Counter-terrorism Rapid Response

The Counter-terrorism Rapid Response (Italian: Antiterrorismo Pronto Impiego, or ATPI), formed in 1983, is a special police unit of Italy's Guardia di Finanza.

The force's predecessor was the SVATPI (Scorta Valori Antiterrorismo Pronto Impiego), formed in 1977 to combat robberies by the Red Brigades of the Bank of Italy's armored cars.

It also combats illicit trafficking, focusing on organized crime, drug and weapons smuggling, and illegal immigration.

The 10-week training course, which is physically and psychologically demanding, is held at the Guardia di Finanza barracks in Orvieto.

The ATPI has been used in Albania to protect members of the Guardia di Finanza who were deployed in the CAM-SEA mission.

Uniformed agents marching in a parade
The ATPI in June 2007
Law enforcement in Italy
Law enforcement in Italy