Away Days Podcast: Reporting from the Underbelly
Episode: On Patrol With Favela Security
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "On Patrol With Favela Security," host Jake Hanrahan delves deep into the intricate and often perilous dynamics of Rio de Janeiro's favelas. Over the course of this episode, Jake provides an unfiltered look into the role of gang-controlled entities, specifically the CV (Criminal Vanguards), in governing these communities. Through on-the-ground reporting, interviews, and firsthand experiences, listeners gain an intimate understanding of life within these marginalized urban areas.

CV's Dominance in Favela Governance

Jake begins by exploring how CV has entrenched itself as the de facto government within the favelas. Unlike traditional gangs that may engage in sporadic criminal activities, CV has systematically established control over vital services, positioning themselves as both protectors and exploiters of the community.

• Control Over Services:
  Jake explains, "Unlike some of the other gangs, they at least want to be seen to be helping the people. But whilst it's true that CV generally didn't tax people back in the day, it's not like it used to be" (07:10).
  This shift highlights CV's transition from mere gang activity to structured governance, including the provision of essential services like internet and parking.

• Monopolization of Telecommunications:
  A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to CV's takeover of internet services in the favelas. Quoting journalist Graham Slattery, Jake states:

  "An audacious takeover of Internet service in dozens of neighborhoods in Brazil's major cities by companies associated with alleged criminals unafraid to use force and intimidation to push out rivals. The result is that tens of thousands of Brazilians now depend on unreliable second-rate broadband networks estimated by industry and law enforcement officials to be generating millions of dollars annually for purported crooks." (10:45)

  This monopolization not only limits residents' choices but also ties them financially and socially to CV's operations.

Navigating the Layers of the Favela

Jake takes listeners on a journey from the lower, more accessible levels of the favela to the precarious upper regions. This geographical ascent mirrors the increasing isolation and degradation of services as one moves higher.

• Infrastructure and Living Conditions:
  In the lower levels, homes are denser and more established, often constructed from brick and concrete. However, as Jake moves upwards, the construction becomes more improvised with materials like wood and sheet metal. He observes:

  "The angles of some of these dwellings look as if they're filmed on a fisheye lens. Outer walls are sometimes bowing with weight, and there are huge water butts hanging off the edges of many homes here, probably their only chance to get decent water." (15:20)

• Environmental Risks:
  The upper regions are more susceptible to environmental hazards such as landslides, especially during the rainy season. Jake emphasizes the compounded struggles faced by residents:

  "As you move higher into the hills of a Brazilian favela, the physical, social, and infrastructural landscape changes dramatically... House conditions are precarious, and the looming threat of natural disasters adds another layer of vulnerability." (18:35)

Interactions with Favela Security

During his patrol, Jake encounters various members of CV, offering a glimpse into their dual role as both protectors and oppressors.

• First Encounters:
  Upon reaching higher areas, Jake notes a sense of cautious acceptance among gang members:

  "A few have even waved or nodded at us as we moved past them at various checkpoints." (22:10)
  This tentative trust hints at a complex relationship between the residents and CV.

• Role of Lookouts:
  Jake describes meeting a young lookout armed and vigilant:

  "Behind us, there's a young lad... He's a lookout, watching here all day and informing his higher-ups of any suspicious activity." (25:50)
  The presence of youth in these roles underscores the pervasive influence of CV in shaping the community's social fabric.

Violence and Police Brutality

A significant theme of the episode is the rampant violence inflicted by both CV and law enforcement, contributing to a cycle of fear and instability.

• Cycle of Violence:
  Jake highlights the disturbing statistics:

  "There were over 2,500 shootings in this area of Rio last year. Over one third of them were during police operations." (30:15)
  The relentless confrontations between CV and the police have devastating effects on civilians, with many caught in the crossfire.

• Human Cost:
  Personal stories amplify the grim reality. Jake recounts the loss of Renato:

  "Renato died at the top of Fogarteiro. The police were hiding inside a children's nursery... He was a good dad. Now his son is growing up to be a beautiful kid." (39:42)
  Such narratives emphasize the profound human toll of the ongoing conflict.

• Police Impunity:
  The episode critiques the lack of accountability within Brazilian law enforcement:

  "Investigations are very rare, so who even knows? Would you trust the word of a police force that is known to form illegal militias and deal drugs themselves?" (35:10)
  This systemic failure fosters distrust and perpetuates the cycle of violence.

Life Under CV Rule

Jake ventures into the personal lives of favela residents who navigate daily life under CV's oppressive regime.

• Daily Struggles:
  Describing the deteriorating living conditions, Jake observes:

  "Each roof drips water constantly, and a stream of debris and uncollected rubbish pushes filth and probably disease down, down some parts of the open hills." (28:10)
  The lack of maintenance and public services exacerbates the residents' hardships.

• Community Resilience:
  Despite the challenges, there are signs of community strength and aspiration. Jake visits Floz, a young aspiring rapper who remains uninvolved with gang activities:

  "These people grew up close to complicated situations. It's not compulsory to join, you know. I know this because music rescued me." (37:10)
  Floz's story underscores the potential for personal redemption and resistance against the entrenched power structures.

• Perception of Authority:
  Floz shares his disdain for both CV and the police:

  "We have learned to get used to it because our reality is in a certain way, safer... However, we should never normalize situations like we have here because we know many people who are in CB and it's a very risky lifestyle." (39:03)
  His perspective reflects the complex interplay of fear, dependency, and resistance within the favela.

Conclusion and Insights

Jake Hanrahan's "On Patrol With Favela Security" paints a vivid and unsettling picture of life within Rio's favelas under the shadow of gang-controlled governance and relentless police violence. Through meticulous reporting and poignant personal stories, the episode highlights the systemic issues that trap residents in a perpetual state of fear and deprivation. The narrative calls attention to the urgent need for comprehensive social and political reforms to break the cycle of violence and restore dignity to these marginalized communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Hanrahan:
  "If you want to surf the web, you'll be doing it with gang-made Internet technology. Real favela Innovation." (12:15)

• Journalist Graham Slattery:
  "Using stolen property, some of it pilfered from the Internet provider." (10:50)

• Floz:
  "We have learned to get used to it because our reality is in a certain way, safer." (39:03)

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