Italian police

Understanding the Division of the Italian Police

Dear travelers,

Whenever I’m in Italy, I find the division of the Italian police fascinating. You might see Carabinieri on the streets one moment and Guardia di Finanza the next. While this isn’t a typical travel blog, if you’re curious like me, you’ll find it intriguing. This guide will help you understand the different branches of the Italian police and how public order is maintained in the country.

1. Carabinieri (Arma dei Carabinieri)

The Carabinieri is a military force with both civil and military duties. They operate under the authority of the Ministry of Defense but serve as a national police force. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring public order and safety.
  • Handling criminal investigations and serious crimes.
  • Performing military police functions for the armed forces.
  • Assisting in disaster relief and civil defense operations.

You can recognize Carabinieri officers by their dark blue uniforms with red piping and their distinctive red-striped trousers. As you travel, you’ll often see Carabinieri patrolling cities, towns, and rural areas. They’re approachable and can assist with various concerns, from reporting crimes to finding directions.

Italian police

2. Polizia di Stato (State Police)

The Polizia di Stato is the national civil police force operating under the Ministry of the Interior. They are responsible for:

  • Preventing and investigating crimes.
  • Maintaining public order and safety.
  • Managing traffic and road safety.
  • Overseeing immigration and border control.

State Police officers wear light blue shirts and dark blue pants, often with a badge displaying the national emblem. In cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, you’ll likely encounter the Polizia di Stato managing traffic, ensuring security at tourist sites, and offering assistance at police stations.

3. Guardia di Finanza (Finance Police)

The Guardia di Finanza is a military police force specializing in financial crimes and operating under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Their duties include:

  • Investigating tax evasion, fraud, and other financial crimes.
  • Preventing smuggling and illegal trade.
  • Investigating money laundering and other financial crimes.
  • Patrolling Italy’s waters to ensure maritime security.

Officers of the Guardia di Finanza are recognizable by their gray-green uniforms. Also, you can see them on the streets of the Italian cities. Italy is known for its luxury goods, and the Guardia di Finanza is crucial in protecting intellectual property rights. They patrol areas where counterfeit goods are likely to be sold, such as marketplaces and tourist hotspots, to seize fake products and arrest those involved in the illegal trade.

Guardia di Finanza

4. Polizia Locale (Local Police)

The Polizia Locale, also known as Municipal Police, operates under the authority of local municipalities. Their primary roles are:

  • Enforcing local laws and regulations.
  • Managing local traffic and parking issues.
  • Addressing minor criminal offenses and disturbances.
  • Providing assistance and information to residents and tourists.
  • Assisting with public events and community services.

Uniforms of the Italian local police vary by region but often include a blue uniform with white accents.

5. Polizia Penitenziaria (Prison Police)

The Polizia Penitenziaria, or Prison Police, operates under the Ministry of Justice. They are responsible for:

  • Maintaining order and security within prison facilities.
  • Overseeing the transport of inmates.
  • Preventing escapes and ensuring the safety of prison staff and inmates.
  • Managing rehabilitation programs for prisoners.

Prison Police officers wear a dark blue uniform with light blue accents.

6. Corpo Forestale dello Stato (State Forestry Corps)

Although it was merged with the Carabinieri in 2017, the State Forestry Corps was previously responsible for:

  • Protecting Italy’s natural resources and environment.
  • Preventing and investigating environmental crimes.
  • Managing national parks and wildlife conservation efforts.
  • Enforcing laws related to forestry, agriculture, and fisheries.

Officers in this branch wore green uniforms.

I hope your questions are answered. Whether you’re walking through busy cities, visiting charming towns, or enjoying the beautiful countryside, you can feel safe knowing these professionals are working hard to keep Italy secure and welcoming for everyone.

Truly yours,

The Creation of Us