The National Police Anniversary: 158 years together

"Our organization is 158 years old but doesn't look it, because it is modern, young and capable of being behind the times." With these words the head of the External relations office of the Italian National Police, Mr Maurizio Masciopinto, described the organization he represents, that opened a three-day celebration of its 158th anniversary.

As for every birthday celebration, it was time to take stock of the organization's activity: significant results which gave an opportunity to report the big operations that took life blood away to crime and resulted - as Mr Masciopinto stressed - "in dismantling historic criminal organizations in Apulia."

The anniversary slogan was "Safer together". It stemmed from the need to fill the gap between real and perceived safety. "Because our organization" - added the head of the External relations office - " is a big team for security capable of innovating and keeping abreast of the times."

Among the main themes of these celebrations: Europe, represented as a puzzle whose pieces are joining together because - explained Mr Masciopinto - "security cannot be thought any longer within the limits of national boundaries" and police women celebrating their 50 anniversary in the National Police.

Two major locations in Rome hosted the celebrations: Piazza del Popolo, where the official ceremony took place and the EUR lake where families could enjoy the police ponies and a series of spectacular exhibitions.

Communication characterized by transparency

A three-day feast during which citizens had an opportunity to become familiar with the police activities and innovations. Mr Masciopinto also recalled the many initiatives taken this year "to talk to each and every citizen using their language, though respecting police fundamental values: a sense of duty, loyalty and justice through a new transparency strategy":

• The new section "Today's news" which publishes automatically, in our website, the news from the Provincial police Headquarters (Questure), related by those who lived them personally, that is the police officers of the criminal investigation squads, provincial headquarters and local police offices.
• Agente Lisa friendly profile on Facebook, having already a large network of friends with whom she shares positive results and critical issues.
• The National Police video channel on YouTube, where images of the most important police operations are loaded. • An office dealing with tv fictions and keeping contacts with actors having close exchanges with the police.
• A newly born online magazine, gathering data, videos, interviews, and the programs of the 158th anniversary.