"You can't have too much security!". A major interview with the head of the Vitebsk Regional Department of the Security Department
In every new dawn, in every peaceful evening, in every smile on the faces of our fellow citizens, there is something more than mere chance. Behind this invisible but powerful pulse of security stands a force that for over seventy years – since October 29, 1952 – has been honing the art of protection and order. A force known as the Department of Protection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Seven decades and three years of continuous development. From the first patrols on the streets of the post-war city to high-tech complexes capable of instantly responding to any threat. This is not just the history of a department – it is a saga of people whose loyalty to duty and readiness for self-sacrifice have become the guarantee of our peace.
"Vitebskiye Vesti" has dived into the ocean of their daily exploits and strategic plans. Our interlocutor is Police Colonel Sergey Murashkin, the head of the regional department. A man whose grip and vision have been determining the vector of development of Vitebsk protection for five years.
We learned about current activities, which in themselves are a kaleidoscope of achievements. About technologies and innovations that become loyal allies, turning familiar objects into impregnable outposts. We talked about personnel – not just about a team, but about a living organism where young, daring minds are forged, inheriting invaluable experience from veterans whose wisdom is a compass in any storm. We touched upon interaction with society, where protection is a reliable hand, always ready to help. We discussed challenges – those posed by modernity, and how these guys meet them: with a cool head, a warm heart, and nerves of steel.
And believe us, this is the true elite of security, which implements any task set by the head of state with such valor, efficiency, and impeccable quality that it sometimes seems they anticipate the need itself. Get ready to learn about those who are always one step ahead!
— Sergey Sergeyevich, 73 years is not just a number, it's an entire era. Considering the impressive historical path the Security Department has taken, what are the most striking, even fundamental changes you could highlight?
— This contrast is truly colossal. Just the other day, a former head of the department, retired police colonel Vladimir Efremov, visited us, and we were reminiscing about the times when the non-departmental security was just emerging. He spoke about the conditions our predecessors worked under. Imagine: a small staff, equipment – one car per unit, sometimes motorcycles. The people were dedicated, of course, but didn't always have the professional training that was required. Not to mention the absolute lack of modern technical means.
What do we see now? Today's Security Department is synonymous with mobility and technological superiority. We have centralized monitoring consoles that instantly receive all information and promptly transmit it to response teams. Modern operational duty services have been established in urban units, equipped with the latest technology, including video recording capabilities, which allows for timely information transfer and the fastest possible response to any situation.
But technology is just a tool. The main thing is people. Our ranks include certified employees and civilian specialists with rich life experience who conscientiously perform their duties, ensuring access control and inspection procedures at facilities. They undergo mandatory training, and where necessary, facilities are equipped with metal detectors and everything needed to inspect hand luggage.
And, of course, the role of our electricians cannot be overestimated. The most important thing – whether the alarm will work at the right moment – depends on their level of professionalism and how well the equipment is installed.
And one more important fact that also shows our maturity and efficiency: we are a service that is absolutely not funded from the budget. We earn our own salaries, repairs, equipment purchases, and staff training. This makes us not just executors, but a truly self-sufficient, dynamic, and effective structure.
— Tell us how modern approaches and technical solutions turn an ordinary call into lightning-fast response, and most importantly, with what result?
— When a detention group patrol responds to a call, to the scene of an incident — whether it's an alarm activation or information from eyewitnesses via 102 — they arrive within minutes. This is not accidental. Service areas and routes are distributed in such a way as to ensure the fastest possible arrival at any protected facility. The officer exits the vehicle fully equipped. And this is the result of continuous training: we conduct planned tactical, physical, and firearms training sessions monthly.
Now, let's talk about the technologies that make this promptness possible and effective. Each service vehicle is equipped with video recording — car dashcams, plus each employee has a personal body camera. The vehicles are equipped with special tablets that allow for quick route planning, significantly reducing arrival time.
How does this work in real time? An alarm signal is received, and the detention group immediately receives the task on their tablet. They see the facility, the time, and the optimal route. And while the vehicle is en route, not only are they equipping themselves — bulletproof vests, helmets, weapons, special equipment — but they also receive continuous information support. Duty officers provide information about the characteristics of the triggered facility: which floor, where the vestibule is, what kind of door it is.
Currently, we have no unsolved thefts from guarded facilities. And what we are truly proud of: 100% of response calls to alarm buttons at guarded facilities result in apprehension. In total, there have been over 6,000 response calls to alarm system activations since the beginning of the year.
