed to the presence of established forensic infrastructure, significant investments in R&D, and stringent regulatory standards for evidence handling. However, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing crime rates, and government initiatives to upgrade law enforcement capabilities. Europe also holds a substantial market share, supported by robust legal frameworks and cross-border cooperation on criminal investigations. Other regions, including Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, are gradually catching up, fueled by international aid, capacity-building programs, and growing demand for advanced forensic solutions.

Product Type Analysis

The fingerprint powders market, when analyzed by product type, reveals a diverse landscape,

Safe Room Solutions Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Safe Room Solutions Market size reached USD 4.2 billion in 2024, reflecting the growing demand for advanced security infrastructure across residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. The market is projected to expand at a robust CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period, reaching an estimated USD 8.8 billion by 2033. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by heightened concerns regarding personal safety, increasing instances of natural disasters, and the need for property protection, as highlighted in our latest research findings.

A significant growth factor for the safe room solutions market is the rising prevalence of natural disasters and extreme weather events worldwide. As global climate patterns become more unpredictable, there is an increased frequency of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods. This has led both residential and commercial property owners to prioritize the installation of safe rooms and storm shelters as a proactive measure to safeguard lives and assets. In regions particularly prone to such calamities, the demand for storm shelters and reinforced safe rooms has surged, with governments and insurance providers often incentivizing their adoption. These factors collectively contribute to the steady expansion of the safe room solutions market, as consumers seek reliable protection against environmental threats.

Another key driver is the escalating concerns around home invasions, burglaries, and violent crime, especially in urban areas. With a growing number of high-net-worth individuals and businesses seeking enhanced security measures, the adoption of panic rooms, vault rooms, and modular safe rooms has seen a notable uptick. Technological advancements in surveillance, access control, and communication systems have further enhanced the functionality and appeal of modern safe rooms. The integration of biometric authentication, remote monitoring, and emergency communication capabilities has transformed safe rooms from basic fortified spaces to sophisticated security hubs, thereby broadening their market appeal and driving up the global safe room solutions market size.

Furthermore, regulatory frameworks and building codes in several regions now mandate the inclusion of safe rooms or reinforced shelters in new construction projects, particularly in disaster-prone zones. This regulatory push, coupled with increasing public awareness about the benefits of safe rooms, has spurred investments from both private and public sectors. The commercial and institutional segments, including schools, hospitals, and government buildings, are also witnessing increased adoption as part of comprehensive safety protocols. As a result, the safe room solutions market is experiencing robust growth across multiple application areas, with manufacturers innovating to meet diverse customer requirements.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the safe room solutions market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The United States, in particular, has a well-established market driven by high awareness, stringent building codes, and frequent occurrences of tornadoes and hurricanes. Europe is experiencing steady growth due to rising security concerns and regulatory support, while the Asia Pacific region is rapidly emerging as a key growth area, propelled by urbanization and increasing investments in infrastructure safety. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing gradual market development, primarily supported by government initiatives and growing awareness regarding personal and property security.

Product Type Analysis

The safe room solutions market is segmented by product type into panic rooms, vault rooms, storm shelters, modular safe rooms, and others. Panic rooms, also known as safe havens, are fortified spaces designed to provide temporary shelter duri

In 2024, there were approximately 1.9 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in El Salvador. Since 2015, when it stood at 103, the murder rate has been dropping annually in this Central American country. Crime current state The region has witnessed a substantial reduction in the number of homicides since 2015, resulting in the most common crimes becoming increasingly more centered on non-lethal offenses and material-related transgressions, which now pose the most prevalent threats. This shift is equally apparent across both genders, with the rate of femicides steadily declining, paralleling a consistent decrease in overall victimization rates. Consequently, El Salvador achieved the ranking of the third safest country within the Latin American homicide rate context. Notwithstanding these notable improvements, a lingering sense of caution endures among the populace, as nearly half of them remain apprehensive about the prospect of falling victim to criminal activities. Main economic problems Following an extended phase marked by elevated inflation, the region continues to grapple with challenges in its efforts to recover. The impact has been most pronounced on the prices of essential food items, rendering them increasingly unaffordable for a population where approximately 20 percent live under poverty conditions. Furthermore, the unemployment rate persists, with one out of every two individuals still seeking employment opportunities. A significant proportion, approximately 60 percent, remain apprehensive about job loss, recognizing the subsequent loss of their primary income source. In response, the government is envisaging an enhancement in both the employment rate and the GDP, albeit with a gradual recovery trajectory following the substantial downturn experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ShotSpotter-Compatible Sensors Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global ShotSpotter-Compatible Sensors market size reached USD 1.27 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period, culminating in a projected value of USD 3.04 billion by 2033. This significant growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for advanced urban security solutions and the rapid adoption of smart city initiatives worldwide. As per our in-depth analysis, the market is witnessing a surge in investments from both public and private sectors to deploy technologically advanced gunshot detection systems to combat rising urban crime rates and enhance public safety.

