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Standoff continues between Brazil troops, police

Brazilian Army soldiers control a protester during a police strike, in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. Murder rates in the northeastern city of Salvador have more than doubled since the start of a police strike, media reports said Sunday. Salvador is renown for its Carnival celebrations, and some commentators have voiced fears that this week's violence could scare away tourists _ a major source of income.(AP Photo/Lucio Tavora-Agencia A Tarde)

Soldiers patrol the streets during a police strike at the historic center in Salvador, Brazil, Sunday Feb. 5, 2012. Murder rates in the northeastern city of Salvador have more than doubled since the start of a police strike, media reports said Sunday, although they added that the situation in Brazil's third most populous city appears to be improving. (AP Photo/Ag. A Tarde/Agencia O Globo,Lucio Tavora) BRAZIL OUT - NAO PUBLICAR NO BRASIL

Soldiers stand outside the state congress, taken by police officers on strike in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. Murder rates in Brazil's northeastern city of Salvador have more than doubled since the start of a police strike, media reports said Sunday. The strike has thrown a pall over preparations for Carnival in Brazil's third largest city, unleashing a rash of looting and a spike in the murder. (AP Photo/Paulo Macedo)

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By BRADLEY BROOKS, The Associated Press Updated 8:46 AM Tuesday, February 7, 2012

SAO PAULO — Striking police officers in Brazil's third-largest city are refusing to leave a legislature building they've occupied for a week.

That's despite the 1,000 soldiers and federal police surrounding them in the city of Salvador.

The officers are demanding a pay raise. The state government says it can't afford it.

The action has left the city of 2.7 million people on edge just two weeks before it is set to host a huge, lucrative Carnival celebration.

In the first days of the weeklong strike, Salvador's homicide rate doubled. But violence has fallen since 2,000 troops started patrolling city streets on Sunday.

There have been about 100 murders since the strike began a week ago.

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February 07, 2012 01:39 PM EST

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