RUSHAILO: CHECHEN POLICE PROFESSIONALISM INSUFFICIENT








VORONEZH, March 13, 2001. /From a RIA Novosti correspondent/. The professional level of Chechen policemen is not sufficient, said Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo in Voronezh.


	In his words, Chechen police cannot assume the complete responsibility for public order in Chechnya. That is why they still need assistance from more experienced colleagues from other regions of Russia.


	The Minister reported that 18 provisional police departments are currently operating in the Chechen Republic. In addition, dispatched riot police and spetsnaz /task force/ are serving in Chechnya on a provisional basis. They are guarding strategically important facilities and conducting special operations.


	Furthermore, Rushailo noted that every settlement had a regular police department of its own. In all, over 5,000 local policemen are serving there. At the same time, new police staffers are being drafted and trained.