Theoretical Aspects of Interaction between Special Forces Units of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, the National Guard of Russia, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Field of Law Enforcement

Abstract

The paper investigates a novel issue related to the cooperation between special forces units of the penal system and other (special) similar units, namely, the police and the National Guard (including the Special Purpose Mobile Unit and the Special Rapid Response Unit). We note that earlier these units were part of the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The paper presents the results of a study of organizational and legal interaction of the special forces of the penal system with other bodies in the field of law enforcement. We argue that the cooperation between these units has the greatest potential in conducting special operations to prevent emergencies related to hostage-taking, mass riots, and escapes of convicts. We highlight major organizational criteria for interaction between the divisions under consideration. We put forward our own definition of the essence of organizing the interaction between special forces units of the penal system and special units of other agencies in emergency situations taking place in correctional institutions. We describe characteristic features of this interaction. The integration of these features allowed us to formulate a scientific definition of the interaction under consideration in a broad sense. The article analyzes specific features of cooperation between special forces units of the penal system and other bodies; these features involve the establishment of interpersonal contacts between the heads of these units. We emphasize the scientific and organizational principles of interaction, such as balance, mobility, and preparedness. We propose tactical interaction, which consists of an action plan, preliminary training, management decisions and practical actions of the personnel. The paper also presents the results of an empirical study on the integration of special forces units. Key words: interaction; organization and tactics; institutions and bodies of FSIN Russia; law enforcement; special forces of the penal system; other special bodies.