by Nastassja Martin
Interview: Caterina de Gavardo, Trieste Councilor for Urban Security Policies
Trieste’s municipal police have intensified patrols along the Barcola waterfront this summer, deploying additional officers to manage growing numbers of beach goers, motorists and tourists during the city’s busiest seaside season.
The enhanced operation, which began on June 16 and marks the third consecutive year of increased summer enforcement, combines traffic policing, foot patrols and inspections of local businesses. City officials presented a mid-season update on Monday, describing the initiative as a response to concerns raised by residents and local officials about safety and quality of life along the popular promenade.
According to the municipality, the operation has covered 48 days so far, with dedicated patrols operating every day of the week, including Sundays. Two patrol units are assigned during both morning and afternoon shifts—one from the Motorized Unit and another from the Special Interventions Unit—for a total of 2,304 staff hours.
Motorcycle officers have focused primarily on enforcing traffic regulations, monitoring parking, managing vehicle flow and responding to road accidents. The Special Interventions Unit has combined vehicle patrols with foot patrols, responding to requests from residents and visitors, addressing public order issues and enforcing municipal regulations. Officers have also carried out drug prevention and enforcement activities with the support of the city’s canine unit.
A separate Commercial Police Unit has conducted 34 inspections of bars, restaurants and other businesses, checking compliance with regulations governing outdoor seating, nightlife, public space occupancy and consumer protection.
Municipal officials said preliminary data indicate a decline in traffic accidents compared with the same period in previous years, attributing the trend in part to the increased police presence and preventive enforcement. They also emphasized that many daily interventions—such as assisting beach goers, providing information and responding to minor incidents—are not reflected in official statistics because they do not result in formal reports.
Barcola, a waterfront district overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, is one of the city’s most popular summer destinations, attracting thousands of residents and visitors throughout the season. City authorities said the enhanced patrols will continue through the remainder of the summer.
