The Polizia di Stato has officially launched a new public competition aimed at recruiting 4’400 trainee police officers, making it one of the largest hiring campaigns in Italy’s public security sector in recent years. The announcement, published on the official State Police recruitment portal and widely covered by Italian media outlets, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen police staffing after years of retirements and personnel shortages.
The Ministry of the Interior aims to accelerate generational turnover within the police force by introducing thousands of new recruits who will eventually serve in police headquarters, local stations, mobile units and public security services across the country. The recruitment process includes written examinations, physical tests and psychological evaluations. A significant portion of the available positions is open to civilians, while other quotas are reserved for military volunteers and bilingual applicants. Applications can only be submitted online through the official State Police recruitment platform.
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How the 4,400 positions are divided
The competition offers a total of 4’400 positions, divided among different categories of applicants. The structure of the recruitment process was designed to guarantee access both for civilians and for candidates coming from the Armed Forces. More specifically, the available positions include:
- 2’398 positions open to civilian applicants
- 1’962 positions reserved for military volunteers
- 40 positions reserved for candidates holding an Italian/German bilingual certification
Successful applicants will be hired on a permanent basis after completing the official training program for trainee officers.
Who can apply for the competition
One of the most significant aspects of the recruitment campaign is that it is also open to civilians, provided they hold a high school diploma. Applicants must meet several essential requirements, including:
- Italian citizenship
- full civil and political rights
- high school diploma
- age generally between 18 and 26 years old
- physical, psychological and aptitude suitability
- no criminal convictions incompatible with police service
For applicants coming from the Armed Forces, certain age-limit exceptions may apply. The recruitment notice also places strong emphasis on physical and behavioral requirements. Potential causes for exclusion include:
- visible tattoos while wearing the uniform
- abuse of alcohol or illegal substances
- psychological conditions incompatible with police duties
- previous expulsion from military or police forces
Body composition and muscular strength parameters are also verified during medical evaluations.
How to submit the application
Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official State Police recruitment portal.Candidates can access the platform using:
- SPID digital identity credentials
- or the Italian electronic identity card (CIE)
Applications are already open and can be submitted:
- from 30 April 2026
- until 29 May 2026 at 11:59 PM
After submitting the application, candidates must regularly monitor the official website for updates regarding examination schedules and selection procedures.
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How the selection process works
The recruitment process is designed to evaluate not only academic preparation, but also physical endurance and psychological suitability for operational police work. The competition generally includes:
- a written examination
- physical efficiency tests
- medical and psychological evaluations
- aptitude assessments
- evaluation of educational qualifications and additional titles
Physical tests are considered one of the most challenging stages of the competition. Applicants must demonstrate endurance, strength and agility through exercises established by State Police regulations. Psychological and aptitude assessments also play a major role in the selection process, focusing on stress management, emotional stability, interpersonal skills and operational readiness.
How much does a State Police officer earn?
One of the most searched topics among applicants concerns salary expectations. During the training period, trainee officers receive a reduced allowance compared to the full salary granted to operational police officers. Once training is completed and recruits officially enter service, the average starting net salary for a State Police officer generally ranges between 1’400 euros and 1’800 euros per month, depending on several factors such as:
- operational allowances
- overtime
- assigned location
- night shifts and special duties
With career progression and years of service, salaries can increase significantly, especially for officers moving into specialized or managerial roles.
Why this recruitment campaign is attracting so much attention
The State Police recruitment campaign arrives during a period marked by growing social instability, increased demand for urban security and the urgent need to strengthen public security personnel across Italy.
In recent years, retirements within the public administration have accelerated considerably, making large-scale hiring campaigns increasingly necessary. For many young Italians, joining the State Police continues to represent one of the most attractive career opportunities thanks to the possibility of obtaining:
- stable employment
- continuous professional training
- long-term career progression
- pension and welfare protections
- opportunities for operational specialization
For all these reasons, the 4’400 position recruitment drive is already being considered one of the most important and competitive public sector competitions of 2026.