Today was one of the most fulfilling days since I have arrived in Italy.  After pleading, negotiating , and praying I finally secured my interview with the Vice - Questore Agguinto Antonio Sguanci! That is quite a mouthful. In layperson’s terms, he is the head honcho of the local police department.

He was extremely gracious and even seemed slightly nervous while he was talking with us and said that he hoped that we would learn about something that interested us. We talked for over and hour and a half with the help of the wonderful Sylvia as our interpreter!

Scott was my fantastic videographer for this project and he helped me film the interview!  We talked with Vice Questore Sguanci about the relationship between the police and the residents of the town.  It was so surprising to hear that the police are seen as friends. I know that where I live (in Baltimore) people are still wary of the the police. They only see the police when something has gone wrong or if there is an emergency of some kind.  Here, in Urbino, the residents come to the police for many of their everyday issues; a quarrel with a neighbor, a problem at home, even a bully in the school. It is a community atmosphere that I have fallen in love with.

According to Vice Questore Sguanci, there is a special philosophy to be close to the people, to be a friend to them! I admire that philosophy and wish that in the United States, people could remember that the police are not a threat to us but a friend; someone that you can trust.