Who protects and serves the streets?
Walking through Rome, you see two types of men in uniform: the Carabinieri and the Polizia. In my view, I never really see either doing more than directing traffic, allowing pedestrians to cross the street, or standing around talking to one another... but apparently each has different abilities and control when it comes to law 
enforcement.
enforcement.Carabinieri. Created in 1815 by King Victor Emmanuel I, the Arma dei Carabinieri is the national gendamarie of Italy that polices both the military and civilian populations. Its headquarters are in Rome and officers are placed by a territorial basis (Wikipedia, 2009). The Carabinieri can be seen all over downtown Rome, patrolling the streets and posted up at crowded tourist areas. This military group is an essential part of keeping the citizens and streets of Italy safe.
Polizia. Created strictly as a civil police force, also has its headquarters in Rome. The Polizia di Stato are responsible for patrolling roads, airports, and customs amongst other locations. The Polizia is the primary force of citizen protection throughout Italy, and are expected to maintain public safety and order at all times. This force can also be seen patrolling the streets of Rome as well as standing guard at several busy tourist attractions and piazzas.
The main distinction between the two groups is the ability to police military operations. Personally I have seen neither do anything but drive around or stand around on street corners. This causes my suspicion that there are not many tickets given out and the court system is not a busy one. It reminds me of the part in Italian Neighbors where it is alluded that most people take matters into their own hands because each law is interpreted per case and there is no such thing as precedent. Bepi must be the only one, in both the fictitious and real world, that actually uses the court system.
Polizia. Created strictly as a civil police force, also has its headquarters in Rome. The Polizia di Stato are responsible for patrolling roads, airports, and customs amongst other locations. The Polizia is the primary force of citizen protection throughout Italy, and are expected to maintain public safety and order at all times. This force can also be seen patrolling the streets of Rome as well as standing guard at several busy tourist attractions and piazzas.
The main distinction between the two groups is the ability to police military operations. Personally I have seen neither do anything but drive around or stand around on street corners. This causes my suspicion that there are not many tickets given out and the court system is not a busy one. It reminds me of the part in Italian Neighbors where it is alluded that most people take matters into their own hands because each law is interpreted per case and there is no such thing as precedent. Bepi must be the only one, in both the fictitious and real world, that actually uses the court system.
Apparently there are four different types of police in Rome. Could you imagine having four different police forces back home. Who does that put in control? Does that create issues between the different forces? I would imagine so. I am not sure how any order is maintained when so many different authorities are in one place at one time. I guess that is just the chaos that is life in Rome!
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