57 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Ho bisogno della polizia.
I need the police.
Use as an opener when calling 113 or approaching someone for help. It immediately communicates the nature of your emergency without requiring complex vocabulary.
Ho assistito a un crimine.
I witnessed a crime.
Use when reporting to police that you personally saw an incident. This phrase establishes your role as a witness from the start, helping officers direct their questions appropriately.
Mi hanno aggredito.
I was attacked / I have been assaulted.
Use immediately after a physical attack to alert police or bystanders. It covers both physical and verbal aggression depending on context, though physical assault is the primary meaning.
Dov'è il commissariato più vicino?
Where is the nearest police station?
Use when you need to file a report in person rather than by phone. Going in person is often required for theft reports needed for insurance claims or document replacement.
Voglio fare una denuncia.
I want to file a report.
Use at the police station when you are ready to formally report a crime. This phrase triggers the officer to begin the official intake process.
C'è stato un furto.
There has been a theft.
Use to report a theft without specifying exactly what was stolen. Works well as an opening statement when you need immediate police presence.
Ho perso i miei documenti.
I have lost my documents.
Use at a police station or tourist assistance point when your passport, ID card, or other official documents are missing.
Sono stato derubato / Sono stata derubata.
I have been robbed.
Use when robbery with confrontation or force has occurred, as opposed to a pickpocket incident. This word signals a more serious crime to police.
C'era un uomo con un coltello.
There was a man with a knife.
Use when describing an assailant's weapon to police during an emergency call or statement. Mentioning a weapon immediately changes the threat level and response protocol.
Si è dato alla fuga.
He fled / He ran away.
Use when reporting to police that a suspect has already fled the scene. This triggers a search protocol and helps police determine which direction to patrol.
Qual è il numero della polizia?
What is the police number?
Use when you do not know the emergency number and need to ask a local or hotel staff. Ideally memorise the numbers before you need them.
Ho bisogno di un interprete.
I need an interpreter.
Use at the police station if your Italian is insufficient for a formal statement. Italian law guarantees the right to an interpreter during any official police procedure involving a foreign national.
Ho visto qualcuno di sospetto.
I saw someone suspicious.
Use when reporting suspicious behaviour that may not yet be a crime. Italian police take such reports seriously and can dispatch a patrol to investigate.
Stanno litigando in strada.
They are fighting in the street.
Use when reporting a street fight or violent argument that could escalate. Police intervention can prevent the situation from worsening.
Può mandarmi una pattuglia?
Can you send me a patrol?
Use when calling 113 and you need police physically present at your location. This phrase makes the request concrete and immediate.
Il mio indirizzo è Via Roma 24.
My address is Via Roma 24.
Use immediately when calling police so they can dispatch help even if communication breaks down. Always give your location before any other details.
Sta succedendo adesso.
It is happening right now.
Use during an emergency call to stress that the situation is ongoing. Active incidents receive faster response than already-concluded events.
Non so dove mi trovo.
I don't know where I am.
Use when you are lost or disoriented during an emergency. Modern emergency operators can attempt to locate you via cell tower triangulation, but giving visual landmarks helps enormously.
Posso fare una dichiarazione scritta?
Can I make a written statement?
Use at the police station if you prefer to write rather than speak. Written statements can be more precise and allow time to choose words carefully.
Ho paura. Aiutatemi.
I am scared. Help me.
Use when fear is genuine and immediate. These two phrases together communicate both your emotional state and your need for intervention.
È una persona che conosco.
It is someone I know.
Use when the suspect or aggressor is known to you — a neighbour, ex-partner, or acquaintance. This changes the nature of the police investigation and may trigger domestic violence protocols.
Vedo del sangue. Qualcuno è ferito.
I can see blood. Someone is injured.
Use when reporting to police that injuries are visible. This combination ensures both a police and an ambulance response is dispatched.
Non capisco cosa mi sta chiedendo.
I don't understand what you are asking me.
Use when a police officer's question is unclear. Do not guess or invent answers — misunderstandings in a police statement can have serious consequences.
C'è una persona scomparsa.
There is a missing person.
Use to report a missing person. In Italy, you can file a report immediately — there is no mandatory waiting period.
Mi hanno minacciato.
I have been threatened.
Use when you have received threats, whether in person, by phone, or online. Threats are a crime under Italian law (minacce) even without physical violence.
Voglio parlare con un avvocato.
I want to speak to a lawyer.
Use if you are being questioned as a suspect or if you need legal advice before answering questions. This is a fundamental right under Italian law.
Posso avere una copia della denuncia?
Can I have a copy of the report?
Always ask for a copy before leaving the police station. You will need it for insurance claims, embassy document replacement, and any follow-up legal action.
Posso identificare il sospettato.
I can identify the suspect.
Use when you have a clear memory of the suspect and are willing to participate in an identification procedure.
Ho ripreso tutto con il telefono.
I recorded everything on my phone.
Use when you have video or photo evidence on your smartphone. Mention this as early as possible so police can advise how to preserve the recording legally.
C'erano tre persone.
There were three people.
Use when describing the number of people involved in an incident. The number of suspects affects the level of response and which unit is dispatched.
