by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: Pierpaolo Roberti, FVG Councilor for Local Autonomies, Security, and Immigration; Caterina DeGavardo, Trieste Councilor for Public Safety and Local Police; Walter Milocchi, Commander of the Local Police (Polizia Locale) in Trieste
The Polizia Locale (Local Police) celebrated its 164th anniversary on Saturday, 13 June, with a commemorative ceremony held in Piazza Verdi. The event was attended by Pierpaolo Roberti, Regional Councilor for Local Autonomies, Security and Immigration; Mayor Roberto Dipiazza; Caterina De Gavardo, Municipal Councilor for Public Safety and Local Police; Walter Milocchi, Commander of the Polizia Locale of Trieste; and other local authorities.
The ceremony followed a series of operational changes introduced over the past twelve months. Since May 2025, the force has provided round-the-clock (24-hour) coverage across the city, ending the previous suspension of night-time service. A recruitment drive launched in 2025 led to the hiring of 21 new officers. The same period also saw the creation of a canine unit within the Special Interventions Nucleus and the introduction of the force’s first drone for surveillance, investigative, and search-and-rescue operations.
The commemoration took place one day after a national strike calling for changes to Disegno di Legge (DDL, Draft Law) 1716-A, which would delegate to the Government responsibility for reorganizing the Polizia Locale’s duties and regulatory framework. Participation in the strike was particularly high across the region, where the force numbers around 500 officers. Turnout reportedly approached 100 percent in Trieste and reached 80 percent in both Udine and Pordenone.
Addressing the issue, Councilor Roberti stated: “There are still a number of parliamentary procedures to be completed, as well as various requests from the police. Some of these are financial in nature and difficult to address, while others could probably still be amended, perhaps by setting clear deadlines for the implementation of the reform.”
