In Sicily, there is a shortage of 1,149 prison guards, leading to a protest in front of the Ucciardone prison in Palermo. The region currently has 3,331 guards instead of the 4,266 required. This shortage poses a significant concern, especially considering the high number of inmates, including almost 1,000 foreigners, involved in organized crime. The average age of prison staff in Sicily is 50, exposing them to physical exhaustion and high operational stress. Additionally, the region lacks directors in several difficult prisons. The situation has worsened in 2022, with numerous critical events, including assaults on staff and suicide attempts by inmates.