Here is a recent example: in the Shumilino district, on the highway, there is a "Hit-Express" store. It's a busy place, people stop by. A taxi pulls up, two people get out, quickly grab 14 boxes of candy, do not pay, and speed off towards Polotsk. The sales assistants don't notice the theft immediately – there are many customers. Only later, upon discovering the theft, they press the alarm button. But time has already been lost, the car is gone.
And this is where our republican public safety monitoring system comes into play. Thanks to the Monitoring Centers established in each department and administration, we receive operational information and begin to respond immediately. We immediately detect that this taxi has already entered Polotsk. We promptly inform our colleagues from the district security department, and they promptly apprehend the offenders. During the investigation, it is revealed that these same individuals had managed to visit several other stores where thefts had also occurred. As a result, a criminal case for theft has been initiated.
— What range of services and activities, besides guarding facilities and property, allows your department to comprehensively ensure safety and order in the Vitebsk region?
— The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus licenses security activities in terms of design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of security systems and equipment. In terms of non-licensed security activities, we supervise the departmental security of facilities (property) and our own employees. That is, if an enterprise decides to create its own security service, our licensing department monitors compliance with all norms and rules. The state must be sure that personnel at business entities that independently secure their facilities will actually perform their duties and not just be listed. This is a matter of systemic security for the entire society.
We also escort cargo. Any business entity can contact us, and we will provide escort for valuable or particularly important cargo anywhere in Belarus.
In addition, we provide a wide range of services for the installation and design of security systems. Our electricians and engineers, with extensive experience, connect alarms and install security equipment. We can handle the entire cycle – from a professional design that takes into account all legislative requirements to its high-quality implementation.
— The year 2025 has been declared the Year of Improvement. How does the Vitebsk Region Security Department approach this issue?
— We perceive this as a call to action. This year, we are purposefully working to create the most modern conditions for our service. For example, we have carried out routine repairs of the facades of the Chashniki and Dokshitsy security units, premises in the Railway Security Department, and the shooting range of the Novopolotsk Security Department using our own resources. In the Vitebsk Regional Directorate, Pervomaisky, Postavsky, Chashniki, and Senno units, decorative flower beds have been created, and in the Orsha Department, the paving slabs and curbs on the adjacent territory have been replaced. In 2024, routine repairs of all premises and furniture replacement were fully completed in the Beshenkovichi, Braslav, and Liozno security departments. Comfortable conditions for work and rest have been created there. This includes the renovation of garages for service vehicles, the creation of proper storage facilities for special equipment, and the tidying up of territories. We understand that the conditions in which an employee works directly affect their motivation and efficiency. In addition, we pay great attention to updating the vehicle fleet.
And speaking about the quality of life of our employees, we cannot fail to mention the social support that we provide. For example, another handover of keys for rental housing in Orsha will take place soon. Last year, we built over 100 apartments. Employees receive rental housing after 3-5 years of service.
— We have talked a lot about technical equipment and professionalism. But the question arises: is the Security Department only about guarding facilities and responding to alarm signals, or are your employees ready to help in any situation?
— Our employees do not just patrol their routes; they are the eyes and ears of society. If a patrol sees a car on fire, they immediately rush to extinguish it. If they see smoke, they call the Ministry of Emergency Situations and provide first aid before their arrival. There are many such cases. Another example is in Vitebsk, where a woman went into labor in her car right on the way to the hospital; our guys quickly called doctors, ensured safety, and helped transport the mother and newborn to the medical facility. Thanks to their excellent knowledge of the city and districts, they help find missing children.
We actively participate in ensuring security during the sowing and harvesting campaigns, working together with other services to prevent the theft of grain and fuel. Our employees patrol fields and storage areas, and conduct raids. This is a state task, and we carry it out on a mandatory basis.
By the way, our police officer from the Ushachi unit, Dmitry Khadasevich, a wonderful family man and father of many children, took part in the harvesting campaign at KUSKhP "Velikodoletskoye". He was assigned a combine harvester, and he harvested 490.5 hectares of grain and leguminous crops, and rapeseed, and threshed 785 tons of grain and rapeseed. He took second place in the district, was honored at "Dozhinki" and received a scooter as a gift for his great achievements in the harvesting season.
— Vitebsk is the birthplace of "Slavyansky Bazaar". How does your service integrate into the cultural life of the region?
— All the numerous festival sites are traditionally subject to protection, and it is we who take them under our control. And, of course, each employee who distinguished himself at such a responsible event is recognized for positive work results — he is presented with a deserved material reward in a solemn ceremony.
But our role at "Slavyansky Bazaar" is not limited to just security. Traditionally, the Security Department takes part in the Ministry of Internal Affairs' republican campaign "For Security – Together!". We coordinate the locations where we set up our tents and stage in advance. And every day at a certain time, spectacular events take place. These include demonstrations of the work of dog handlers and performances by artists.
