NCJ Number
188686
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2001 Pages: 40-44
Date Published
March 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses Russia's special militia detachments responsible for fighting violent crime and terrorist attacks.
Abstract
The Special Designation Militia Detachments (OMON), also known as the "Black Berets," have led the local Russian Police in the tactical fight against serious crime and terrorism for more than 12 years. The OMON units, which operate in all major cities and main urban centers, deal with hijacking and kidnapping (including building, aircraft, bus, and train takeovers); assist local police and security agencies in dealing with violent and terrorist organizations by conducting surveillance and handling dangerous arrests; assist local security agencies in maintaining public order; and participate in handling large-scale demonstrations, including riot control. All candidates for service in the OMON must have completed their obligatory terms in the army or the Interior Ministry's forces, with preference given to former members of the Spetsnaz, the naval commando, or airborne divisions. The article describes OMON's selection process, which includes medical checks, physical and psychological examinations, and severe, sometimes brutal, testing of hand-to-hand fighting abilities. It also reviews OMON training procedures, operations techniques, and weapons. The article observes that the number of extremely violent organizations in urban centers and the inability or unwillingness of central authorities to deal with them effectively, suggests the possibility of an increase in OMON's size and range of duties.