by InTrieste
A newly approved neighborhood watch initiative in Trieste has reignited political debate over security measures, highlighting differing perspectives on crime prevention strategies. The program, which establishes citizen-led watch groups to report suspicious activity via a designated coordinator, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders while gaining support from regional officials.
Pierpaolo Roberti, the Regional Councillor for Security, defended the initiative, arguing that security should not be a partisan issue. “Security is increasingly a fundamental right for citizens, a cornerstone of quality of life,” he said in a statement on Saturday. “Opposing this program in a purely political manner does not harm the majority but rather affects all citizens.”
The neighborhood watch program, already approved in Trieste’s IV and VII Districts, has met resistance from some political factions, who question its effectiveness. Critics argue that increasing law enforcement personnel would be a more direct and reliable approach to public safety. Roberti, however, dismissed this viewpoint as overly simplistic, stating that a multifaceted approach—including police, private security, and civic participation—offers a more comprehensive solution.
“In particular, neighborhood watch is supported under Regional Law 5/2021, which promotes participatory security,” he said, noting that similar initiatives exist in other Italian regions, such as Emilia-Romagna. “To claim that neighborhood watch is unnecessary while arguing solely for more officers is a false choice. These measures can complement each other rather than being mutually exclusive.”
Supporters of the initiative see it as a way to engage local communities in crime prevention efforts, while opponents caution against the risks of untrained citizens taking on responsibilities typically handled by law enforcement.
Despite the controversy, Roberti maintained that regulating neighborhood watch efforts would improve their effectiveness and help law enforcement. “I hope that, at least on such a sensitive issue that resonates deeply with the public, we can move forward together in the same direction,” he said.
