by InTrieste
In a progressive initiative aimed at fostering road safety awareness and self-defense skills among young people, the Local Police of Trieste have expanded their educational outreach program. The announcement was made during a press conference held in the historic Tergeste Hall, where city officials and police representatives unveiled their efforts to engage students across a wide range of age groups, from preschoolers to university attendees.
Councillor Caterina de Gavardo, head of Urban Safety Policies, emphasized the importance of these programs, which have become a hallmark of the Local Police’s community engagement. “This is a long-standing effort, demanding yet rewarding,” she said, highlighting that last year alone, the program reached over 6,000 students.
The initiative, which dates back to the 1970s, has evolved over the decades, becoming more structured in the 1990s. Today, it is a cornerstone of Trieste’s civic education efforts. Its primary focus is road safety, but its broader mission seeks to build trust between young people and uniformed officers.
“We aim to do more than teach the rules of the road and self-defense techniques,” de Gavardo explained. “Our goal is to create a relationship of empathy and confidence with the students, equipping them to trust and rely on those in uniform when they encounter challenges in life.”
Teaching Beyond the Classroom
The program is divided into two main components: road safety education and self-defense. A team of 15 experienced officers leads the road safety initiative, tailoring lessons to different age groups. Preschoolers receive hands-on training in classrooms and at a one-of-a-kind regional training facility, while high school students tackle more complex topics, such as the legal implications of traffic violations, the dangers of substance abuse, and broader issues of civic responsibility.
The self-defense program, introduced in 2012, targets fourth-year high school students, offering three sessions per class. While smaller in scale—it reaches about 250 students annually—it provides practical skills and raises awareness about recognizing and preventing risky situations.
“Both programs use real-life cases from the officers’ daily service,” de Gavardo said, “making the lessons more interactive and relatable.”
Commander Walter Milocchi underscored the importance of tailoring the content for different audiences. For high school students, this includes screening local accident footage to illustrate the consequences of unsafe behavior.
Reaching More Students
Councillor Maurizio De Blasio, responsible for Education and Family Policies, praised the initiative for addressing the lack of awareness among young people in today’s fast-changing society. “Institutions must step up to fill these gaps,” he said. “The Local Police, with their expertise and passion, are uniquely equipped to do this.”
Recent collaborations have expanded the program’s reach. Lessons are now held in the Luttazzi Hall at Magazzino 26, a venue that allows more students to participate.
The Local Police’s Training Office coordinates the logistics, ensuring that regular police duties remain unaffected.
A Model for Civic Engagement
Trieste’s Local Police initiative reflects a broader commitment to community policing, where education and engagement go hand in hand with enforcement. With 30 preschools and 23 high schools participating this year, the program continues to grow, fostering a culture of safety, awareness, and trust among the city’s youngest residents.
For schools interested in participating, inquiries can be directed to the Local Police Training Office at plts.formazione@comune.trieste.it.
As Trieste leads by example, the program serves as a reminder that proactive education can save lives—and build stronger communities in the process.
