December 4 - Rio is to hire former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (pictured) as a security advisor for the 2016 Olympic Games, the State Governor Sergio Cabral has announced.

 

Cabral revealed that Giuliani, who introduced a "zero-tolerance" policy towards crime in New York that helped transform the city's reputation, would be taken on after meeting him in Rio de Janeiro.

 

He said: "I'm going to hire him to strengthen our public security work.

 

"He's going to help us in day-to-day security and, especially, with an eye toward the [2010] World Military Games and the Olympic Games."

 

Giuliani, 65, also met with Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes where they discussed the possibility of introducing a "zero-tolerance" policy in the Brazilian city that fought a long-time battle against crime, often driven by drugs dealers.

 

Giuliani, who served as New York City Mayor between 1994 and 2002, praised Paes' policy of invading poverty-stricken "favelas", dominated by drug trafficking gangs with police "pacification" brigades, operations which have produced violent armed clashes.

 

"You are doing a fabulous job," he said during a speech to police officers.

 

In October, a wave of drug violence resulted in at least 40 murders in the city, including three policemen who were flying in a helicopter that was shot down by the criminals.

 

Giuliani gained international attention for his strong leadership, during and after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, including being given an honorary knighthood by the Queen.

 

After leaving office as Mayor, Giuliani founded Giuliani Partners, a security consulting business, whose international clients have included Mexico City and Qatar.

 

Giuliani said: "You need to concentrate in large and small problems.

 

"I believe in the theory of the broken window, of zero tolerance.

 

"You have to pay attention to big and small things.

 

"And you  also have to make the community safer, cleaner, healthier, plus educating the children."

 

 

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