Ministers Giuseppe Valditara and Matteo Piantedosi today signed a circular , addressed specifically to the regional branches of the two ministries, aimed at combating the use of knives among young people . This includes, among other things, the use of metal detectors in schools . The measure , according to a joint statement, may be adopted at the request of school principals as part of discussions with prefectures and police headquarters, which are being made systematic .
Given the sensitive nature of the issue and the need for an extremely prudent and balanced approach , the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Security may consider, with increasing levels of intervention, temporarily including schools exhibiting critical issues—such as violent behavior outside the school premises, drug dealing, or reported and repeated acts of bullying —and implementing targeted checks. In the most serious situations, following consultations with and at the request of the school principals involved, and in compliance with applicable legislation and fundamental human rights, the use of access control tools to buildings may be ordered, including the use of manual metal detection devices, if deemed necessary to prevent the possession or introduction of weapons.
This is stated in the directive signed by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, which provides for the possibility of metal detector checks at school entrances and the central role of prefects and school principals. " The methods for adopting these tools will be the subject of dedicated technical meetings at police headquarters, including with the involvement of school principals, and must ensure, among other things, that the control activity remains entrusted solely to law enforcement officials, avoiding any improper participation of school staff," the document continues. It also specifies that "the initiatives implemented must be accompanied by a structured monitoring system that, ultimately, will allow us to verify their impact, assessing their concrete impact and their response to identified local needs. This monitoring activity will also allow us to promptly identify any critical issues, overlaps, or gaps in the interventions, as well as to promote good practices that have emerged at the local level."
Prefects are therefore invited to periodically submit to the Cabinet and the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior " summary and structured information on the main initiatives to be promoted , on the prevention and control tools adopted, on the forms of collaboration activated with schools, and on the results observed in terms of risk reduction and strengthening the perception of safety." "Schools," the circular observes, "are the places where the culture of respect and the fight against all forms of violence are taught. The education of our young people and the work of school personnel must also be able to take place in conditions of absolute safety. Safety is the condition of true freedom."
(Unioneonline)