{{short description|Law enforcement agencies in Italy}} [[File:Carabiniere a Bologna (April 2006).jpg|alt=Carabiniere in Bologna|thumb|A [[Carabinieri|Carabiniere]] in [[Bologna]]]] [[File:Siracusa, ufficiali di polizia.jpg|thumb|Local police officers of Syracuse]] [[File:Police of Italy 2.jpg|thumb|[[Carabinieri]] and [[Polizia di Stato]] during inspections]]
'''Law enforcement in Italy''' is centralized on a national level, with multiple national forces, assisted by some local law enforcement agencies. The two main police forces are the [[Carabinieri]], the national [[gendarmerie]], and the [[Polizia di Stato]], the civil national [[police]]. The [[Guardia di Finanza]] is a [[militarized police]] force responsible for dealing with [[financial crime]], smuggling, and [[illegal drug trade]]. Border and maritime patrolling are undertaken by the ''Polizia di Frontiera'', a division of the Polizia di Stato, and the [[Guardia Costiera]] ([[coast guard]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=Guardia Costiera|url=https://www.guardiacostiera.gov.it/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |publisher=Guardia Costiera}}</ref> The [[Polizia Penitenziaria]] (Prison Police) is the national prison police agency, controlling penitentiaries and inmate transfers. The [[Corpo Forestale dello Stato]] (State Forestry Corps) formerly existed as a separate national [[park ranger]] agency, but was merged into the Carabinieri in 2016.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |author=Grazia Maria Vagliasindi |title=Environmental Criminal Law in Italy |encyclopedia=Environmental Crime in Europe |editor1=Andrew Farmer |editor2=Michael Faure |editor3=Grazia Maria Vagliasindi |publisher=Bloomsbury |series=Modern Studies in European Law |date=2017}}</ref> Alongside national police forces,<ref name=BuonannoMastrobuoni>{{cite encyclopedia |author1=Paulo Buonanno |author2=Giovanni Mastrobuoni |title=Centralized versus Decentralized Police Hiring in Italy and the United States |encyclopedia=Lessons from the Economics of Crime: What Reduces Offending? |editor1=Philip J. Cook |editor2=Stephen Machin |editor3=Olivier Marie |editor4=Giovanni Mastrobuoni |publisher=MIT Press |page=193 |doi=10.7551/mitpress/9780262019613.001.0001 |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-262-01961-3}}</ref>''[[Polizia Locale]]'' are also concerned with policing at a local level.<ref name=Walters>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Crime, Justice and Social Democracy |encyclopedia=Crime, Justice and Social Democracy: International Perspectives |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |date=2013 |editor1=Kerry Carrington |page=286 |doi=10.1057/9781137008695_19 |isbn=978-1-349-43575-3 |author=Reece Walters |chapter=Eco Mafia and Environmental Crime |editor2=Matthew Ball |editor3=Erin O'Brien |editor4=Juan Tauri}}</ref>
== Summary == The Italian law enforcement system is complex, with multiple police forces and agencies handling various duties.<ref name="Walters" /> "Full-powered officers" primarily come from the national forces, carrying out investigation and arrest duties. Local forces have more limited roles.
{| class="wikitable" |+ !Force !English translation !Type !Responsibility |- |[[Polizia di Stato]] |State Police |[[Police|Civilian police]] |Patrolling, investigative, immigration control, administrative and law enforcement duties<ref name="treccani">{{cite web |title=Forze di polizia |url=https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/forze-di-polizia/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |language=it}}</ref><ref name="auto3" /><ref name="auto4" /> |- |[[Carabinieri]] |Carabiners |[[Gendarmerie]]; [[militarized police]] constituting the fourth branch of the Italian armed forces. |Patrolling, investigative, and law enforcement duties outside the larger urban areas. Also [[military police]] for the [[Italian Armed Forces]].<ref name="auto3">{{cite web |date=1 March 2016 |title=Italie |url=https://www.interpol.int/fr/Qui-nous-sommes/Les-pays-membres/Europe/Italie |access-date=2024-03-19 |publisher=Interpol}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{cite web |date=7 March 2018 |title=Italy |url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/partners-agreements/member-states/italy |access-date=2024-03-19 |publisher=Europol}}</ref> |- |[[Guardia di Finanza]] |Financial Guard |[[Militarized police]] |Dealing with [[financial crime]], smuggling, [[illegal drug trade]], patrolling Italy's [[territorial waters]], maintaining public security, and other duties.