Análise dos condicionantes da criminalidade nos municípios da Quarta Colônia/RS entre 2009 e 2019

Abstract

Geography is the science that studies the relations between society and nature, that way, she allows us to observe and interpret different environments. These environments may interfere directly in the human beings’ behavior based on indicators such as infrastructure, income distribution and access to basic benefits for a decent life. Criminality is, in fact, one of the biggest problems faced by society and its study and comprehension are not supported only by geographic science. Thus, an interdisciplinary approach becomes necessary. In small towns, there are differences in terms of criminal offenses, both in rural and urban areas. One example of this occurrence is the region of Quarta Colônia, composed by the towns of São João do Polêsine, Ivorá, Faxinal do Soturno, Silveira Martins, Pinhal Grande, Dona Francisca, Nova Palma, Restinga Seca and Agudo. This region consists of small towns that have interdependent relations with the rural environment and a low degree of industrialization. In order to understand the criminal distribution, it is necessary to analyze, jointly, the particularities of each town, emphasizing the socioeconomic relations, way of life, rural and urban functions and local needs within the regional context. Thus, the general objective of this research is to analyze the criminal determinants in the towns of Quarta Colônia between 2009 and 2019. In the first stage of this study, a bibliographic survey was carried out in order to have a better theoretical-methodological framework for the research. Subsequently, quantitative data about crimes against a person and against property in the SSP-RS were collected, and the gross dice and rates for 100,000 inhabitants were used. Throughout the investigation, interviews with the civil and military police from the aforementioned towns were conducted for a better practical comprehension of the crimes occurred in Quarta Colônia and its determinants. Thus, in a general panorama, crimes against property and against a person have their determinants based on the issue of drugs as well as on socioeconomic inequalities. Crimes against a person are motivated by futile and passionate reasons, on what the main victims are: young and/or black individuals, as well as residents of the low-income areas. This scenario tends to worsen when related to illegal drug trade and when the potential victims are in a situation of vulnerability and social deprivation. Therefore, studying criminality in small towns implies to know the socio-spatial dynamics, the agents involved, the structural, social, economic deficiencies of the region and towns of this study.