In all four stages of its development, the "militsiia" has performed social, economic, and political functions. The enforcement focus and the nature of the "militsiia" has changed with the maturation of the State. Political responsibilities have receded, but remain more important than in democratic societies. The Soviet leadership has delivered to a significant extent on its promise of a higher degree of order than in western industrialized societies, but the Party closely controls the "militsiia" with minimal input from the citizenry. Policing is a State monopoly. The responsibilities of this intensive, centralized, and totally government controlled police force are broader than those of western democratic societies, and it is more intrusive into the daily life of the population. 1 table and 53 references (Author abstract modified)