interviews: Sophie Renhuldt
In the ornate chambers of Trieste’s Municipal Council, a gathering convened under the auspices of City Security Policy Commissioner Caterina de Gavardo, alongside Deputy Commander Paolo Jerman, Local Police Commissioner Luisa Tonetto, and City Councilor Salvatore Porro. Here, against the backdrop of polished wood and muted murmurs, the diligent efforts of the Local Police in fostering personal defense within educational spheres were unveiled.
“Since 2012, this initiative has been a steadfast fixture, its roots now firmly entrenched in our community,” remarked Commissioner de Gavardo, her tone resolute. “This year, our outreach extends to 280 students across three esteemed institutions: the State Artistic Lyceum ‘E. and U. Nordio,’ the Gian Rinaldo Carli Institute, and the ISIS ‘Giosuè Carducci – Dante Alighieri.’ Yet, the clamor for our services echoes beyond, a testament to the indispensable role the Local Police plays in our city.”
Deputy Commander Paolo Jerman provided insight into the genesis of the program. “It was born of necessity, in 2012, as we equipped our officers with tools of self-preservation. Ensuing was the imperative for a uniform framework of operational techniques. Thus, a select cadre emerged, honed not only in martial prowess but also in pedagogical prowess.”
The essence of the program, as elucidated by Commissioner de Gavardo, lies in its emphasis on safety and foresight. “Our curriculum instills in students the acumen to discern risks, the agility to evade peril, and the savoir-faire to seek assistance when needed. Feedback has been resoundingly positive; often, a few pearls of wisdom suffice to avert potential crises.”
Rooted in the fabric of Trieste’s social tapestry, the Local Police identified a palpable need for streetwise savoir-faire, particularly among women and adolescents. Thus, the advent of the MGA method – a holistic approach to self-defense blending instinctive movements with strategic acumen. “For a decade now, we’ve extended this lifeline of empowerment, transcending physical prowess to imbue all with the confidence to navigate urban landscapes,” affirmed Commissioner de Gavardo.
In Trieste’s classrooms, the Local Police assumes the mantle of educator and guardian, inculcating principles of legality and proportionality alongside rudimentary self-defense techniques. “The dividends are manifold,” observed Deputy Commander Jerman. “Students emerge emboldened, armed not just with physical prowess but also with the sagacity to navigate life’s myriad challenges.”
As the session drew to a close, murmurs of approval resonated through the chamber. Four additional schools have petitioned for inclusion, testament to the program’s resonance. In Trieste’s evolving narrative, the Local Police emerges not just as enforcers of law but as architects of resilience, sculpting a safer tomorrow, one student at a time.
