Over 4,700 new police hires OK'd (3)

(ANSA) - Rome, October 26 - The Italian government has 'unblocked' more than 4,700 new hires for Italy's police forces, Civil Service Minister Marianna Madia and Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said Wednesday after signing the relevant decree. The sum earmarked for the hires is 271.261 million euros this year, they said. The hires are to be made by the end of the year and the decree is awaiting registration at the Audit Court. All those set to be hired have already passed the competitive state examination to enter the police force, the ministers said.
    They will be hired in departments that are not covered by a hiring freeze. Police unions have been complaining for years about a fall in police numbers and a lack of resources.