The tortuous history of the legislation involving private and public police forces is indicative of the difficulties faced by the state—whether Bourbon or Unified Italian—in enforcing law and order. In 1806, 1807, 1809, and 1819, the Gendarmeria Reale was reorganized and reshaped. In 1813 the Compagnie d' Armi, a sort of vigilante militia, was formed, followed by a municipal police force, the Sorvegliatori di Interna Sicurezza, in 1833. In 1860 the Compagnie d'Armi (also known as Milici a Cavallo) was disbanded by Garibaldi. In 1865 the new Italian government abolished all private armies and police forces. In 1866 the Milici a Cavallo were reinstated, for the Carabinieri alone had proved incapable of enforcing the law. Police prefects were also given special powers. In 1871 the Milici a Cavallo were reorganized, and three years later even more power was granted to the prefects. In 1877 the Milici a Cavallo were abolished once and for all, replaced by the Guardie di Pubblica Sicurezza. In 1887 this new police force was subjected to a disciplinary inquiry by Premier Francesco Crispi, who reshaped it in 1888. Then in 1892 the Guardie were disbanded. Finally, in 1894 "proveddimenti eccezionali di pubblica sicurezza" (extraordinary provisions for public safety) were taken, and the Sicilian provinces were put under a state of martial law during the revolt of the Fasci Siciliani.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 850