Safety, climate crisis, solidarity

Before coming to the province of Bologna, Enrico Ricci served throughout Italy, from Bergamo to Catanzaro, gaining long and precious experience in difficult situations. Natural disasters, reception of refugees, safety: in every context, he has always demonstrated expertise and sensitivity toward places and people.

What are the main issues in the Bologna metropolitan area?

It has the characteristics of big cities with regard to public safety, and so there are episodes of petty crime that have a significant influence on the perception of safety. Right now, there is the new issue of juvenile petty crime, which we are trying to fight. It regards groups of minors – not baby gangs, because they don’t have any organized structure – that commit acts of harassment as well as crimes such as theft and assault against random individuals. We are paying a lot of attention to this because, beyond the criminal implication, it is an important social phenomenon because it raises the question of how to deal with it from a social viewpoint. Another subject of great interest and worry is the climate crisis and its consequences.

Late last year, Bologna suffered two major episodes that had never occurred here, and we are watching this very carefully. Although the Prefecture has no direct voice in ensuring the safety of the territory, we coordinated rescue operations during the spring emergency, and luckily there were no casualties. But the entire situation was continuously monitored .

How can we prevent violence and discrimination?

Social control is important. Beyond the fines and penalties, I think the general public should display an attitude not of initiative or active conflict, but of obvious disapproval of anyone who commits acts against peaceful living. This in addition to the strictly criminal aspect. It applies especially to young people with regard to those who commit acts of bullying. The first real penalty is often detachment from uncivilized behavior by showing disapproval. From the viewpoint of social behavior against crime, it is essential for everyone to participate and report the commission of crimes by requesting the immediate intervention of law enforcement.

In this regard, I think Bologna has a strong sense of participation: it’s a very civilized city and the police force acts immediately.

Bologna has a tradition of reception and inclusion. Can this be strengthened in view of the expanding numbers of fragile categories of people?

Bologna has a network of volunteer associations that care for vulnerable people as well as those in need of practical help; it also has a tradition of civil government. So, there’s no lack of resources, but it’s also true that these phenomena are becoming much more frequent. Sometimes it’s hard to help the many people who sleep under the porticos because they refuse a different arrangement. There are also cases of marginality that are hard to manage due to conditions of mental distress. But by tradition, this territory has the resources and a very high level of response. Everything can be improved, but we have an excellent starting point.

What is your evaluation for this initial period?

It’s very positive and confirms what I already knew, i.e., that this is a highly civilized city that can count on a very strong social fabric. Of course, there are problems, and we have to deal with the public’s worry about their safety regardless of data on crime. If people feel unsafe, this perception has to be considered by the institutions. Here we can work together, and I believe strongly in collaboration, which is essential for managing complex issues. Bologna has what it takes to do this.

What can we hope for the future?

There are also clouds on the horizon, and these times are certainly difficult in many aspects. The international situation in particular is worrisome. But we have to face it all with a spirit of strong institutional unity and also reinforce social unity. Bologna is strong, and this spirit has to be maintained, trying to give concrete answers to the needs expressed by the population.

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