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PhrasesCalling PolicePosso vedere la sua tessera?
B1formal

Posso vedere la sua tessera?

Can I see your badge?

Pronunciation

TES-seh-rah — three syllables; double 's' makes a longer consonant.

When to use it

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.

What it means

Italian plain-clothes officers (poliziotti in borghese) are required to show their badge upon request. If they refuse or cannot produce one, do not comply — call 113 to verify.

Variations

Può mostrarmi il tesserino da poliziotto?

Can you show me your police identification card?

'Tesserino' is the common informal term for the badge.

Qual è il suo numero di matricola?

What is your badge number?

The badge number identifies the individual officer — useful for complaints.

Sta agendo in servizio?

Are you acting in an official capacity?

Formally asks whether the officer's actions are within their official duties.

Mini Dialogue

— Polizia, si fermi. — Posso vedere la sua tessera, per favore? — Certamente. Eccola. — Grazie. In cosa posso aiutarla, agente?

— Police, stop. — Can I see your badge, please? — Certainly. Here it is. — Thank you. How can I help you, officer?

Cultural Note

Italian police officers must identify themselves upon request. Noting the matricola (badge number) is advisable if you intend to file a complaint about police conduct.