Roman police & carabinieri
The police in Italy are divided into two main forces; the polizia and the carabinieri. The polizia are the ones you are most likely to come across; they handle thefts and some of the bureaucracy which you are likely to come into contact with if you stay for long in Rome. The division which handles traffic control is know as the Vigili Urbani.
The carabinieri are a military police force. As well as fighting drug-related crime in Italy, they are also deployed overseas. Recent deployments include Iraq & Afghanistan. The Italian public seems to have mixed feelings about the carbinieri; although lauded for their bravery, there are plenty of 'carabinieri' jokes which usually focus on their supposed vanity and stupidity. The Rough Guide to Italy (see books page) suggests that this is a form of northern snobbishness, pointing out that carabinieri are often from the south of Italy, having taken the job in order to escape the poverty of that region.
Other forces
As well as the Vigili Urbani who handle traffic control and parking fines, there are other forces including the Guardia di Finanza who are in charge of smuggling and tax issues, and the motorway patrols of the Polizia Stradale.
Questura Centrale
The main police station, or Questura Centrale, is located at Piazza del Collegio Romano 3 (off Via del Corso). The telephone number is 06 4686.
Emergency telephone numbers
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 113
- Fire: 115
