by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Caterina De Gavardo, Councilor for Public Safety and Local Police
The City of Trieste outlined the work of its Local Police training unit on Friday, highlighting expanded educational programs focused on road safety, bullying prevention and self-defense.
The Local Police have provided road safety education in schools since the 1970s. In recent years, the program has broadened to include lessons on bullying, violence prevention and civic responsibility, delivered in collaboration with the city’s social services.
Municipal officials said the police force has also strengthened its team of certified self-defense instructors, adding eight new trainers. The expansion allows courses to be offered not only to high school students but also to municipal employees.
Over the past nine months, officers dedicated more than 900 hours to public education initiatives, reaching over 4,500 students. The training unit includes 16 self-defense instructors, five officers specializing in bullying prevention and about 30 officers involved in road safety education.
Speaking at the presentation, City Councillor for Public Safety Caterina de Gavardo said the programs aim to strengthen prevention efforts and foster trust between young people and law enforcement. Councillor for Education Maurizio De Blasio described education and public safety as closely connected, emphasizing the role of police officers as a positive presence in schools. Local Police Commissioner Manuela Cunsolo said requests from schools for educational programs have continued to increase, reflecting growing interest in prevention and civic education.
