Toscolano Maderno Police Emphasize Horseback, Traffic and Safety Measures

The municipal police of Toscolano Maderno have started horseback patrols. The commander, Bruno Bordignon, and an officer, Leonardo Di Rosa, a former official photographer of Brescia football matches, will climb the inland trails during summer to identify building violations or catch dirt bike riders on prohibited paths. Within the territory of the Comunità Montana Parco, free roaming is not permitted. But there is always someone who confuses the inland with a war zone. Therefore, whenever possible, the municipal police conduct inspections. The animals are supplied by the Scuderia Castello of Giovanni Zambiasi, brother of the missionary kidnapped in Sierra Leone. “Who knows, maybe in the future, we will decide to carry out patrols along the waterfront. Monitoring, for example, pickpockets at the Thursday market. This work is carried out in civvies, together with the Carabinieri,” explains Bordignon, who has presented the 2000 financial statement, also acknowledging the help received from the horses. Other news. “All pedestrian crossings on the 45 bis highway have been illuminated with the installation of suitable, clearly visible portals, equipped with headlights and double-facing signals. We have also purchased a speed camera to combat reckless driving. The result? A 20 percent reduction in accidents. I remember that in the past, pedestrian accidents were very common, including several fatal incidents.” There is also the matter of Piazza San Marco. Architect Beppe Galeri designed a project for an underpass, which is now under review by Anas. The goal is to prevent constant traffic stoppages that cause long queues, especially on Sundays. “During the summer period, from June 16 to September 17,” the commander continues, “we ensured special surveillance: evening and nighttime patrols until 2 a.m., and until 3 a.m. on weekends. With a patrol of two officers, either in a car or on a motorcycle. This service was part of a safety plan aimed at protecting tourists, respecting public tranquility, and preventing microcriminality. As mentioned, horseback patrols in mountain areas, on trails and mule tracks inaccessible to vehicles, were also set up for more comprehensive terrain monitoring. In addition to the anti-purse snatching unit at the market, which has 124 fixed posts and attracts thousands of customers.” In 2000, 2,875 violations of the traffic code were recorded, generating 285 million lira. An additional ten violations related to trade laws or mayoral ordinances need to be added. So, the total is nearly 3,000, translating to 120 million more than in 1999. The collection rate by December 31 is around 70 percent. “We have the same number of officers—eight plus three seasonal—as the entire Consorzio, compared to when we were united with Gardone Riviera and Tignale. Among our activities, I recall thirty building inspections, some at the request of the Procura della Repubblica (which uncovered four violations of urban planning regulations, reporting them to judicial and administrative authorities); reports filed for thefts or damages; participation in exercises organized by the Protezione Civile with divers on the waterfront, search-and-rescue dogs in the Valle della Cartiere, and a firefighting helicopter at Campei di Cima; involvement in all stages of mandatory health treatments and road safety education in schools.” Using the available resources, the officers have traveled approximately 53,000 kilometers, more than the Earth’s circumference. “Furthermore, we must handle significant bureaucratic tasks: reports, notices, correspondence, vehicle owner verifications. It would take too long to list all the duties of the office: handling reports about faulty public lighting lamps, communicating with Enel, certifications on dog tattoos, circulation ordinances, permits for driveway crossings, replacing personnel when needed. We also manage the commerce sector,” concludes Bordignon.