CHEBOKSARY. July 25 (Interfax) - Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev has said he is content with the level of professional training of the special police force and has promised to continue supplying them with the newest arms and equipment.
"The work of special police units is associated with maximum responsibility and life risks, it requires self-control and personal courage, which is why their ranks should only include high-class professionals," the minister said at a meeting with the heads of the Volga Federal District (VFD) special police units on Monday.
In the first half of 2011, VFD special units conducted over 5,000 special operations and measures, disarmed 29 armed groups, detained over 3,000 suspected criminals, including 14 armed and 500 wanted criminals, he said.
Also, around 400 firearms, 1,500 tonnes of explosives and 44 kilograms of drugs have been seized from criminals, and about 200 explosive devices rendered safe, the minister said.
"This shows that VFD special units are ready to accomplish their mission - the main criterion for assessing their performance," said Nurgaliyev, adding that senior interior officials are paying particular attention to improving the logistical support for riot police units.
"Over the past five years, around 300 million rubles have been spent on the latest arms and equipment, resulting in 128 new models of weapons and special gear entered into service," he said.
The meeting ended with riot police forces demonstrating their skills, following which the interior minister handed certificates of merit to the most distinguished combatants.