<ref name="treccani" /><ref name="auto3" /><ref name="auto4" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Bioterrorismo e politiche di prevenzione |url=http://gnosis.aisi.gov.it/Gnosis/Rivista24.nsf/servnavig/57 |access-date=2024-03-19 |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Compiti istituzionali |url=https://www.gdf.gov.it/chi-siamo/organizzazione/specializzazioni/comparto-aeronavale/organizzazione/compiti-istituzionali |access-date=2024-03-19 |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 October 2021 |title=Scontri a Roma: polizia "disarmata" le norme in piazza risalgono al 1931 |url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/scontri-roma-polizia-disarmata-norme-piazza-risalgono-1931-AEntkxo |access-date=2024-03-19 |language=it}}</ref> |- |[[Polizia Penitenziaria]] |Prison Police |[[Prison officer]] |Controlling penitentiaries and inmate transfers<ref name="auto4" /><ref name="auto3" /> |- |[[Guardia Costiera]] |Coast Guard |[[Coast guard]]; [[militarized police]] belonging to the Italian Navy. |Undertaking maritime patrolling duties<ref>{{cite web |title=Guardia Costiera|url=https://www.guardiacostiera.gov.it/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |publisher=Guardia Costiera}}</ref> |- |[[Municipal police (Italy)|Polizia Locale]] |Local Police |[[Police|Civilian police]] |Patrolling, investigative, administrative and [[traffic police]] |} The main forces are managed at the [[Provinces of Italy|provincial level]] under the authority of the ''Questore'' (the local head of police) in accordance with the [[Prefetto]], the provincial representative of the Government.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/964-The_Public_Security_System_in_Italy/ |title=The Public Security System in Italy |access-date=2024-03-19 |archive-date=2017-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013155627/http://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/964-The_Public_Security_System_in_Italy |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Law enforcement is an exclusive function of the State, organized under the [[Ministry of Interior (Italy)|Ministry of the Interior]], with provincial division and jurisdiction.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|title=Field Organization|url=https://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/960|access-date=2024-03-19|website=Polizia di Stato|language=it}}</ref>
The highest office in charge of law enforcement is the ministerial office of "Dipartimento della Pubblica Sicurezza".<ref name="auto2" /><ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/959|title=Administration and Logistics|website=Poliziadistato.it|access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref>
In 2005, Italy had 324,339 active police officers, the highest number in the European Union both overall and [[per capita]], twice the number of agents in the similarly sized [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/product_details/publication?p_product_code=KS-SF-08-019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812191454/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/product_details/publication?p_product_code=KS-SF-08-019|url-status=dead|title=Crime and Criminal Justice - Issue number 19/2008 (KS-SF-08-019)|archive-date=12 August 2011|access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref> In 2020 this was 237,910, behind only France and Germany in the EU.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/crim_just_job/default/table?lang=en|title=Personnel in the criminal justice system by sex|access-date=2025-04-25}}</ref>
== National police forces ==
=== Polizia di Stato === {{main article|Polizia di Stato}}
The Polizia di Stato (State Police) is the civil national police of Italy. It patrols the [[Autostrade of Italy|''Autostrade'']] (Italy's Express Motorways network) and oversees the security of railways, bridges, and waterways, in addition to patrolling, investigative, and law enforcement duties.<ref name="treccani"/><ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto4"/>
It is a civilian police force, distinct from the military Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza.<ref name="treccani"/> Its internal organization and mindset are somewhat military, but its personnel are civilians. Its headquarters are in Rome, with regional and provincial divisions.
It is also the only authority that can issue special licenses and passports.
Unlike the Carabinieri, the [[Polizia di Stato]] is the guardian of public order, as the Questore is the public safety authority and heads all law enforcement agencies on the territory (province), including the [[Carabinieri]], [[Guardia di Finanza]] and the [[Polizia Penitenziaria]].
