A group of parliament members have drafted a bill on expanding the power of police officers. The bill will now be considered by parliament.
The bill proposes to include a “presumption of trust and support” from the side of the state towards police officers. The bill also gives officers the right to shoot on more occasions that is currently allowed: for example, officers will be allowed to shoot at women “who are not visibly pregnant” and to use their weapons in crowds with the aim of preventing terrorist acts and hostage-taking.
The law also makes it easier for civilians to be searched. A person can be stopped and searched “if there is reason to believe” they are carrying drugs or weapons. According to the current law, civilians can be searched only if police officers have preliminary information which warrants a search. The bill also allows police officers to break into cars and search them with the aim of increasing public safety.
Notably, the bill states that police officers cannot be legally persecuted for any actions taken on duty, as long as the actions are in line with regulations.
The police will have the right to give the elections committee any information about circumstances that can limit candidates’ rights to be elected. Right now, only a criminal record limits these rights.
In 2011, Russia implemented the “Law on Police” as part of a reform to increase efficiency, decrease corruption and improve the image of law enforcement officers.