Checks carried out in plain clothes and, according to the prosecution, without officers identifying themselves; citizens chased down and handcuffed; breathalyzer tests imposed even in circumstances deemed unjustified; and official reports that allegedly described events differently from what actually happened. These are some of the episodes at the center of an investigation involving eight public officials from the “Falchi” unit of Rimini’s Local Police (Polizia Locale).
The officers are under investigation, to varying degrees and with different roles, for falsifying public documents, unlawful coercion, slander and, in one case, bodily harm. Acting on behalf of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Italy’s Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza) carried out searches targeting them.
Among the disputed episodes is that of a man on an electric bicycle who, according to the officers’ account, allegedly crashed into a bus during a chase. The prosecution’s reconstruction of events differs sharply: it claims the man was forced off his bike and struck in the face with the regulation traffic paddle, then kicked in the head.
In another case, dating back to March 2025, a driver stopped at night by plainclothes officers reportedly fled out of fear, only to be chased all the way to his home, handcuffed and subjected to a breathalyzer test. The test was allegedly also administered to his wife, even though she had not been driving the car.
Investigators are also scrutinizing the transport of a man under arrest who, handcuffed in the back seat of a patrol car, managed to open the door and threw himself onto the road, suffering spinal fractures. According to the prosecution, the official report falsely stated that he had been wearing his seatbelt and that an officer had been seated beside him.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested the suspension of all eight officers from any public office or service. The preliminary investigations judge (gip) has yet to rule on the matter: the suspects must first appear for a preliminary hearing. Investigators also highlighted the “extensive and decisive cooperation” received from other members of the same Rimini Local Police command.