=== Guardia di Finanza === {{main article|Guardia di Finanza}}
[[File:Guardia_di_Finanza_Alfa_Romeo_Tonale_(cropped).jpg|thumb|Guardia di Finanza]]
The Guardia di Finanza (Financial Guard) is a military corps under the authority of the [[Ministry of Economy and Finance (Italy)|Ministry of Economy and Finance]], with a role as a [[police force]].<ref name="treccani"/>
The Corps is responsible for financial, economic, judiciary, and public safety matters. This includes [[tax evasion]], [[financial crimes]], [[smuggling]], [[money laundering]], international [[Illegal drugs trade|illegal drug trafficking]], [[illegal immigration]], [[customs]] and border checks, [[copyright violation]]s, anti-[[Mafia]] operations, [[credit card fraud]], [[cybercrime]], [[counterfeiting]], [[terrorist financing]], maintaining [[Public-order crime|public order]], and safety, political and military defense of the Italian [[border]]s.<ref name="treccani"/><ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto4"/>
The Guardia di Finanza has around 68,000 soldiers, including agents, [[non-commissioned officer]]s, and [[Officer (armed forces)|officers]]. Its personnel serve in [[Europol]], [[Eurojust]], and the [[European Anti-Fraud Office]]. Its Latin motto since 1933 is ''Nec recisa recedit'' ({{langx|en|Not Even Broken Retreats}}). The Guardia di Finanza also maintains boats, ships, and aircraft to patrol Italy's [[territorial waters]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gnosis.aisi.gov.it/Gnosis/Rivista24.nsf/servnavig/57|title=Bioterrorismo e politiche di prevenzione|access-date=2024-03-19|language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gdf.gov.it/chi-siamo/organizzazione/specializzazioni/comparto-aeronavale/organizzazione/compiti-istituzionali|title=Compiti istituzionali|access-date=2024-03-19|language=it}}</ref>
During demonstrations and large events, the ''Guardia di Finanza'' is often called on duty as riot police.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/scontri-roma-polizia-disarmata-norme-piazza-risalgono-1931-AEntkxo|title=Scontri a Roma: polizia "disarmata" le norme in piazza risalgono al 1931|date=11 October 2021 |access-date=2024-03-19|language=it}}</ref>
=== Arma dei Carabinieri === {{main article|Carabinieri}}
{{Multiple image | align = right | image1 = Milano Italy Carabinieri-01.jpg | width1 = 180 | caption1 = [[Carabinieri]] in full uniform | image2 = Italian Carabinieri shows a female Afghan National Police recruit how to aim an AMD-65 at the Central Training Center in Kabul.jpg | width2 = 200 | caption2 = A carabiniere shows a female Afghan National Police recruit how to aim an [[AMD-65]] at the [[Kabul]] Central Training Center in 2010 during the [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] in Afghanistan }}
Nicknamed ''La Benemerita'' (The Meritorious Corps), Carabinieri is the common name for the ''Arma dei Carabinieri'', a [[gendarmerie]]-like military corps with police duties.<ref name="treccani"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/deleghe/01215dl.htm|title=Dlgs 215/2001|website=Camera.it|access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref><ref name="auto4" /> They also serve as the [[military police]] for the Italian armed forces and can be called upon for national defence action.<ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto4"/> The Carabinieri are a separate armed force (alongside the [[Italian Army|Army]], [[Marina Militare|Navy]], and [[Aeronautica Militare|Air Force]]), ending their long-standing tradition as the First Corps (''Arma'') of the Italian Army (''Esercito'').<ref name="treccani"/>
Carabinieri units have been dispatched worldwide in peacekeeping missions, including [[Bosnia]], [[Kosovo]], [[Afghanistan]], and [[Iraq]]. Military reforms have opened the ''Arma'' to women, who were previously barred from all Italian military forces until 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/deleghe/01215dl.htm|title=Dlgs 215/2001|website=Camera.it|access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref>
Carabinieri stations are distributed throughout the country, with a station in approximately every municipality, and additional stations in strategic locations along motorways.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stazioni Carabinieri |url=http://www.carabinieri.it/arma/curiosita/non-tutti-sanno-che/s/stazioni-carabinieri |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Carabinieri.it |language=it}}</ref> The ''Arma'' is often called on duty as riot police during large events and demonstrations, fulfilling both military and civil police duties. According to Europol, this force has "4,672 stations and lieutenancies".<ref name="auto4"/>
=== Polizia Penitenziaria === {{main article|Polizia Penitenziaria}}
[[File:Alfa 159.jpg|thumb|Polizia Penitenziaria (2008)]]
The ''Polizia Penitenziaria'' (Prison Guards, literally Penitentiary Police, also translated as Prison Police Corps)<ref name="auto4"/> operates the Italian prison system and handles the transportation of inmates.<ref name="treccani"/> Its agents are sometimes called to assist other police forces during major events. This force (part of the Ministry of Justice) has a "nationwide remit for prison security, inmate safety and transportation".<ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto4"/>
== Interforces ==
=== Direzione Investigativa Antimafia === [[File:Mappa del Pizzo.svg|thumb|Incidence of organized crime's extortion in Italy by province in 2012<br>{{Legend|FF0000|High}}{{Legend|#FF8000|Mid}}{{Legend|FFFF00|Low}}{{Legend|#FFFFFF|Absent}}]]
The ''Direzione Investigativa Antimafia'' (or ''DIA'') (Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate) is a joint organization of ''Polizia di Stato'', ''Carabinieri'', ''Polizia Penitenziaria'', and ''Guardia di Finanza'' combating [[organized crime in Italy]].
