I need the police.
biz-OHN-yoh — the 'gn' makes a 'ny' sound like in 'canyon'.
Use as an opener when calling 113 or approaching someone for help. It immediately communicates the nature of your emergency without requiring complex vocabulary.
This is the most direct way to request police assistance. In Italy, the national police (Polizia di Stato) can be reached at 113. The phrase works in person, on the phone, or shouted to attract attention in a public space.
Chiamate la polizia!
Call the police!
More urgent — used when shouting to bystanders.
Devo chiamare la polizia.
I need to call the police.
Signals intent rather than immediate crisis.
Può chiamare la polizia per favore?
Can you call the police, please?
Polite request to a third person such as a hotel clerk.
In Italy there are two main police forces: the Polizia di Stato (113) for general emergencies and the Carabinieri (112), a military corps with broader territorial coverage. Either number connects you to the right service.