Carabinieri

The Carabinieri, officially the Arma dei Carabinieri, is one of Italy’s main law enforcement agencies and a branch of the Italian armed forces. It functions as a national gendarmerie with a dual civilian and military role, carrying out both policing and military duties. The force answers to both the Ministry of Interior for police matters and the Ministry of Defense for military matters, reflecting its dual mandate and nationwide reach.

History and role: The Carabinieri were established in 1814 by King Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia as a royal gendarmerie for the Kingdom of Sardinia. After Italian unification, they became the national gendarmerie for the Kingdom and later the Republic; the name Arma dei Carabinieri dates from 1923. Their responsibilities include public order and safety, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, border control, crisis response, and the protection of cultural and environmental heritage. They operate in both civil policing and counterterrorism, organized crime, and drug enforcement, and they provide disaster relief and support to civil authorities in emergencies.

Organization: The force is headquartered in Rome and commanded by the Commander General. Its structure combines territorial units with specialized formations, including investigative and operational units for serious crime, environmental protection, and scientific forensics. Carabinieri operate throughout Italy and participate in international missions, such as United Nations or European Union operations, often cooperating with other Italian police bodies.

Overview: As a core component of Italy’s security framework, the Carabinieri maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, and contribute to national defense, reflecting their status as a versatile, state-supported police and military institution.