RIO DE JANEIRO, June 2 — In the months before the World Cup, violence in Rio has spiked despite pacification tactics that have drawn criticism from some who live in the favelas.

The start of the global football tournament is less than two weeks away in Brazil, yet a crime wave is setting nerves on edge across Rio de Janeiro, which is expecting nearly 900,000 visitors.

A security overhaul was supposed to showcase a safer Rio on the global stage, but muggings are surging, homicides are climbing, and there has been a spike in shootings of police officers. — New York Times

A goal post is seen in Tavares Bastos slum in Rio de Janeiro in this April 28, 2014 picture. The 2014 World Cup will be held in Brazil from June 12 through July 13. — Reuters pic
A goal post is seen in Tavares Bastos slum in Rio de Janeiro in this April 28, 2014 picture. The 2014 World Cup will be held in Brazil from June 12 through July 13. — Reuters pic