by InTrieste
In a press conference held on January 24 at the municipal government’s executive hall, Councilor for Citizen Security Policies Caterina de Gavardo and local police leadership outlined the key accomplishments and developments of the city’s police force in 2024.
“This year, we worked tirelessly to showcase the strength and expertise of our police force,” said de Gavardo, praising the department’s specialized units and expanded operations. “The local police are a fundamental pillar of community security and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.”
Key highlights from the report included:
Expanded Presence and Enhanced Public Engagement
- Increase in Territorial Districts: The number of police districts was increased from three to four, reflecting a growing workforce and a reorganization aimed at better serving the community.
- Community Outreach: Officers participated in numerous public events, including school programs, university lectures, and outreach at the city’s major regatta, Barcolana, to engage with residents and promote road safety awareness.
- Proximity Policing: Efforts to strengthen ties with residents included an expanded neighborhood policing initiative.
Specialized Units and New Initiatives
- Anti-Violence and Document Fraud Units: The police force’s specialized anti-violence team and a newly established document fraud unit were highlighted as unique resources within the region and rare across Italy.
- Criminal Investigations: The Judicial Police Unit conducted eight major drug operations, leading to 11 arrests and notable drug seizures, including 2 kilograms of hashish and 300 grams of cocaine. Additionally, the force cracked down on illegal housing occupations and energy theft, with 17 individuals reported.
- Human Trafficking: Investigations into smuggling operations along the Balkan route led to the arrests of eight individuals and the prevention of illegal crossings involving 50 migrants.
Operational Statistics
- Emergency Response: The operations center handled 30,000 calls and 21,000 intervention requests in 2024.
- Environmental and Commercial Oversight: Units conducted 3,800 environmental checks, issued 700 administrative violations, and identified 200 cases of criminal activity. The commercial unit performed 1,200 inspections, resulting in 340 violations and the seizure of over 3,300 unsafe items.
- Traffic Enforcement: Nearly 69,000 traffic violations were recorded, including 47,700 parking infractions.
Internal Growth and Training
- Recruitment and Specialization: Ninety new recruits joined the force in 2024, many of whom have been integrated into specialized units. Progress was also made on equipping officers with firearms, with 86% now assigned weapons.
- Youth Engagement: Educational initiatives reached over 6,500 students, with topics ranging from mobility education to urban safety.
Challenges and Future Goals
While celebrating achievements, officials acknowledged the increasing demand for security driven by Trieste’s growing population of university students and tourists. Commander Walter Milocchi noted that the force devoted significant resources to ensuring public safety during large events and managing complex criminal investigations.
Interviews: Councilor for Citizen Security Policies Caterina de Gavardo; the Local Police Commander, Walter Milocchi