Founded in 1991, under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior as the ''Direzione Nazionale Antimafia'' (National Anti-Mafia Directorate), its operations include preemptive investigations, judicial investigations, and international relations. It investigates the characteristics, objectives, and methods of the Mafia, as well as their domestic and international contacts.
The ''DIA'' was created to prevent mafiosi from infiltrating the government.<ref>Jamieson, Alison. The Antimafia. Great Britain: Antony Rowe Ltd., 2000. Print</ref>
=== SCIP === [[Interpol]]'s National Central Bureau for Italy is part of the International Police Cooperation Service (SCIP), a branch of the Public Security Department (PSD).<ref name="auto3" /> SCIP is a multi-agency unit headed on a rotational basis by the Polizia di Stato, Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza. Officers representing all police forces staff it.
=== Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga === [[File:U.S. and Italian Military Working Dogs 170117-A-JM436-303.jpg|right|thumb|[[Italian military]] [[detection dog]], with the [[Italian Police|Police]] [[K9 Unit]] from [[Padua]], [[detection dog|inspecting a room]] for [[drug residues]] at the [[Caserma Ederle]], in [[Vicenza]].]] The ''[[Cannabis in Italy#Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services|Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga]]'' (Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services) is a joint organization of ''Polizia di Stato'', ''Carabinieri'', and ''Guardia di Finanza'' combating drug trafficking. Founded in 1976 as ''Direzione Anti Droga'' (Anti-Drug Directorate), it is under the authority of the Criminal police department of the Ministry of the Interior.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documenti.camera.it/_dati/leg17/lavori/documentiparlamentari/indiceetesti/038/004v01/00000052.pdf|title=Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga|access-date=2024-03-19|language=it}}</ref>
== Local Police forces == {{Main|Polizia Locale}}
While policing in Italy is predominantly a national responsibility,<ref name="BuonannoMastrobuoni"/> a significant component is also provided by ''Polizia Locale'' (Local Police), encompassing a variety of agencies operating at the provincial, regional, and municipal levels.<ref name="Walters" /> These forces address local needs and enforce regional and municipal regulations, complementing the work of the national police forces.
=== Municipal Police ===
The most widespread form of local policing is the ''[[Municipal police (Italy)|Polizia Locale]]'', also commonly referred to as ''Polizia Municipale'' (municipal police); other denominations include ''Polizia Comunale'', ''Polizia Urbana'' and ''Vigili Urbani''. Each ''[[comune]]'' (municipality) in Italy has its own ''Polizia Locale''. Their primary responsibilities include [[traffic control]], enforcing local bylaws and regulations related to commerce, public order, and urban environment, and handling permits and licenses.<ref name="DevroePonsaers">Elke Devroe & Paul Ponsaers<!-- Q55233200 -->, "European national police systems and metropolitan realities" in ''Policing European Metropolises: The Politics of Security in City-Regions'' (eds. Elke Devroe, Adam Edwards & Paul Ponsaers: Routledge, 2017), pp. 32-33.</ref> Municipal police also serve as auxiliary public safety forces, contributing to local [[crime prevention]] and [[community policing]] initiatives within their geographically restricted jurisdiction.<ref name="DevroePonsaers" /> Uniforms and equipment of the ''Polizia Locale'' can vary considerably across different regions and municipalities.
The origins of Italian municipal policing can be traced back to ancient Rome with the ''[[Vigiles|vigili urbani]]'' and ''[[Count of the Stable|comes stabili]]''.<ref>Daniel Donnelly, ''Municipal Policing in the European Union: Comparative Perspectives'' (2013), p. 34.</ref> During the medieval period, urban policing concepts further developed in Italian ''comunes'' in the 13th and 14th centuries. These early forms of organized urban law enforcement share some functional similarities with modern police forces, despite being established centuries before the formalization of modern policing.<ref>Gregory Roberts, ''Police Power in the Italian Communes, 1228-1326'' (Amsterdam University Press, 2019).</ref>
=== Provincial Police (Polizia Provinciale) === [[File:Alfa Crosswagon polizia provinciale.jpg|thumb|Polizia Provinciale car (2013)]] In addition to municipal forces, some of the 107 [[Provinces of Italy]] also maintain a ''[[Polizia Provinciale]]'' (Provincial Police). These are smaller agencies with a focus on specialized areas of law enforcement within the provincial territory. Their core functions include enforcing regional and national hunting and fishing regulations, wildlife management, and environmental protection.<ref name="provincia">{{cite web|url=https://www.provincia.lecco.it/elemento-amministrazione/corpo-di-polizia-provinciale/|title=Corpo di Polizia provinciale|access-date=2024-03-19|language=it}}</ref> ''Polizia Provinciale'' officers also conduct traffic policing, particularly on provincial roads, and contribute to broader security services as directed by provincial authorities.<ref name="provincia" />
=== In autonomous regions === Some [[Regions of Italy|Autonomous Regions]] have special local police forces answering to the Regional Government, with jurisdiction covering the entire regional territory or the municipality. Their regulations are similar to other local police, but their activities and authority may differ.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www1.interno.gov.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/protezione_civile/app_notizia_21214.html|title=Le compagnie dei barracellari in Sardegna|access-date=2024-03-19|language=it}}</ref>
==== Sardinia ==== [[Sardinia]] does not have [[State Forestry Corps|Corpo Forestale]] officers. Regional law regarding nature, parks, fire, and forestry is carried out by its own regional ''Corpo forestale e di vigilanza ambientale'', established in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SardegnaCorpoForestale - Home page |url=http://www.sardegnaambiente.it/corpoforestale/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Sardegnaambiente.it}}</ref>
Due to its agricultural and pastoral society, every Sardinian town has both Polizia Municipale and Corpo Barracellare, a volunteer civilian corps. When needed by the municipality, the Corpo Barracellare deals with animal theft, farm robbery, and other farm damages.
