The Spatial Concentration and Dispersion of Homicide during a Period of Homicide Increase in Brazil

Abstract

This study applies the principles of measuring micro-place crime concentration and the spatial dispersion of crime increase to the geographic unit of cities in Brazil. We identify that a small number of cities account for a large cumulative proportion of homicides, and that during a period of homicide increase 30 cities out of 5570 accounted for the equivalent national increase in homicides. The majority of the 30 cities were not established high homicide cities but instead were new emerging centers of homicide that neighbor high homicide cities. We suggest the findings can be used to better target effective programs for decreasing homicides.