Main tasks and functions of the Russian police in 1860-1890's

The article deals with official duties of the Russian police, which are being particularly described in legislative acts and numerous instructions. Much attention is given to the control over population by use of various documents (passports, passport books, temporary certificates etc.). Its issuance depended on class, official, religious and sometimes ethnic belonging of citizens. There are examined methods of police supervision over would-be criminals. Department of General police allowed to form investigation offices which aligned functions of police and gendarme departments, providing conditions for coordination of their counter-revolutionary activities. It was developed reward and penalty system for police officials. It served the only purpose - strict performance of duties imposed on the police.