November 10 — Police Day: history, traditions, how to congratulate

Every year on November 10, Russia celebrates the Day of an Internal Affairs Officer, or Police Day, a professional holiday for police officers whose service is associated with ensuring public order, protecting citizens' rights and combating crime. In 2025, the date falls on a Monday. Read about the history of the formation of the law enforcement system in Russia and the traditions of celebration in the Izvestia article.

Police Day - 2025: the history of the holiday

The holiday was approved by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR in 1962. The date of November 10 was not chosen by chance: it was on this day in 1917 that the decree "On the Workers' Militia" was signed. However, the history of Russian law enforcement agencies began long before that.

Already in the VI–VIII centuries, the protection of internal order among the Eastern Slavs was provided by the princely squad, which performed both military and managerial functions. During the period of Kievan Rus, this duty was assigned to local administrative officials: posadniks, tysyatskys, sotskys, and virniks. And at the end of the XV century, specialized performers appeared — biryuchi, prison guards and executioners.

By the 16th century, the system had acquired the features of centralized management. Provincial prefects, elected at local congresses, oversaw county-wide investigations of crimes such as murder and arson. They were subordinated to the Streltsy, yarizhki, detouring heads and other grassroots performers. These were the first steps towards the formation of national legal control.

A fundamental turn in development took place at the beginning of the 18th century. In 1715, Peter the Great established a service in the country called the police, from the Greek word for "government." And in 1718, the post of police chief general appeared, the highest official responsible for order in St. Petersburg. It was headed by Anton Devier, a close associate of the emperor. The new system has been given extensive powers to oversee various aspects of urban life, from sanitation to crime investigation.

In 1802, by decree of Emperor Alexander I, the Ministry of Internal Affairs was established, which was responsible for the law and order system in the country. And in 1837, the "Regulation on the Zemstvo Police" was adopted, which defined the structure and powers of the police in the counties. Since the end of the 19th century, professional district units began to form, which included a bailiff, an officer and a clerk.

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After the October Revolution, the previous system was abolished. On November 10, 1917, the decree "On the Workers' Militia" was issued, according to which law enforcement was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Soviets. Initially, the structure was voluntary, but in the context of the Civil War and the legal vacuum, it became clear that a centralized and permanent system of law enforcement was needed, so it was decided to create a permanent staff.

In 1918, the instruction on the organization of the workers' and peasants' militia was approved, which received clearly defined tasks: suppression of violations, control over the implementation of laws and operational work with the population. By 1919, the structure was militarized, and since 1921 it became subordinate to the NKVD of the RSFSR.

In the 1930s, the militia became part of the union system. In 1934, the Main Directorate of the Workers' and Peasants' Militia was established as part of the NKVD of the USSR. In the following decades, the structure expanded, specialized units appeared — the criminal investigation department, the water, railway and departmental police, the OBKHSS, the traffic police, and the patrol and guard service. Medical detox centers were also transferred to the department. In 1968, it received its current name — the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991, Russian law enforcement agencies became subordinate to the Russian Interior Ministry. The Ministry became the central governing body of the internal affairs system in the new statehood.

In 2009-2011, a large-scale reform was implemented aimed at increasing efficiency, optimizing the number and reducing corruption. In its framework, a new law "On Police" was adopted in 2011. The changes affected not only the name, but also the standards of professional selection, employees were re-certified, and the total staff was reduced by 20%.

Today, law enforcement officers continue to serve, ensuring stability, public safety and protection of citizens' rights in the face of modern challenges.

Traditions of the Day of the Law Enforcement officer on November 10

Large-scale festive events dedicated to the Day of the Law Enforcement Officer are held in Russia on November 10. The State Kremlin Palace hosts solemn concerts, official events with the participation of senior officials, honoring veterans of the service.

On this day, the best employees receive departmental awards and regular titles. Special attention is paid to the memory of the victims — flowers are laid at the memorials, commemorative actions are held.

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Concerts, sports competitions, thematic lectures and quizzes are held in educational institutions subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Interior Ministry employees meet with young people, talk about their work and patriotic values. The museums dedicated to the history of law enforcement agencies organize guided tours for everyone.

Congratulations on Police Day

On Police Day, congratulations are received not only by current employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but also by retired law enforcement officers, as well as teachers of specialized universities, cadets. Izvestia has prepared several examples of wishes:

"Congratulations on the Day of the Law Enforcement Officer! The title you wear is not just a formality, but a symbol of honor, courage and loyalty to the cause. We wish you fortitude, sensitivity of heart and firmness in decision-making";

"Congratulations on the holiday! Let every morning begin with the confidence that you are making the world a better place again today! Thank you for your service, for taking the risk, and for your honesty. Happy Internal Affairs Officer's Day!";

"Happy Day to Law Enforcement officers! We wish the law to be your shield and justice to be your compass. May there be those who appreciate, understand and support you, and your work will always be appreciated!";

"Happy holidays, guardians of order! May your service be safe, your colleagues reliable, and your fate favorable! Congratulations on the Day of the Law Enforcement Officer!";

"Congratulations on the Day of the Law Enforcement Officer! We wish you strength and endurance, wisdom and courage. May every day bring confidence in the future and support from the state and society!"

Earlier, Izvestia told when and how the Day of the Military intelligence Officer is celebrated in Russia.