Palermo’s city police leave Zen district, replaced by social workers.

Last Updated: October 4, 2023

The municipal police command in the Zen district of Palermo, one of the most difficult neighborhoods, will be closing at the end of the month. There will be a changeover: the traffic wardens will leave their premises on Via Agesia di Siracusa and move to the headquarters on Via Ugo la Malfa. The decision by Mayor Roberto Lagalla to transfer the Community Social Service Unit and the Northwest District Center to the San Filippo Neri neighborhood (also known as Zen) is seen as positive by the CGIL Zen and FP CGIL Palermo unions. However, they are disappointed that the move will take place in the premises currently occupied by the police command, which will need to find a new location. The unions are requesting that both facilities be maintained and new spaces be found. They argue that the police command has been valuable in providing information and establishing essential local connections. They believe that both services should coexist and suggest using alternative spaces such as the unused premises at the Conca D’Oro shopping center. They argue that replacing one service with another will not fill the gaps but instead move them from one critical area to another. They emphasize the importance of maintaining multiple services and points of contact to restore trust and bring citizens closer to institutions. The FP CGIL Palermo union draws a comparison to the town of Caivano in the Naples metropolitan area, which recently faced similar issues. They highlight the need for both educational and enforcement services in order to ensure the development of the community.