Last week, Messina was the scene of one of the worst crises for the city’s traffic, with a high number of road accidents, two of which had tragic outcomes. In this context, the secretary of the SilPol union, Giuseppe Gemellarowanted to underline the central and complex role of the Municipal Police Force, also drawing the attention of the Municipal Administration to some choices that are penalizing the safety and well-being of the community.
“The Municipal Police Force, in particular the Accident Section, operates with insufficient resources, but continues to guarantee an essential service with absolute professionalism and dedication”, declared Gemellaro. “All road accidents, both ordinary and more serious, fall under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Police, who often find themselves having to face critical situations without adequate support”. Prevention and safety culture In addition to the immediate management of emergencies, Gemellaro wanted to shine the spotlight on a crucial topic for the city’s future: prevention.
“Road safety cannot be addressed only with repressive actions by the Police Force”, he explained. “We need a structural intervention that starts from training and cultural education, and this must necessarily start from schools.” A positive, but now abandoned, example was recalled by the secretary. “Until 2021, the Municipal Police of Messina, through the Studies and Training Section, carried out important educational work in schools. With qualified staff and a great ability to relate to children, this service was recognized at a national level”, he added.
A penalizing choice for the city
In 2021, the restructuring of the Municipal Police Force resulted in the elimination of the Studies and Training Section. A decision that Gemellaro defines as short-sighted: “Today this service no longer exists, and the Local Police operator is increasingly reduced to a stereotype, far from the complex and specific role he actually plays”. According to the secretary, this choice deprived the city of an important opportunity to create lasting cultural change. “Restoring this activity would not be new, but a return to good practice which, in addition to enhancing the Corps’ internal resources, could have a positive impact on the urban livability of Messina”, he said.
An invitation to the Administration
Gemellaro’s appeal is addressed directly to the municipal administration. “We call on the Administration to transform the pain and emotions caused by the recent incidents into concrete actions,” he said. “Restoring an educational service like the one carried out in the past would represent an essential investment for the future of the city and for the safety of the new generations”. A clear and strong message, which calls for the responsibility to enhance the professionalism and skills existing within the Municipal Police Force, to contribute to the growth of a safer and more livable Messina.