Italy Interior Minister Addresses Lake Garda Police Reinforcements for Summer

Responding to a written question from the Veronese deputy Alberto Giorgetti, Interior Minister Enzo Bianco outlined the government’s position regarding the request to strengthen the police force on Lake Garda, specifically for the summer period.

“Regarding the failure to establish the seasonal police station in 1999,” Bianco said during the Chamber of Deputies, “I preface this by noting that the Balkan crisis demanded an extraordinary commitment from the Police Forces to address the emergency related to the conflict events. Therefore, it was not possible to ensure, as in previous years, the operation of the seasonal police station in the Municipality of Bardolino. This was addressed both through the strengthening of the Bardolino Carabinieri station with the deployment of 6 units, and by rationalizing the deployment of the force, with the re-establishment from June 1 to September 30, 1999, of the Lazise station.”

Effects on Crime Fight and Planned Reinforcements

However, Minister Bianco was rather evasive regarding the reinforcement of the police force expected for the summer period. “Once again this year, the Prefecture of Verona reiterated the need to enhance territorial control in the Lake Garda area during the summer. Regarding this, I specify that this need was evaluated within the framework of the annual plan for increasing territorial control in the most heavily touristed locations.”

In the coming weeks, the necessary measures will be adopted, providing, within the limits of current staffing availability, to strengthen the involved police presences and, where possible, establish seasonal police posts.

Reactions of Deputy Giorgetti and Future Perspectives

In short, we will have to wait a little longer to know the government’s actual plans for increasing law enforcement forces on Lake Garda. Deputy Alberto Giorgetti, author of the parliamentary question answered by the Minister of the Interior, expressed perplexity with the explanations provided by the government official. “I will ensure,” Giorgetti concluded, “that the government’s commitment to enhancing territorial control in the locations affected by tourist flows is fulfilled. An increase in agents is a necessity.”