Gianluca Mirabelli, who recently took over as the commander of the local police in Milan, has announced a remarkable increase in police presence on the streets, revealing that patrol units have tripled within just over a year and a half. The number of patrol vehicles deployed per shift has risen from 35-40 to 140 in the mornings and afternoons, with 9-11 patrols at night. This boost in manpower and resources reflects the department's commitment to enhancing public safety in the city.

Under Mirabelli's leadership, the Milan police force has grown from around 2,007 officers to 3,250, facilitated by the recruitment of over 1,100 new personnel to replace those who have retired or moved away. Notably, the average age of police officers has decreased from 53 to 47 years old, introducing a generation of youthful, eager, and disciplined officers into the force. Mirabelli emphasizes the need to allow these younger officers to learn from their mistakes without having the traditional seasoned officers for guidance, although he notes that the team's spirit remains strong.

The recent security decree, known as DL 23/2026, has played a critical role in this transformation, particularly in changing how knife-related offenses are handled. Previously, individuals caught with knives longer than 15 centimeters often evaded serious consequences with just a fine. Under the new laws, especially for those with previous criminal records, the offense now warrants immediate arrest, reflecting a stricter approach to crime prevention in Milan.