English
An analysis of Italian and French police superintendents reveals a contrast. In France, their stubborn defense of their special status shows the grip of a more centralized corps. However, the adaptation of urban security chiefs to the need for decentralization is more delicate. Italian police superintendents, who historically enjoy less legitimacy, seek without success to enhance their prestige. Yet, with a more decentralized police structure, Italy boasts the best assets. In both hybrid systems (civilian and military), insufficient assets cannot thwart general remilitarizing tendencies in police systems.
Keywords
- Police commanders
- Police superintendents
- Public security systems
- Sociology of policing and security
- France
- Italy.