The State Duma adopted a law on expanding the powers of the police

At a meeting on December 8, the State Duma adopted in the third reading amendments to the federal law “On the Police”, which expand the powers of law enforcement officers.

Thus, police officers will now be able to enter residential and other premises, on the territory, to detain persons caught at the scene of a crime or hiding from it, as well as persons whom victims or eyewitnesses point to as having committed a crime.

In addition, police officers have the right to “inspect the scene of an incident, terrain, premises, vehicles, items, documents and other objects in connection with the verification of statements and reports of incidents registered in the prescribed manner.”

Among other things, the Law “On Police” is supplemented by the article “Vehicle Opening”. A police officer can open a car to save lives and ensure the safety of citizens or public safety in the event of riots and emergencies, to detain suspects or accused, as well as when a terrorist attack is threatened.

Also, the law establishes that law enforcement officers will be able to inspect citizens, their personal belongings and vehicles, not only with the possible presence of weapons, drugs and other prohibited substances, but also if there is reason to believe that they are “hiding items of theft”.

Amendments to the law “On Police” were introduced by the government to the State Duma in May 2020 and adopted in the first reading in December of the same year.