The determinants of urban security policies in Italy.

• In Event: Security policies in Italy and Europe: is it the public that drives policies or politics that drives the public?

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a research project (PRIN PNRR The determinants of urban security policies and their impact on democratic institutions) aimed at identifying the determinants of security policies in Italy, with a particular focus on urban security policies. Specifically, the paper explores whether these policies follow a bottom-up model, where governmental and political actors respond to citizens’ concerns, or whether these latter actors themselves set priorities and strategies, translating them into legal reforms and political initiatives (top-down model). To these ends, the research team collected and analyzed data regarding crime rates, feelings of insecurity, the evolution of criminal and security legislation, as well as political and media discourse on security and crime in Italy.

Authors

• Rossella Selmini, University of Bologna

• Roberto Cornelli, University of Milan Bicocca

• Stefania Crocitti, University of Bologna

• Anna Di Ronco, University of Bologna

• Lucrezia Rossi, università degli studi di milano

• Chiara Chisari, University of Bologna