by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Caterina de Gavardo, City Councilor for Public Safety (assessore alle Politiche della sicurezza cittadina); Walter Milocchi, Commander of the Local Police (Comandante della Polizia Locale)
City officials on Monday presented the results of this summer’s public safety operations along Barcola, the popular seaside promenade where thousands of residents and tourists gather during the warmer months.
At a press conference near the Barcola fountain, City Councilor for Public Safety Caterina de Gavardo joined Local Police Commander Walter Milocchi and city council members Corrado Tremul and Gabriele Cinquepalmi to outline the outcomes of a three-month patrol effort that began June 16 and will conclude on September 14, depending on weather conditions.
“This service was launched in 2023 after listening to citizens who felt that this area needed particular attention during the summer months,” Ms. de Gavardo said. “Our goal has been to ensure that Barcola remains a place of relaxation and serenity for both Trieste residents and visitors.”
The program, now in its third year, placed two patrol units — one from the Motorized Division (Reparto Motorizzato, or RM) and another from the Special Intervention Unit (Nucleo Interventi Speciali, or NIS) — along the waterfront from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. In the mornings and afternoons, additional teams were deployed to guarantee continuous coverage.
The NIS focused largely on enforcing urban regulations within the Barcola pine grove, conducting 48 anti-degradation checks over the summer. The RM handled traffic safety, emergency response, and accident investigations, particularly along Viale Miramare, a busy roadway known for its high rate of collisions.
Between mid-June and early September, the RM investigated 55 accidents, including minor collisions and one fatal incident in late July. Officers also carried out more than 525 vehicle inspections and issued 2,540 traffic citations. Patrols were occasionally supported by Conan, the police department’s canine unit.
Commander Milocchi emphasized the importance of maintaining a visible police presence in an area that serves as the city’s summer gathering point. “While there were numerous accidents, most were minor, and overall the summer passed peacefully,” he said.
