The intersection of power: law enforcement, political authorities and protest policing in Italy

This article challenges the notion of police neutrality and independence by highlighting the inherent politicisation within the policing apparatus. It explores the complex relationship between the police and political authorities in managing crowds and maintaining public order. Drawing on criminological and sociological perspectives, the study adopts a critical approach to analyse the operational decisions made by the police and their interactions with political authorities. This interaction significantly influences the operational strategies employed during the management of public demonstrations. The dynamic emphasises how a segment of the police force in Italy is tasked with ‘political policing’, serving as a link between government authorities and field agents. Ultimately, this work aims to fill a gap in the literature by demonstrating the ongoing politicisation of the police mandate in Italy, particularly in the context of public order management.