Russian police short of officers

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 02 Oct 2023 by Alex Teddy

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The Russian police number 900,000. Per capita it is one of the largest in the world. It has 630 per 100,000 people, making Russia one of the most policed countries. The center of Moscow is perhaps the most policed place in the world. But that means that remote areas have very few officers. In August 2023 the Interior Ministry said that the country was facing a severe paucity of officers and this would lead to higher crime.  The police force is hemorrhaging experienced officers. Being a police officer is increasingly stressful. The salary is not keeping pace with inflation, and police equipment is not being upgraded. The government is prioritizing the military. Police officers are resigning in droves for more remunerative and less demanding jobs. These can be as a courier or private security guard.  Prisoners were released who agreed to fight in Ukraine. After 6 months they were allowed home, and their records were expunged. This has put thousands of hardened criminals on the streets. Some of them are zombified by their war trauma. There have already been some high profile murders committed by war veterans. The police are so busy that sometimes they cannot open cases when crimes are reported to them. When statements are made about an alleged crime the officer has 10 days to solve crimes fast. Fabricating evidence is said to be becoming more common, although some officers have been prosecuted for this.  Officers suspected of liberal sympathies are dismissed, and anyone who expresses doubts about the war is fired because closing down anti-war protests is a crucial part of the job. Violent crime is neglected by the police as they have to deal with dissidents. The police ar...