Italian law enforcement officers flatly refused to wear the pale pink FFP2 respirators that were delivered to the police departments of Bologna, Pavia, Venice, Varese, Ferrara and Syracuse to protect them from the coronavirus.

In their opinion, an accessory of such a color looks ridiculous and indecent with a dark-colored uniform and can harm the image of law enforcement officers. Stefano Paolini, Secretary General of the Autonomous Police Union (SAP), sent a letter to Italy's police chief, Lamberto Giannini, asking for "decent" personal protective equipment.

"We ask you to take immediate action so that the police can carry out their duties while wearing white, blue or black masks that match the uniform," the letter said.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officers have not yet been explained the reasons for such an extravagant choice. The only official who has so far commented on this unambiguous situation is Italian Deputy Infrastructure Minister Teresa Bellanova. On her Twitter, she made it clear that the uniform is respected not because of the color, but because of the behavior and work of the men and women who wear it. At the same time, some observers openly reproach the police for stereotypical thinking and "male chauvinism", urging the trade union not to PR, but to deal with much more important and pressing problems, such as raising wages and combating staff turnover.

bbabo.Net