Machine generated contents note: 1.`Cinderella status': the liberal police and the lure of fascism -- 2.The `fascistisation' of police culture: representation and practice -- 3.Oppression and consensus-building: policing communities in fascist Italy -- 4.The performance of Mussolini's policemen: reflections on institutional culture, working conditions and welfare -- 5.Personal profiles -- 6.Facing the demise of fascism -- 7.Conclusion: Mussolini's policemen and the transition to the Republic.