In this article, on the basis of archival materials and periodicals,
the activities of the Soviet police in solving criminal and administrative crimes in the period from 1920 to the 1930s are analyzed. During this time, the law enforcement
system has come a long way in its development; there are changes and improvements
in its structure, improvement of work, a gradual increase in the professionalism of
employees. An important role in this process was played by the work carried out in
large settlements: it became a model for other, smaller centers. One of these centers
was Leningrad, and this essay is devoted to the evolution of the law enforcement
system on the example of this particular city. The daily work of the Leningrad police
demonstrates its effectiveness. During the critical period, she learned to respond to
the new challenges of the time that appeared before the Soviet law enforcement
agencies and citizens of the country. New subdivisions are created in the Soviet
militia, designed to solve new problems. Improved personnel policy, which became
more stringent. The methods of work were modernized, which led to an increase in
the detection of criminal acts.