Social Monitoring of Russian Police Activities

Abstract

A new Act on the Police came into force in Russia in 2011. Its main aim is to increase public acceptance of the organisation now called ‘police’ instead of ‘militia’. The Act makes it possible for citizens and NGOs to monitor its implementation, the everyday activities and the ethical standards of the police. The media follow the results and realisation of the civilian control process. Based on the reflections in the press we can gain some (albeit not full) picture of citizens’ control, unusual in this sphere in Russia so far.