== Animal Protection == [[File:Guardie ecozoofile.jpg|thumb|Volunteers of the ''Guardie Zoofile'']] In some areas, an animal protection force, or ''Guardie Zoofile'', rescues animals in distress and protects animals and wildlife. Agents are trained volunteer private citizens with limited powers regarding animal safety.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.brocardi.it/codice-di-procedura-penale/libro-primo/titolo-iii/art57.html|title=Articolo 57 Codice di procedura penale|access-date=2024-03-19|language=it}}</ref>
Law number 189 of July 20, 2004, concerning animal abuse, assigns judicial police functions and qualifications to guards of protectionist and zoophile associations. Agents (recognized by decree issued by the Prefecture) do not have jurisdiction in hunting matters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.earmi.it/diritto/giurisprudenza/Zoofile%20-%20Circolari.pdf|title=PARERI DEL MINISTERO INTERNO SU GUARDIE ZOOFILE|website=Earmi.it|access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-06-06|title=Le guardie zoofile non possono fare accertamenti in materia di caccia|url=https://www.armietiro.it/le-guardie-zoofile-non-possono-fare-accertamenti-in-materia-di-caccia-10908|access-date=2024-03-19|website=Armi e Tiro|language=it-IT}}</ref>
Agents ensure compliance with all animal-related municipal, regional, and national laws, and may report violations to the Carabinieri, Polizia di Stato, [[Polizia Locale]], or Forestry Carabinieri.<ref name="auto7">{{Cite web|date=2020-04-14|title=Emergenza coronavirus, super lavoro per le guardie zoofile savonesi di "Fare Ambiente" - IVG.it|url=https://www.ivg.it/2020/04/emergenza-coronavirus-super-lavoro-per-le-guardie-zoofile-savonesi-di-fare-ambiente/|access-date=2024-03-19|website=Il Vostro Giornale|language=it-IT}}</ref>
=== Equipment === Agents generally wear green uniforms, distinct from the Guardia di Finanza and Polizia Locale. Similar to various local police forces, they may wear combinations of:
* Beret, mountain cap, or baseball cap (green or black)<ref name="auto7" /> * Shirt or polo shirt (green or black)<ref name="auto7" /> * Cargo trousers (green or black) * Bomber jacket (green or black) * Boots (black) * Duty belt, with radio, handcuffs, gloves, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cani rinchiusi nel giardino-lager, ristoratore scoperto e denunciato dalle guardie eco-zoofile|url=https://www.sardegnalive.net/news/in-sardegna/34569/cani-rinchiusi-nel-giardino-lager-ristoratore-scoperto-e-denunciato-dalle-guardie-eco-zoofile|access-date=2024-03-19|website=Sardegnalive.net|language=it}}</ref>
Some agents carry firearms (pistols), while others do not, with differing opinions on the matter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Porto d'armi, è un diritto delle guardie zoofile? - BigHunter|url=https://www.bighunter.it/Home/Editoriale/Editoriale/tabid/214/newsid732/22831/Default.aspx|access-date=2024-03-19|website=Bighunter.it}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lexambiente.it/materie/polizia-giudiziaria/93-giurisprudenza-amministrativa-tar93/13460-polizia-giudiziaria-licenza-di-porto-di-pistola-in-favore-di-guardia-particolare-zoofila-dell%E2%80%99e-n-p-a.html|title=Judicial Police. License to carry guns in favor of ENPA zoophilic special guard|website=Lexambiente.it|access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=ArmiMagazine.it|date=2017-11-03|title=Per le guardie zoofile volontarie ora è più facile armarsi|url=https://www.armimagazine.it/porto-darmi-guardie-zoofile-volontarie-dellenpa/|access-date=2024-03-19|website=Armi Magazine|language=it-IT}}</ref><ref name="auto8">{{Cite web|date=2014-09-04|title=Aizza il cane contro la guardia zoofila|url=https://www.lanuovasardegna.it/olbia/cronaca/2014/09/03/news/aizza-il-cane-contro-la-guardia-zoofila-1.9866981|access-date=2024-03-19|website=La Nuova Sardegna|language=it-IT}}</ref>
Some agents wear a more formal uniform, a suit similar to Guardia di Finanza and Polizia uniforms.
