Football Fans, Police Unite Against Violence: “The Policeman is Another Friend of Yours” Project Launches in Italy
Rome, Italy - In a bid to prevent violence and promote social solidarity among young people, the Italian Ministry of Public Education, the National Committee for UNICEF, and local police forces have launched a joint initiative called “The Policeman is Another Friend of Yours.”
Aims and Objectives
The project aims to spread a culture of legality and social cohesion among elementary school children, focusing on the importance of cooperation between citizens, law enforcement agencies, and private entities. The initiative is designed to promote a sense of community and social responsibility among young people.
Enhancing Online Presence and Communication Technology
As part of this effort, the National Police and Carabinieri Corps are enhancing their online presence by creating an e-policing platform. The system allows citizens to report thefts, losses, and computer crimes directly through the police’s website, while also providing information on administrative issues.
Additionally, the project will utilize state-of-the-art communication technology to optimize general prevention services, including:
- Interconnection of control rooms across different police forces
- Use of video-surveillance systems in sensitive urban areas
Prevention is Key
“Prevention is not just a matter for law enforcement agencies,” said Minister of Public Education. “It requires the involvement of all public and private actors who can contribute to making our communities safer.”
Addressing Specific Security Concerns
The initiative also includes measures aimed at addressing specific security concerns, such as those faced by traders, entrepreneurs, and other economic operators in Southern Italy.
- The National Operational Programme on “Security for the Development of Italy’s Mezzogiorno” combines technological enhancements with training and updating of personnel, civic engagement, and partnerships between social and economic actors.
- Urban security memoranda of understanding have been signed between local bodies and the Ministry of the Interior, promoting initiatives aimed at ensuring appropriate security conditions in productive areas, entrepreneurial activities, and balanced economies.
Security Agreement
A “Security Agreement” was signed between the Ministry of the Interior and the National Association of Italian Municipalities to implement shared projects fostering subsidiarity between state and local governments.
Addressing Sexual Violence
To address the specific issue of sexual violence in urban areas, it was agreed that synergic action from territorial bodies would be supported by general prevention measures. The “Antiviolence Network among Urban-Italy cities” project has also been implemented to assist victims of intra- and extra-familial violence.
- A national telephone line (1522) for reporting violence against women has been established.
- The Arianna Project provides support, protection, and assistance to women who have been victims of ill-treatment and abuse. The service operates 24/7, is multilingual, and offers anonymity to all callers.
Conclusion
The “The Policeman is Another Friend of Yours” project aims to promote a culture of legality and social cohesion among young people in Italy. By enhancing online presence, utilizing communication technology, and addressing specific security concerns, the initiative aims to make communities safer for everyone.