One of the key growth factors propelling the ShotSpotter-Compatible Sensors market is the escalating incidence of gun-related violence and criminal activities in urban areas. Cities across the globe are experiencing mounting pressure to ensure public safety, prompting law enforcement agencies and municipal authorities to invest in real-time gunshot detection technologies. The integration of acoustic, optical, and hybrid sensors with advanced analytics enables rapid detection and precise location identification of gunfire incidents, significantly improving emergency response times. Moreover, the growing awareness among city planners and government bodies about the effectiveness of these systems in reducing violent crime rates is further fueling market expansion.

Another notable driver is the proliferation of smart city projects, particularly in developed and emerging economies. As urbanization accelerates, city administrations are increasingly leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor-based technologies to create safer and more resilient urban environments. ShotSpotter-Compatible Sensors, with their ability to provide real-time situational intelligence, are being integrated into broader urban surveillance and security networks. This trend is supported by rising government funding and public-private partnerships aimed at modernizing city infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The market is also benefitting from advancements in sensor technology, such as improved detection accuracy, extended range, and reduced false positive rates, which are making these solutions more attractive to end-users.

Furthermore, the market is experiencing robust demand from non-governmental sectors, including private security firms, commercial establishments, and critical infrastructure operators. These stakeholders are increasingly adopting ShotSpotter-Compatible Sensors to safeguard their assets, employees, and customers from potential threats. The versatility of deployment modes—fixed and mobile—enables tailored solutions for diverse operational environments, ranging from city streets to large-scale public events. Additionally, the integration of these sensors with video surveillance, analytics platforms, and emergency communication systems is creating new opportunities for market players to offer comprehensive security solutions.

From a regional perspective, North America continues to dominate the ShotSpotter-Compatible Sensors market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The United States, in particular, is at the forefront due to its high adoption rate of advanced law enforcement technologies and substantial government funding for public safety initiatives. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing crime rates in metropolitan areas, and significant investments in smart city infrastructure. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging as promising markets, supported by growing security concerns and government efforts to modernize law enforcement capabilities.

Product Type Analysis

The product landscape of the ShotSpotter-Compatible Sensors market is segmented into Acoustic Sensors, Optical Sensors, and Hybrid Sensors. Acoustic sensors remain the cornerstone of gunshot detection technology, leveraging advanced algorithms and sound wave analysis to accurately detect and locate gunfire incidents. These sensors are widely deployed in urban environments due to their proven effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and ease of integration with existing surveillance infrastructure. The continuous innovation in microphone sensitivity, noise filtering, a

The Global Peace Index 2024 ranked 163 independent states and territories based on their level of peacefulness. In 2024, Argentina scored 1.86 out of 5 points, placing the country in the 47th position in the global rank, and in 1st place within Latin America and the Caribbean. Uruguay and Costa Rica were ranked 2nd and 3rd in the region with 1.89 and 1.95 points, respectively.

In Europe, the Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania had the highest and third highest homicide rates respectively in 2023. Latvia had the highest rate at over four per 100,000 inhabitants. Meanwhile, the lowest homicide rate was found in Liechtenstein, with zero murders The most dangerous country worldwide Saint Kitts and Nevis is the world's most dangerous country to live in in terms of murder rate. The Caribbean country had a homicide rate of 65 per 100,000 inhabitants. Nine of the 10 countries with the highest murder rates worldwide are located in Latin America and the Caribbean. Whereas Celaya in Mexico was listed as the city with the highest murder rate worldwide, Colima in Mexico was the city with the highest homicide rate in Latin America, so the numbers vary from source to source. Nevertheless, several Mexican cities rank among the deadliest in the world when it comes to intentional homicides. Violent conflicts worldwide Notably, these figures do not include deaths that resulted from war or a violent conflict. While there is a persistent number of conflicts worldwide, resulting casualties are not considered murders. Partially due to this reason, homicide rates in Latin America are higher than those in countries such as Ukraine or the DR Congo. A different definition of murder in these circumstances could change the rate significantly.

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.