Evolution of the Russian empire gendarmerie in the mid-1860- early 1880s: organizational and legal aspect

This study presents analyses of developing process of the regulatory framework and the results of the implementation of the organizational reform of the Russian Empire gendarmerie in the mid-1860s - early 1880s. The process of developing the regulatory framework for the reform was intense and productive, which was not typical of Russian lawmaking. Analyzing the implementation of the reform, the authors examine two contradictory, but interrelated processes: the elimination of post-reform units and the process of formation of various types of units at the local, regional and central levels. A new type of local subdivisions is being formed “security departments”, subsequently playing an important role in the functioning of the institute. It is noted that on the territory of the national outskirts, the process of formation of local post-reform bodies had certain peculiarities. In general, the organizational reform was an adequate response to the challenges of the time, had a positive impact on the functioning of the institute and its results were sustainable.