If you think that volunteer brigades are a relic of the Soviet past, think again. They exist in modern Belarus too. Volunteer brigades operate in cities, towns, and villages, as well as within enterprises. They provide assistance not only to the police in maintaining public order, but also to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) units and border guards.
If you think that volunteer brigades are a relic of the Soviet past, think again. They exist in modern Belarus too. Volunteer brigades operate in cities, towns, and villages, as well as within enterprises.
They provide assistance not only to the police in maintaining public order, but also to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) units and border guards.
Typically, patrols consist of one official for every two volunteers. In addition to maintaining public order, they can also be involved in emergency response.
Individuals aged 18 and over can become volunteer brigade members – this includes employed individuals, students, or military pensioners. They will patrol in their free time. Their life and health are mandatorily insured during this work.
A volunteer brigade is headed by a commander, elected by the general assembly of brigade members through an open vote for a two-year term. To become a member, one must submit an application and complete a probationary period. Priority is given to individuals with strong professional and moral qualities and good health.
As compensation for time spent on public order duty, volunteer brigade members are entitled to three additional days of annual leave if they have served on duty at least 6 times a year. However, this must be agreed upon with the management of their enterprise or company. Furthermore, other forms of encouragement, including material incentives, are also provided.
A volunteer brigade member must possess an identification card, a badge, and a red armband.
Department of Public Order Protection and Prevention of the Lepel District Executive Committee Department of Internal Affairs