What changes will take place with the accretion of the police powers

This week, the State Duma passed a draft law, establishing a number of new powers for the police officers, in the third reading. The selection of main changes that may come into the force is here in our material.

Opening of vehicles

The Law ‘On Police’ was supplemented with a new article 15.1, which provides for the possibility of opening a car by police in a number of cases.  Among them, there are both saving of lives and the detention of persons, as well as the threat of a terrorist act and the suppression of the commission of crimes.

Separately, it is noted that if at the time of the car opening the owner is absent, then law enforcement officers are obliged to inform him about what happened within 24 hours, and also to ensure that third parties are not allowed into the car.

Cordoning off the territory and personal inspections of citizens

Another innovation is the right of the police officers to cordon off (blockade) the territory, including residential buildings.  Within such places, representatives of the’law and order’ will have the right to conduct not only personal inspections of citizens, but also inspections of their belongings and vehicles.  In addition, it was proposed to provide police officers with the opportunity to enter residential, other premises and land plots in order to detain criminals.

Right to inspect territories and citizens

Additionally, it was proposed to provide representatives of the ‘law and order’ with the right to inspect both areas of the terrain and certain territories, as well as premises and vehicles, items and documents.  This can be done due to the filed incidents.  At the moment, such actions are possible, but in a limited number of cases.

When it comes to the inspections of citizens, it was proposed to expand the powers of police as well.

If the law is adopted, the law enforcement officers will be able to inspect citizens not only for the presence of drugs or weapons, but also in situations where there are suspicions that they are hiding stolen things.

Among other things, the bill provides for the right of a police officer to introduce himself after the arrest of a citizen and the termination of his illegal actions.