Russian Holidays - River Police Day

Every year on July 25 in Russia, river police officers celebrate their professional holiday. Until 2011, it was called “River Police Day,” but after the development of a new bill “On the Police,” the name of the holiday also changed. For the first time, the structure of law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation acquired such a department as the river police in the 19th century. In the summer of 1867, the Tsar signed a decree establishing it. It became part of the external police as a special organization to control order in the water area of ​​St. Petersburg. Representatives of the river police traveled around the waters of the capital, monitoring water transport and other objects. The main responsibilities of law enforcement officers of that time included: - monitoring of vagrancy and robbery on the water; - rescuing drowning people and ships that have been wrecked; - monitoring compliance with the conditions of movement on river ice, ensuring safety; - monitoring the quality of maintenance of transport used during floods. The river police also monitored the level of cleanliness on the water and passenger vessels. Subsequently, these units began to be formed in other regions of the country. After the revolution that happened in 1917, the activities of the river police, like the main part of Russian law enforcement agencies, were suspended. However, less than a year later, a law was created on the creation of the river police.” Now this day is the official holiday of this unit. Subsequently, river police departments began to appear in all settlements of the country where navigable bodies of water existed. At first formed on a territorial principle, later divisions began to be created according to river basins, which made it possible to increase the efficiency of work. Currently, river police bodies exist in virtually all cities of the country located on the water. Police officers patrol river and sea spaces on special boats equipped with the necessary equipment for work, including: lifebuoys and vests, devices for studying the bottom topography and other devices. The main task, as before, is to control public order on water transport, not only on everyday days, but especially during the celebration of an event or the organization of a certain event. The responsibilities of modern police also include the prevention of illegal natural resource extraction activities in coastal areas and illegal economic activities. The work of the employees of this department is not to be envied. It is much more specific compared to the activities of ordinary police officers. Water is fraught with a large number of different dangers, and potential criminals are incredibly cunning and unpredictable. To work effectively, department representatives need to have a set of specific qualities. This includes good endurance, determination, emotional stability, etc. All this is especially true in extreme cases, which quite often occur on the water. On their holiday, river police officers accept congratulations from relatives, friends, colleagues and superiors. The most distinguished ones are awarded with certificates and prizes.