>> how long before the police here are replaced by "People's Militias"? The new communist power was established. Loyal guards and support had to be provided. Already operational was the Institute of Police Assistance Service “P.D.” With few exceptions, this was comprised of the dregs of society: thieves, burglars, cheats. This institution eventually became the People’s Militia. Many Jews and hardened criminals were entrusted with the organisation and supervision of these institutions. **The duties of the police were assumed by the newly founded People’s Militia**, although their primary task was not to fight crime. This concept lost its meaning when criminals were released from prisons and the leadership of security establishments were handed over to them. The militiamen had mastered shooting, in the event they had to face their own countrymen. Hardly able to read or write, they controlled identity documents in search of enemies of the new regime. These were considered to be anyone decently attired or intelligent looking. Workers received arms and founded Workers’ Guards. Among them were women, there on the understanding they would not flinch when executing their duties.