On functions of Nalchik district police department in last third of 19th and early 20th centuries

I.M. Dabagova

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Abstract. This article examines the main activities of the Nalchik District Police Department in the last third of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the formulation of specific tasks: until now, the functionality of this institution for maintaining public order has not been a subject of special attention.
Aim. The study is to identify the functions and determine the scope of the Nalchik District Police Department in the last third of the 19th – early 20th centuries.
Research materials and methods. We used problem-chronological and comparative-historical research methods, dividing the research object into a series of narrow problems that are examined in chronological order, and comparing various authorial approaches to identify their common and specific characteristics; we also conducted prospective analysis to identify possible vectors for future research on the topic.
Results. Based on a review of the records, a detailed analysis was conducted of the main activities of the Nalchik District Police Department, including: interaction with other agencies, maintaining public order among the local population, compiling service records of Nalchik District police officers and family lists of the region’s settlements, deporting criminals to correctional facilities, and arresting local residents sentenced to imprisonment in guardhouses.
Conclusions. It has been concluded that during the relevant period, the police department was responsible for recording and investigating crimes, monitoring the activities of the 1st Hundred of the Terek Permanent Militia, resolving land disputes, carrying out tax control, and other related matters.

Keywords: Terek Region, Nalchik District, Kabardians, Balkars, Nalchik District Police Department, law enforcement agencies, public order

For citation. Dabagova I.M. On functions of Nalchik district police department in last third of 19th and early 20th centuries. News of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of RAS. 2025. Vol. 27. No. 6. Pp. 426–435. DOI: 10.35330/1991-6639-2025-27-6-426-435

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Information about the authors

Inna M. Dabagova, Postgraduate Student at the Scientific and Educational Center, Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
2, Balkarov street, Nalchik, 360010, Russia;
dabagova@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4074-4583