Military policing in Italy

This chapter examines the Italian government parties’ choices regarding the use of the Army for domestic policing from 2001 to 2013. During this period, two operations stand out. The first, launched in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, protected critical infrastructure. Broadly bipartisan, it ran from 2001 to 2006. The second, and more significant, is Strade Sicure (“Safe Streets”): a large Army deployment in major cities to support police in combating crim. The chapter shows that economic conditions were pivotal. The conservative, military-friendly Berlusconi government needed to boost perceived security but lacked the resources to expand police ranks; the Army offered a practical, lower-cost solution. As the economic crisis deepened, parties subsequently chose to extend, and in some cases expand, the operation.