The Government of the Russian Federation has submitted to the State Duma a bill from the Ministry of Justice to vest all employees of the Federal Bailiff Service (FSSP) with the authority to use physical force, special means and firearms in a number of cases. Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes about this.
So far, only bailiffs to support the activities of courts have the right to use them. Now all bailiffs can receive this right – the director of the FSSP will determine specific positions. The project concerns the carrying and use of aerosol cans, stun guns, handcuffs, and firearms.
Bailiffs will have to warn of the intention to use force or use special means and weapons, and then provide citizens with sufficient time to comply with the requirements, if delay does not create a danger to life and health. Bailiffs will also be required to provide first aid to persons injured and take measures to provide them with medical care.
In addition, FSSP employees will be required to notify the prosecutor and close relatives within 24 hours in the event of a citizen’s injury or death.
“Granting powers to use physical force, special means and firearms not only to bailiffs to ensure the established procedure for the activities of courts, but also to other employees will not lead to violations of the rights and legitimate interests of a person and citizen, since the implementation by employees of these powers is strictly regulated by the conditions , the limits of the use of such force, means and weapons, as well as responsibility for exceeding these powers,” the Ministry of Justice previously emphasized.
The prepared standards specifically state that “an employee of the enforcement authorities does not have the right to use firearms in a large crowd of citizens if random people may be injured as a result of its use.” It is also clarified that weapons will be allowed to be used for “neutralizing an animal that threatens the life and health of citizens or a law enforcement officer.”
Bailiffs who have received the right to carry weapons will be required to undergo special training and periodic (at least once a year) testing for suitability for such actions.