Guardie Zoofile vehicles are generally marked and equipped with blue lights and sirens.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://etrurianews.it/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/guardiezzofileenpa4-675x350-1.jpeg|format=JPEG|title=Photographic image of Guardie Zoofile vehicle|website=Etrurianews.it|access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DB_pLr8XYAEsuAS.jpg|format=JPG|title=Photographic image of Guardie Zoofile vehicle and officers|website=Pbs.twimg.com|access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref>
== Historical == [[File:Agusta-Bell AB-412EP, Italy - Forestale JP7683969.jpg|thumb|Former Corpo Forestale dello Stato (2013)]][[File:ZaptiefromItalianSomalia.jpg|thumb|right|Group of ''[[Zaptié]]'' in [[Italian Somaliland]] (1939)]] {| class="wikitable" !Force !English translation !Type !Era !Former jurisdictions |- |[[OVRA|''Organizzazione di Vigilanza Repressione dell'Antifascismo'']] |Organization for Vigilance in Repression of Anti-Fascism |[[Secret police]] |1927 - 1945 |{{Flag|Kingdom of Italy}} {{Flag|Italian Social Republic}} |- |Corpo di Polizia Repubblicana |[[Republican Police Corps]] |[[Police|Civilian police]] | rowspan="2" |1943 - 1945 | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Italian Social Republic}} |- |Guardia Nazionale Repubblicana |[[National Republican Guard (Italy)|National Republican Guard]] |[[Gendarmerie]] |- |''[[Italian Africa Police|Polizia dell'Africa Italiana]]'' |Police of [[Italian Africa]] |[[Police|Civilian police]] |1936 - 1944 | rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Italian East Africa}} |- |[[Zaptié]] |N/A |[[militarized police|Gendarmerie]] |1889 - 1960 |- |[[State Forestry Corps|Corpo Forestale dello Stato]] |State Forestry Corps |[[Park ranger]]<ref name="treccani" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Corpo Forestale dello Stato - Chi siamo - Polizia agroalimentare - Alcuni cenni storici |url=http://www3.corpoforestale.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/317 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624090536/http://www3.corpoforestale.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/317 |archive-date=2010-06-24 |access-date=2024-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Environmental Criminal Law in Italy |encyclopedia=Environmental Crime in Europe |publisher=Bloomsbury |date=2017 |editor1=Andrew Farmer |series=Modern Studies in European Law |author=Grazia Maria Vagliasindi |editor2=Michael Faure |editor3=Grazia Maria Vagliasindi}}</ref> |{{Flag|Kingdom of Italy}} |{{Flag|Italian Social Republic}} |{{Flag|Italy}} |} == Private security ==
[[File:" 15 - EXPO MILANO 2015 - Vigilanza Fiat Grande Punto security emergency financial guard.jpg|thumb|Two private security cars ([[Fiat Punto]]s) in Milan 2015 with a Guardia di Finanza van]] As with most of Western Europe, private security organizations play a part in security of money, valuables, property and people. In Italy, a guard, or security officer, is known as a ''Guardia di Sicurezza''. They may be part of a private security organization, known as a ''Servizi di Vigilanza Privata'' and patrol certain areas or guard buildings.
