Police Guard to Operate as a Full Structure Starting November 1: Ministry of Internal Affairs

Starting November 1, the Police Guard will be launched as one of the four specialized pillars of the police. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that this initiative will contribute to strengthening Armenia's internal security system through more targeted and precise tools.

“The structural model of the Police Guard is in its final stages. The scope of the Guard's functions has been clarified; it will operate as a complete structure without being a successor to any subdivision of the police. The main tasks of the Police Guard include maintaining public order and ensuring public safety, securing critically important state-protected facilities, as well as ensuring the safety of the transportation of special cargo, supporting the legal regime of martial law and state of emergency, participating in protecting the population during emergency situations, assisting in securing the safety of individuals under special state protection, and aiding law enforcement bodies conducting criminal proceedings,” the Ministry's statement reveals.

At this stage, the training process for the Guard's personnel is actively ongoing. For the first time with the establishment of the Police Guard, internationally accepted standards for the use of force will come into effect. Without appropriate special training, members of the Guard will not have the right to apply force.

The development of the Guard's structural units and the acquisition of material and technical resources are in the final stages. Personnel will also have uniforms suited to the functions they will perform. The Police Guard will be assigned to maintain public order and ensure public safety with weapons and a trained staff in accordance with international standards,” adds the Ministry of Internal Affairs.