Russian military police could get power to ambush draft evaders and work in plainclothes

The Russian Defence Ministry has drafted a presidential decree that would expand the powers of the military police, state-affiliated business outlet RBC reported on Thursday. The draft would give military police the authority of an inquiry body and new powers when searching for, detaining and escorting servicemen.

Under the draft, military police unit commanders serving with operational and operational-tactical formations would be able to conduct preliminary investigations into reports of crimes and criminal cases involving military personnel.

Servicemen who evade service or are absent without leave would be tracked down using search-and-detention teams, ambushes, roadblocks, observation posts and patrols. Military police would also be able to question people and inspect areas and, if necessary, pursue a wanted serviceman and cordon off or seal off the area where he may be located.

Detained servicemen would generally have to be transported in specially equipped vehicles. In areas under martial law, the draft would allow other military transport to be used "in exceptional cases".

The document would also make military police orders binding on servicemen from other branches of the armed forces, and requests from military police commanders binding on commanders of other units.

In addition, military police officers would be allowed to work in civilian clothes if authorised by higher command.