The Carabinieri, Italy’s renowned police force with military status, are a familiar sight on the streets, known for their distinctive blue uniforms and vehicles adorned with a bold red stripe. But behind their iconic image lies a complex and vital infrastructure that ensures the safety and security of the nation.
A Legacy of Security, a Future of Innovation
Founded in 1814, the Carabinieri have a long and storied history of protecting Italy. They are responsible for various duties, including military police functions, safeguarding Italian diplomatic missions abroad, and collaborating with the Ministry of Interior to maintain public order within Italy. With a force of 110,000 sworn officers, the Carabinieri stand as one of Italy’s four national police forces, alongside the Polizia di Stato, Polizia Penitenziaria, and Guardia di Finanza.
The Carabinieri operate across the country, with their headquarters in Rome and a network of 114 control rooms and 400 smaller control rooms. This vast infrastructure relies heavily on reliable communication systems, including telephone and radio networks, to maintain constant contact between their officers and central command.
The Challenge of Modernizing Emergency Communications
To effectively respond to emergencies and conduct investigations, the Carabinieri need to record and archive all telephone and radio communications. However, their previous recording system, spanning a vast geographic network, faced challenges with reliability and efficiency. The “start/stop” signals sent by smaller control rooms to the central site created significant problems, hindering the smooth flow of information and making it difficult to retrieve and analyze recordings.
This challenge called for a modern and robust solution, one that could handle the demanding requirements of a nationwide emergency communications system. The Carabinieri needed to ensure that every communication, from officers in the field to central command, was captured, stored, and easily accessible for analysis and evidence.
Enter NICE Inform: A Game-Changer for Emergency Communications
The Carabinieri turned to RES, a trusted partner with extensive experience in public safety solutions. RES, a NICE Gold Partner, recognized the need for a comprehensive and reliable recording system. Their solution? NICE Inform, a cutting-edge platform developed by NICE, a global leader in public safety technology.
NICE Inform is used by thousands of agencies worldwide, including police, fire, and ambulance services. It seamlessly integrates with existing systems, capturing all communication data—from telephony to radio—in one central location. This consolidated view of all communications gives operators the critical insights they need to make informed decisions during emergencies, conduct thorough investigations, and continuously improve operational efficiency.
A Seamless Transition to a Future-Proof Solution
The Carabinieri embarked on a crucial upgrade project in 2023, rolling out NICE Inform across all 114 main control rooms. The transition was carefully planned to ensure uninterrupted service, allowing the Carabinieri to continue recording and retrieving essential data while seamlessly migrating to the new system.
RES and NICE Inform are working together to create a robust and reliable system that equips Carabinieri operators with immediate access to high-quality audio files. These files will be crucial for supporting emergency response, conducting thorough investigations, and providing compelling evidence.
The Future of Italian Security: A Legacy of Innovation
By embracing modern technology, the Carabinieri are reinforcing their legacy of security and innovation. The new recording system is a testament to their commitment to providing the best possible service to the Italian people, ensuring that they remain vigilant guardians of the nation’s safety and security for generations to come.