L'aggressore indossava una giacca rossa.
The attacker was wearing a red jacket.
Use when giving a physical description of a suspect. Clothing description is the fastest way to identify someone still in the area — much faster than facial features.
Come si chiama questo quartiere?
What is this neighbourhood called?
Use when you need to tell police your location but don't know the exact address. Knowing the neighbourhood name helps dispatchers determine jurisdiction.
Posso rimanere in anonimato?
Can I remain anonymous?
Use if you have information to share but fear retaliation. Anonymous tips are accepted by Italian police, though anonymous witnesses cannot testify in court.
Penso che in quell'edificio si spacci droga.
I think drugs are being dealt in that building.
Use when reporting suspected drug dealing. The subjunctive 'si spacci' signals that this is your belief, not a proven fact — important in a citizen report.
Posso avere il numero del verbale?
Can I have the case number?
Ask for the verbale number before leaving the police station. This is your official case reference for any follow-up, insurance claims, or contact with the prosecutor's office.
Quando sapremo qualcosa?
When will we know something?
Ask this when you want a timeline for investigation updates. Police are not legally required to provide updates unless charges are filed, but asking establishes the expectation.
C'è stato un incidente.
There has been an accident.
Use to report a road accident or any unexpected incident requiring police attention. Police are mandatory when there are injuries or when drivers cannot agree.
Qualcuno ha danneggiato la mia macchina.
Someone has damaged my car.
Use to report deliberate damage to property — vandalism, keyed car, broken window. Even if you did not witness the act, reporting it creates a legal record for insurance.
Posso vedere la sua tessera?
Can I see your badge?
Use if you are stopped by someone claiming to be a police officer in plain clothes. You have the right to verify an officer's identity before complying.
Mi hanno rubato il telefono.
My phone has been stolen.
Use to report phone theft. Beyond the police report, note the IMEI number if you have it — police can flag stolen phones and network operators can block the device.
Sono vittima di una truffa.
I am a victim of fraud / I have been scammed.
Use when reporting online fraud, a scam, or any deceptive scheme. Police have cybercrime units (Polizia Postale) specifically for online fraud cases.
Non mi sento al sicuro qui.
I don't feel safe here.
Use when you feel threatened but no crime has yet occurred. Police can intervene preventively if a credible threat to safety is communicated.
Ho subito violenza domestica.
I have suffered domestic violence.
Use when reporting domestic violence to police. Italy has a specific fast-track process for domestic violence victims, including the option to report at hospitals.
Cosa devo fare adesso?
What do I need to do now?
Use after reporting a crime when you are unsure of the next steps. This simple question invites the officer to guide you through the process.
Sono un cittadino straniero. Ho bisogno di assistenza consolare.
I am a foreign national. I need consular assistance.
Use if you are arrested or detained as a foreign national. Italian law and the Vienna Convention require that you be informed of your right to consular notification.
È successo mezz'ora fa.
It happened half an hour ago.
Use to give police an accurate time reference. Time is crucial for deploying patrols who might still catch a fleeing suspect.
Ho bisogno di supporto psicologico.
I need psychological support.
Use after experiencing a traumatic crime. Italian police stations in major cities are required to provide or refer victims to psychological support services.
Ho bisogno di una scorta per tornare a casa.
I need an escort to get home.
Use after reporting a crime when you fear returning home alone. Police can sometimes provide or arrange a safe escort, especially in domestic violence or stalking cases.
È armato! State attenti!
He is armed! Be careful!
Use when calling police to warn them that a suspect is armed before they arrive. This critical information changes the response protocol and could save officers' lives.
Ho il numero di targa del veicolo.
I have the vehicle's licence plate number.
Use when you have captured a licence plate during or after an incident. A plate number is one of the most actionable pieces of information you can give police.
Vi ringrazio per il vostro aiuto.
Thank you for your help.
Use at the end of any interaction with police. A genuine expression of gratitude builds goodwill and encourages officers to follow up on your case.
Ho visto qualcuno con un casco che non è sceso dallo scooter.
I saw someone with a helmet who did not get off the scooter.
Use when describing a hit-and-run or scooter-based crime where the rider remained helmeted and did not stop. This detail is important for police as it indicates a deliberate getaway.
Avete moduli in inglese?
Do you have forms in English?
Use at the police station when you struggle with written Italian. Many urban questure have multilingual forms for common reports such as theft and document loss.
Ero in stato di shock quando è successo.
I was in a state of shock when it happened.
Use when explaining to police why your initial account was incomplete or confused. This provides important context for any inconsistencies in your statement.
La mia assicurazione ha bisogno della denuncia.
My insurance company needs the report.
Use to explain to police why you need the report as quickly as possible. Mentioning insurance need often accelerates the paperwork process at busy stations.
Può ripetere più lentamente, per favore?
Can you repeat more slowly, please?
Use at any point in an interaction with police when you cannot follow what is being said. Police are trained to adjust their communication for non-native speakers.
Ho conservato tutte le prove.
I have preserved all the evidence.
Use when arriving at the police station to indicate that you have been careful not to destroy or alter evidence. This demonstrates reliability as a witness or victim.