=== Services === * Armed and unarmed guarding at banks, shopping centers, courts, museums, construction sites, leisure places, etc.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|last=says|first=Roberto Di Orazio|date=2019-10-30|title=Tariffe vigilanza privata: quali sono i costi?|url=https://www.newmasterpolice.it/tariffe-vigilanza-privata-quali-sono-i-costi/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=New Master Police|language=it-IT}}</ref> *Armed secure transport/cash-in-transit - of money and valuables<ref name="auto1" />
=== Requirement ===
Similar to police, in order for citizens to become security agents, they must: * be an [[Italians|Italian]] citizen or a citizen of a member state of the [[European Union]];
* have reached the age of majority and have fulfilled military service obligations;
* know how to read and write;
* not having been convicted of a crime;
* be a person of good moral conduct;
* be in possession of an identity card;
* be registered in the national social insurance fund and in the workplace accidents fund
* not have been convicted of criminal activity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-18 |title=Come diventare guardia giurata: requisiti minimi e aggiuntivi |url=https://www.newmasterpolice.it/come-diventare-guardia-giurata-requisiti-minimi-e-aggiuntivi/ |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=New Master Police |language=it-IT}}</ref> === Equipment ===
Some guards are armed (generally with pistols), similar to police, but some are not.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-14 |title=Semina il caos all'Inps, bloccato da una guardia giurata: "Ha cercato di prendermi la pistola" |url=https://www.cronachemaceratesi.it/2019/10/14/aggressione-allinps-uomo-bloccato-da-guardia-giurata-cerca-di-prendergli-la-pistola/1312432/ |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=Cronache Maceratesi |language=it-IT}}</ref> These are generally semi-automatic pistols, or revolvers. The license to carry this must be obtained from the [[Prefecture]] by the private security organization, or the hiring organization. This is subject to weapon-handling competency checks and health checks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-12-31 |title=Rilascio del porto di pistola per guardia giurata armata |url=http://www.prefettura.it/ancona/contenuti/Rilascio_del_porto_di_pistola_per_guardia_giurata_armata-8312.htm |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=Prefettura - Ufficio Territoriale del Governo di Ancona |language=IT}}</ref> Uniforms vary greatly from company to company and are often similar, but distinct, to the state and local police forces. Often marked vehicles are used for security work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Photographic image of Corpo Guardie Di Citta vehicle and officer |url=https://www.guardiedicitta.com/Foto/CategorieSlide/5/servizi_di_vigilanza_armata_guardie_di_citt%C3%A0_20200604165834.146.jpg |access-date=9 November 2021 |website=Pbs.twimg.com |format=JPG}}</ref> *
== Transportation ==
[[File:Police Lamborghini.jpg|thumb|A [[Lamborghini Gallardo]] of the Polizia di Stato, used for emergency intervention and transport of organs, parked in [[Piazza Unità d'Italia]] in [[Trieste]]]]
[[File:2012 Italian GP - Carabinieri.jpg|thumb|Carabinieri [[Lotus Evora]]]]
Until recently, all Italian police forces were equipped with [[Italy|Italian]]-made [[police car]]s, with [[Alfa Romeo]]s most commonly.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alfa 159 entra nel parco auto di Polizia e Carabinieri |url=https://www.media.stellantis.com/it-it/alfa-romeo/press/alfa-159-entra-nel-parco-auto-di-polizia-e-carabinieri |access-date=24 April 2022 |language=it}}</ref> A patrol car belonging to ''Polizia'' is nicknamed ''Pantera'' ([[Black panther|Panther]]), one used by the ''Carabinieri'' is nicknamed ''Gazzella'' ([[Gazelle]]).<ref>{{cite web |date=20 May 2020 |title="Storie Alfa Romeo": Gazzelle e Pantere, le Alfa in divisa |url=https://ruoteclassiche.quattroruote.it/storie-alfa-romeo-gazzelle-e-pantere-le-alfa-in-divisa/ |access-date=24 April 2022 |language=it}}</ref> Every force has helicopters, trucks and campers (used as mobile offices, usually in undercover missions). In [[Venice]], which is built across several islands linked by bridges and surrounded by water, public security and fire brigades work with boats.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 September 2020 |title=All'Arsenale di Venezia presentazione delle nuove motovedette del servizio navale dei Carabinieri |url=https://live.comune.venezia.it/it/2020/09/all-arsenale-di-venezia-presentazione-delle-nuove-motovedette-del-servizio-navale-dei |access-date=24 April 2022 |language=it}}</ref> In 2004, [[Lamborghini]] donated two [[Lamborghini Gallardo]] police cars to the Polizia di Stato on their 152nd anniversary.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 December 2013 |title=Lamborghini Gallardo Polizia |url=https://www.elaborare.com/59724-polizia-lamborghini-gallardo-incidente/ |access-date=24 April 2022 |language=it}}</ref> * ''[[Arma dei Carabinieri]]'' patrol vehicles are dark blue with a red stripe along the side. Majority have white roofs. Their telephone number is also featured - "112" (whilst that of the ''Polizia di Stato'' is "113"). Their vehicles have registration plates beginning with "CC".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carabinieri |url=https://www.targheitaliane.it/italy/esercito/cc.html |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=Targheitaliane.it}}</ref> Precedently, ''Carabinieri'' cars were dark green: the last green (and the first black) ''Carabinieri'' car was the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
* ''[[Guardia di Finanza]]'' vehicles are dark grey with a thin gold stripe along each side and the words ''Guardia di Finanza'' in gold underneath. The vehicle plates begin with the letters "GdiF" in red.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Customs Authority |url=https://www.targheitaliane.it/italy/esercito/gdf.html |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=Targheitaliane.it}}</ref>
* ''[[Polizia di Stato]]'' vehicles are light blue with a white stripe along the side and the word ''POLIZIA'' in large letters underneath. The license plates start with the word ''Polizia'' in red usually followed by a letter and four numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Police |url=https://www.targheitaliane.it/italy/esercito/polizia.html |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=Targheitaliane.it}}</ref> Like the ''Carabinieri'' vehicles, the cars were green, but before the green colour, the cars were red.