— Sergey Sergeyevich, your answer paints a picture of the Security Department employees not only as highly qualified professionals but also as active, socially responsible citizens. Tell us more about them.
— Our employees are talented and versatile people. We have many athletes. We are widely represented in all creative events. The "Miss Department of Protection" competition is held annually. All this shows that our guys and girls not only perform their duty – they live a full life.
By the way, our military-patriotic club "Vympel" is actively operating in Orsha. The boys and girls there are truly inspired, and perhaps not all of them will choose military service, but the most important thing is that they will grow up to be worthy citizens. Incidentally, this year our guys took 1st place in the II Republican review-competition among military-patriotic clubs and legal classes of the Department of Protection. We also actively participate in the work of specialized classes created in schools throughout the region, where employees of our units conduct legal training and classes.
The work on ensuring safety in educational institutions deserves special attention. Before the start of each academic year, together with other departments, we conduct a thorough inspection of all schools and kindergartens to ensure that all safety conditions are met. This includes the mandatory presence of panic buttons, security alarms, video cameras, and electric locks on emergency exits, fire alarms, as well as monitoring their operability and the proper functioning of all systems.
And, of course, we do not forget about our sponsored institutions. We constantly provide assistance to orphanages and shelters. Moreover, we have a tradition: if a police officer is harmed or suffers damage while apprehending a offender – such incidents unfortunately occur – then material compensation is directed to charitable purposes. This is either targeted assistance to orphanages or the purchase of necessary goods for those in need.
— Behind every achievement, behind every innovation, there is a story and experience. What role do the veterans of your service play in this? And what would you like to wish them and young employees, looking to the future?
— You are absolutely right. All our achievements are unthinkable without the solid foundation laid by our veterans. These are the people we need and who are in high demand at all our events. We always invite them to ceremonial occasions: whether it's handing over apartment keys, celebrating memorable dates, or the Day of Young Employees when we present service weapons. This is not just a formality; it is a vital continuity of generations. Young people must remember traditions and adopt the best from the older generation, as this is how a strong society and a strong service are built.
These people – our veterans – have dedicated their health and their best years to the service. Among them are those who survived Chernobyl and went through Afghanistan. The nature of our work is such that while others sleep, we work and are on duty at night, in shifts. And our veterans know exactly what that means. They performed their tasks promptly and efficiently, and we are immensely grateful to them for that. I wish them good health, longevity, and well-being.
And looking to the future, I can confidently say that the security service will continue to develop. The most important thing is to convey a simple but extremely important message: there can never be too much security! It does not come by itself; it is the result of meticulous work. And our task is to ensure that every resident of the Vitebsk region feels protected, knowing that there is a reliable team nearby, ready to help at any moment.
Historical Background. From the enthusiasts of the 1920s to the professionals of the 21st century
Have you ever wondered what path the security service has taken so that your home or business is reliably protected today? The history of the Vitebsk Regional Department of the Department of Protection is a fascinating chronicle of adaptation and development that began long before the alarms we are used to.
Early 20th century. An era of enthusiasm and self-organization. It all started after 1917, when Red Guard detachments were spontaneously formed at plants and factories. Their main task was to protect production – machinery, raw materials, products – from chaos. In 1921, with the abolition of industrial police, a unique form emerged – extra-departmental police. It adapted to the needs of enterprises: factory, fair, port... It was maintained by the protected facilities themselves, which became a prototype of modern cost accounting. By the 1930s, night watch detachments appeared, patrolling city streets on foot, on horseback, and sometimes on motorcycles – a real Vitebsk Western!
Mid-20th century. A time of change and official recognition. By the early 1950s, it became clear that a professional, independent, and well-equipped service was needed. And so, on October 29, 1952, the historic shot rang out. A decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR marked the beginning of extra-departmental security as we know it. The Department of Extra-Departmental Security under the Ministry of State Security Directorate was established in the Vitebsk region. The specialized service replaced the "departmental watchmen," with the aim of providing a qualitatively new level of protection for the most important facilities.
Before and after. The early years were not easy. There were no own premises (extra-departmental security was housed in separate rooms in the basement of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee building), no modern transport, no adequate technical equipment. But the service grew, matured, and its structure underwent colossal changes – from a modest department to the powerful Vitebsk Regional Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Security Department.
Our era. A shield of high technologies. Today, it's no longer just object security. It's a whole arsenal of high-tech services. From the usual protection of apartments and escorting valuables to the installation of complex security television systems, fire alarms, and control via GSM and radio channels. The Vitebsk Region Security Department doesn't just guard – it thinks ahead, using innovations for your safety.