RIO DE JANEIRO -- The head of security for Rio de Janeiro says the state needs $1.7 billion to help ensure that the safety of big events, such as the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

Jose Mariano Beltrame gave the estimate on Monday during a conference on the safety challenges posed by such large events.

The state also will host a major international environmental conference and football's Confederation Cup.

Beltrame says the state needs to invest in infrastructure, such as a command center from which to coordinate security. He also wants to expand community policing units in nine Rio shantytowns.