by InTrieste
This afternoon, the Trieste local police celebrated their 162nd anniversary with a solemn ceremony at San Giusto Castle, marked by the swearing-in of over 30 new officers. The event, attended by Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel and other dignitaries, highlighted the force’s longstanding commitment to public safety and community service.
Police Chief Walter Milocchi opened the ceremony by expressing gratitude to the Prefecture and other law enforcement agencies for their collaborative efforts. “We have shared many significant services and activities, and many more await us in the future. The synergy and your support are essential for our service,” he said.
Reflecting on the history of the Trieste local police, Chief Milocchi emphasized the unique challenges and triumphs faced by the force, quoting Antonio Dolce, a historic commander of the then Urban Police Corps of Trieste: “One of the few urban police forces, if not the only one, that has experienced the events of two world wars and their consequences.”
The ceremony featured a detailed report on the force’s activities from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. The data revealed over 22,000 violations of the Highway Code, including speeding, mobile phone use while driving, and running red lights, reflecting an increase in controls and verifications compared to the previous year. Additionally, 2,188 accidents were recorded, a slight rise from the previous year’s 1,996, with 842 resulting in personal injuries and six being fatal.
Chief Milocchi highlighted the ongoing issue of seat belt compliance, with 1,145 violations for not using restraint systems, far exceeding the 775 violations for mobile phone use. “Despite the seat belt requirement being introduced in 1988, we continue to see infractions,” he noted, underscoring the importance of adherence to safety regulations.
The report also touched on urban waste regulation violations, with 401 fines issued for improper waste disposal. Chief Milocchi stressed the civic duty of proper waste management and its impact on community hygiene and public costs.
City Councillor for Public Security Policies, Caterina De Gavardo, underscored her commitment to understanding the local police’s extensive responsibilities during her first year in office. “The Trieste local police is many things: first and foremost, it is the arm of the municipal administration on the territory, but it is also a point of reference for citizens,” she remarked.
Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel thanked the local police personnel for their essential work in ensuring public safety. She urged officers to “always be attentive and available listeners when a citizen relies on you for a request or problem. Because at that moment, you are their certainty, their point of reference.”
The ceremony concluded with the new officers swearing their loyalty to the Italian Republic, the Constitution, and the laws. The event also honored personnel who had distinguished themselves over the past year and recognized those who had retired.
The celebration at San Giusto Castle was a testament to the enduring legacy and evolving role of the Trieste local police, as they continue to navigate the complexities of modern urban life while honoring their historic roots.