* ''[[Polizia Penitenziaria]]'' vehicles are dark blue with a light blue stripe along the side and ''Polizia Penitenziaria'' in white letters under the stripe. License plates have the entire name ''POLIZIA PENITENZIARIA'' on them, followed by three numbers and two letters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prison Service |url=https://www.targheitaliane.it/italy/esercito/prison.html |access-date=9 November 2021 |website=Targheitaliane.it}}</ref>
* ''[[Corpo Forestale dello Stato]]'' vehicles were green with a white stripe and the words ''CORPO FORESTALE DELLO STATO'' in white along the side. The vehicle plates began with the letters "CFS" in red.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State Forestry Corps |url=https://www.targheitaliane.it/italy/esercito/cfs.html |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=Targheitaliane.it}}</ref> From January 2017 all vehicles have been transferred under the [[Carabinieri]]'s ''Comando unità per la tutela forestale, ambientale e agroalimentare''. The words "''CORPO FORESTALE DELLO STATO''" has been replaced with "CARABINIERI", but they still remain green with a white stripe.
* ''[[Polizia Provinciale]]'' vehicles are white with a green horizontal stripe along the side.
* ''[[Municipal police (Italy)|Polizia Municipale]]'' the colours of vehicles depend on regional laws. Usually, the cars are white with blue, green or red stripes and the words "Polizia Municipale" or "Polizia Locale" along the side, in some regions car colour can be black or dark grey. License plates have the entire name ''POLIZIA LOCALE'' on them and the letter "Y" followed by another letter, three numbers, and two letters.
== Gallery == <gallery> File:Alfa Romeo Tonale polizia di stato.jpg|Polizia di Stato [[Alfa Romeo Tonale]] File:Police boat venice moving.JPG|A Polizia di Stato boat in [[Venice]] File:Motorcycle BMW R1150rt of italian police.jpg|Polizia di Stato motorcycle File:Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Carabinieri.jpg|Carabinieri [[Alfa Romeo Giulia (2016)|Alfa Romeo Giulia]] File:Iveco C-17.JPG|Carabinieri [[Iveco Daily]], used for emergency intervention and transport of organs File:Carabinieri.motorcycle.in.rome.arp.jpg|Carabinieri motorcycle File:Pescara 2008 - Marina di Pescara- Iveco Daily - by-RaBoe 001.jpg|Guardia di Finanza [[Iveco Daily]] File:Guardia di Finanza car.JPG|Guardia di Finanza [[Fiat Grande Punto]] File:Vehiculo Guardia di Finanza en Roma.jpg|Guardia di Finanza [[Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2010)|Alfa Romeo Giulietta]] File:GdF Agusta Westland AW109Nexus.JPG|Guardia di Finanza helicopter File:Stazione mobile polizia provinciale.jpg|[[Iveco Daily]] Polizia Provinciale mobile cell site File:EB-988-GB 030811-066 CPS (6277561376).jpg|Polizia Provinciale [[Fiat Panda]] File:Students demonstration in Milano 2008.jpg|Polizia Locale [[Alfa Romeo 159]] File:Voiture de police rome.jpg|Polizia Municipale [[Fiat Grande Punto]] File:Autopattuglia di Campiglia Marittima.jpg|Polizia Municipale [[Fiat Panda]] File:Polizia.municipale.motorcycle.arp.jpg|Polizia Municipale motorcycle </gallery> ==See also==
{{portal|Law|Italy }}
* [[Crime in Italy]]
* [[Judiciary of Italy]]
* [[Law in Italy]]
* [[Organized crime in Italy]]
== References == {{reflist}} == External links ==
{{Commonscatinline}}
* {{in lang|it}} [http://www.poliziadistato.it Polizia di Stato (official website)] (English; Francais; Espanol; Deutsch)
{{Law enforcement in Italy}} {{Italy topics}} {{Europe topic|Law enforcement in}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Law Enforcement In Italy}} [[Category:Law enforcement in Italy| ]]