An unusual monument was erected in St. Petersburg in May 1998 on Malaya Konyushennaya. The opening was timed to coincide with the bicentennial of the Interior Ministry and the tercentenary of the founding of St. Petersburg. On a marble pedestal is gray cast in bronze two-meter statue of a policeman, dressed in full ceremonial accoutrements.

Originally, the monument has caused a storm of emotions among the citizens of the city and was perceived differently. Some thought the monument as a reminder of the former "Institute of policemen," according to other monuments remind of powerlessness of ordinary people. At the moment, the monument does not cause such violent political emotions, passions have died down around him. Monument to fit into the urban interior and now nothing but the curiosity of others does not matter. He stands proudly next to the Church of St. Catherine, at the intersection that forms Swedish lane and Malaya Konyushennaya Street.

Near the monument there is a building, which houses the Consulate of Sweden, and right behind him is a small, very cozy cafe. Petersburgers joke, saying that a policeman is to protect these sites. The truth is he is not quite good at it - the walls of nearby houses, "decorates" the so-called wall painting, or in other words, the walls painted with graffiti. Not always, however, this painting is successful.

Today's young generation is not likely to represent whom a monument. Peter back in 1718 issued a decree to set up a special service. The service was on his plan to protect citizens from the valiant people and to keep order. Thus, people held at the service, should be good masters of the city, that is a policeman. Hence the name - a policeman. Policemen existed for a long time, their functions change over time, but the service itself has repeatedly reformed.

During the reign of Alexander II policemen began to call the police, and the police officer appeared overseer (modern analogue of the district). Then policemen were taken only males with a strong physique, tall (175 cm and above), aged at least 25 years. In addition to these criteria, the applicant for the position of a policeman had to have excellent health and vision, ingenuity. They are subject to another important requirement, which would do well to adopt the selection of a modern police. This candidate policemen had to be articulate, literate and well-delivered.

Applicants for the position of a policeman after the selection trained, and after receiving the exam appointment. During his dangerous, difficult and much needed service, policemen received a good salary, and in retirement they had put a decent pension.

Duties of a policeman were different and differed from the current police duties. For example, they controlled street lighting at night, we watched the sanitary condition outlets. At the request of the citizens they were to help prepare petitions, complaints, the city authorities. And, of course, the main job is to protect the order of the day and night, crime prevention and avoidance.

On the territory of the policemen accountable to ensure order as good hosts. The work of the policemen were monitored, both open and secret. Has a positive effect on their performance, random people were not policemen. Citizens appealed to him on any subject, and the policemen were doing everything in their power, for which he used the deserved respect and authority.