Italian prison police union urges dedicated units for violent inmates

The Secretary‑General of the Autonomous Prison Police Union (SAPPE), Donato Capece, has formally appealed to Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and the head of the Prison Administration Department, Stefano Carlo De Michele, for structural reforms to curb the security crisis in Italy’s prisons. SAPPE proposes the creation of specialised sections or institutes in each region for inmates deemed most dangerous under the 14‑bis special surveillance regime. The union cites severe overcrowding – more than 64,000 detainees in facilities designed for about 47,000 – chronic staff shortages, and a surge in assaults on prison officers, suicides and stress‑related illnesses among personnel. It calls for adequate resources, advanced technology, specialised training, priority staffing, incentives for high‑risk posts and recognition of particularly demanding sites. SAPPE argues that a coordinated network of such facilities would improve safety for staff, ensure uniform application of measures nationwide and enhance overall prison management.

"The situation in our prisons is no longer tolerable," Capece said, urging swift, courageous decisions to prevent further emergencies.