Italian local police roll out regional canine unit and center car bans

The Piedmont regional government announced the creation of Italy's first regional canine unit for local police, allocating an initial €30,000 for 2026. The specialised dog teams will assist municipal forces in drug‑trafficking control, missing‑person searches, event security and other territorial operations. Region President Alberto Cirio said the project aims to "create a regional network of highly specialised canine units," while Security Assessor Enrico Bussalino added that it will "optimise resources and provide faster, more efficient support across the region."

In Sardinia, the municipality of Porto Torres enacted temporary pedestrian zones, closing several central streets to vehicle traffic from July to September each night. The measure, proposed by local councilor Cristina Angela Capuana and backed by the local police commander, responds to merchants' requests for safer, car‑free city centres during the summer months. The closures are intended to protect public safety and improve the shopping environment.

Both initiatives illustrate a broader push by Italian local authorities to enhance public safety and urban livability through targeted police resources and traffic management.