ROME-- At a ceremony to commemorate 160 years of the national police force, the President of the Republic thanked officers and spoke of the importance of staying on “high alert.”

 Napolitano took to the stage to address the assembled guests, beginning by thanking the police force for their “daily devotion to upholding the law and public order” and praised the efficiency and innovation of the force, which he said had “raised public confidence” in the face of domestic threats. He singled out their work combating domestic violence, human trafficking and organised crime for special mention.

 “The state police force has been called upon to face difficult events courageously and responsibly, and has shown a great capacity for innovation in its working methods through constant attention to improvement, bolstered by joint initiatives with other law enforcement agencies and local police forces.”

 The President paid tribute to those who had made the “ultimate sacrifice”. “Let the memory of those who have fallen in the defence of democracy… be a warning to stay on high alert concerning the dangerous kinds of violence destined to lead to acts of terrorism,” he said.

  Chief Commissioner Antonio Manganelli echoed the President’s sentiments, telling his officers: “The anarcho-insurrectionist threat is not to be underestimated. Today it is real terrorism which could harm the country.” He also criticised the media for their coverage of the recent Brindisi tragedy. “The way the media handled it left a lot to be desired,” he said. “Second-guessing the investigations every step of the way does not help.”

 Also in attendance was Interior Minister Annamaria Cancellieri, who urged police officers to “fight the culture of fear and of easy gain with the values of law and respect for the rules.” “We have faith in you,” she said at the ceremony, “in the institutions of State and in the fundamental principles of democracy.”