Russian Defense Ministry proposes broader powers for military police

A draft presidential decree would expand the force’s role in criminal inquiries, searches for service members and escorts, Vedomosti reports.

The draft, posted on the federal portal for proposed regulations, would let commanders of military units within an operational division of the Military Police exercise inquiry powers over crimes involving service members, members of volunteer formations and civilian employees serving in military command bodies or units.

A search team would be allowed to collect information about a service member’s possible whereabouts through records, character references and other documents, and to verify a person’s location. The draft also lists questioning, pursuit and cordons, and allows ambushes, barriers, observation posts and patrols during searches and detentions.

In areas under martial law, escorts could use other vehicles belonging to the Russian Armed Forces in addition to specially equipped vehicles. The proposal would amend the military regulations of the Armed Forces and the Military Police. It remains a draft and has not yet taken effect.