Military Police (Russia)

The Military Police (Военная полиция, Voyennaya politsiya) in Russia is the law enforcement branch of the Russian Armed Forces. It is responsible for maintaining law and order within the military, ensuring discipline, preventing and investigating crimes committed by military personnel, protecting military property, and ensuring road safety for military vehicles and convoys.

The legal basis for the Military Police is primarily found in the Federal Law "On the Military Police of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation" (Федеральный закон «О военной полиции Вооруженных Сил Российской Федерации»), along with other military regulations and directives.

Key functions of the Military Police include:

• Maintaining Law and Order: Enforcing regulations and preventing breaches of discipline within military units.
• Crime Prevention and Investigation: Investigating crimes committed by military personnel, including theft, assault, and other offenses.
• Detention and Custody: Operating military detention facilities and handling the custody of military detainees.
• Traffic Control: Regulating military traffic, ensuring road safety for military vehicles, and investigating traffic accidents involving military personnel or vehicles.
• Guard Duty: Providing security for military installations and personnel.
• Counter-Terrorism: Participating in counter-terrorism operations within military facilities and areas of responsibility.
• Assisting Civilian Law Enforcement: In certain circumstances, providing assistance to civilian law enforcement agencies in investigations involving military personnel.

The structure of the Military Police is organized at various levels within the Russian Armed Forces, from the central administration down to regional and unit-level detachments. Personnel are typically military officers and enlisted soldiers trained in law enforcement procedures. They often wear distinctive uniforms and insignia to distinguish them from other military personnel.