Sense of security in the United States - First impressions #018

 I've been here in the United States for a few days now. I live in a city with 200,000 inhabitants, so there won't be the chaos of a big city.

What is the feeling of security like?

I found it safe and not safe at the same time. It is safe, but I could tell that they don't mess around either. Packages are left on people's doorsteps, no one messes with them. The mailbox is also well exposed and it seems to be pretty quiet in that regard. But on the other hand, there is a certain level of surveillance. There are security cameras at the entrance and exit of the neighborhood. Some people put cameras in front of their homes, especially at the point where the parcel boxes are placed. There are signs in the houses that the property has a security system. I've seen some advertisements on TV for companies that specialize in home security, saying that if there is any suspicious movement, the company claims to be monitoring and that they can call the police. If such a service is sold and has this level of surveillance, it's because it is necessary.

At the university, there seems to have been a lot of problems with crimes against women. There are emergency buttons in several parts of the campus to call the police. So it's good to be alert, but on the other hand, I notice that when something happens, they do something to solve the problem.

I must have seen about three people on the street asking for money. Yes, there is poverty, but so far I haven't seen any homeless people in a more visible way.

So my initial feeling is that you can have "peace", shop online with peace of mind, go places without worrying, but as a good Brazilian, I think it's in your best interest to stay vigilant and not mess around.