In the municipality and the region of Greater Sao Paulo, the number of violent crimes in the total of reported crimes wavered at approximately 20 percent in the early 1980's. By the end of the decade, that rate had grown to 30 percent. The increase in violent urban crime throughout the 1980's impacted law enforcement agencies, as pressure increased to expand police, vigilance, and judicial services. The police do not have the resources to investigate all reported crimes, so they tend to respond only to those crimes they consider "serious" and "important." Responding also to a heavy caseload, the courts have refused to process those cases that have not been adequately investigated and prepared by the police. Relief on an overburdened prison system is attempted by softening sentences for nonviolent offenders. The state has responded with changes in penal legislation, the modernization and re- equipping of the police, and the provision of more spaces in the prison system. Overall, however, the criminal justice system has not been effective in countering violent crime. There has been a tendency by government officials to adopt a strategy of passing laws, giving greater freedom of action to police agents, and increasing the severity of the prison regime. Consequently, violence is not reduced and citizens, particularly poor citizens, are increasingly harassed and mistreated by the police and the criminal justice system. 24 notes