HISTORY OF CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF OPERATIONAL-INVESTIGATIVE DIVISIONS OF TRAFFIC POLICE OF RUSSIA
The article focuses on the establishment of departments of criminal investigation of the railway police in the Russian Empire before the October revolution of 1917. The socio-political situation of the early XX century in Russia demanded from the railway police, a division of the gendarmerie, not only the disclosure of criminal offences, but also the active fight against terrorist organizations and political parties advocating the overthrow of the monarchy. Activities to counter terrorist threats in the period of revolutionary action had a significant impact on the formation and development of the operational divisions of the railway police. Researches in the field of law enforcement practice of the transport police remain relevant and there is a real need in historical research and study of the results of its reform since the creation. Operational-investigative units of the linear bodies ensure maintenance of law and order and the safety of property in the special conditions of functioning of railway transport. The place and importance of the operational divisions of traffic police in the detection and disclosure of crimes at present time are explored.