At one time, now a veteran of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the retired police colonel Pavel Savchuk said this: “The public security police include the largest number and, as is generally accepted, the closest separation of officers for the population. These are local police inspectors. The job of a district police officer, whether in a rural area or in a big city, is multifaceted and quite complex. There are no issues that do not concern our “sheriff” in his administrative area.”
This characteristic from the mouth of a law enforcement veteran is, in principle, universal. And with all certainty, the words of Pavel Kirillovich can be attributed to the senior district police inspector Sergei Ekhalkin.
His track record is not long, probably because he is a man of purpose. After the army, Sergei came to the Leninsky department of the Security Department in the city of Brest and began to serve in the police battalion. This was in 2007. Ten years later he was transferred to the regional department of the Security Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where he served in a separate police squad. As of December 2020, he is a local police inspector at the Internal Affairs Department of Brest in the Leninsky District. Since December 2023, that is, for almost a year, he has held the position of senior district police inspector. Now there are three young district inspectors under his command, and Sergei Aleksandrovich has something to say and something to share with the lower ranks.
Sergei Ekhalkin’s administrative area is the heart of Brest: Sovetskaya, Pushkinskaya, Karbysheva, Kuibysheva and others streets, with the exception of Lenin Square. In addition, the railway station Brest-Central, bus station, central market, Saint Nicholas Church. The “district” area is not only crowded, it is full of entertainment and drinking establishments. Therefore, Sergei Alexandrovich has to devote considerable emphasis in his work to the protection of public order. What can I say, if during the week, on weekends, and especially on holidays, many citizens without a fixed residence or simply leading an anti-social lifestyle gather at train stations, in near the market and even near the church.
Unfortunately, not only on the edge, but also in the center, which is full of temptations, many of the townspeople are mired in insidious addiction “green snake”. There are also people who cannot help themselves. As we know, they are sent to a labor treatment center. In 2023 and 2024, Sergei Ekhalkin, out of official necessity, isolated twenty-five alcoholics in the medical treatment facility. In this case, he is the absolute leader among the local inspectors of the department of internal affairs.
The senior district policeman does not forget preventive work. Many pensioners live in their administrative area. Sergei meets them regularly, holds conversations, talks about new schemes of scammers to attract money from elderly people who still haven’t lost their former sovietism.
In less than four years of work as a district police officer, Sergei Ekhalkin, who recently turned 40, was awarded four medals. We name them, if the names briefly indicate why the medals were awarded: the medal “100 years since the birth of Major General of the Police VP Astashonka, 1922-2022” from the Directorate of Internal Affairs of the Brest Regional Executive Committee; “Outstanding Policeman of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus” medal; Medal of the President of the Republic of Belarus “For Excellence in Prevention of Public Order”; Medal “For Merit in the Service of District Police Inspectors.”
Prepared by Ivan ORLOV
What are the main challenges faced by local police inspectors in urban areas?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Police Expert Sergei Ekhalkin
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sergei. Your extensive experience as a senior district police inspector offers invaluable insights into the realities of law enforcement. To start, can you describe what it’s like being a local police inspector in a busy urban area like Brest?
Sergei Ekhalkin: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Being a local police inspector in Brest, especially in the heart of the city, is both challenging and rewarding. My role involves not just maintaining law and order, but also engaging with the community. It’s multifaceted; every day presents new issues, from addressing public disturbances to building relationships with residents.
Editor: You mentioned community engagement. How important is that in your work?
Ekhalkin: Community engagement is crucial. As a police officer, I’m not just a figure of authority; I’m often seen as a problem solver for local residents. Whether it’s resolving disputes, addressing concerns about safety, or simply being a reassuring presence, forming connections within the community fosters trust. This trust is essential for effective policing.
Editor: Could you give us some examples of the types of issues you handle in your district?
Ekhalkin: Certainly. My district covers a range of areas, including busy streets, marketplaces, and entertainment venues. We often deal with issues related to public order, particularly on weekends and holidays when crowds gather. Issues can range from noise complaints, public intoxication, to more serious incidents requiring immediate intervention. It’s important to address these proactively to maintain a safe environment for all.
Editor: It sounds like a demanding job, particularly during peak times. How do you manage the stress that comes with it?
Ekhalkin: Stress management is vital in our line of work. Personally, I prioritize team collaboration among the three inspectors under my command. We support each other, share experiences, and offer guidance. Additionally, I take time for self-care, whether it’s exercise or spending time with family. A balanced life helps me handle the pressures of the job more effectively.
Editor: What advice would you offer to young police officers entering the field today?
Ekhalkin: I would encourage them to embrace continuous learning. The landscape of law enforcement is constantly evolving, and staying informed about new methods and community needs is key. Also, empathy is essential—understanding the perspectives of both community members and fellow officers can lead to better outcomes.
Editor: As a final thought, how do you envision the future of community policing in Brest?
Ekhalkin: I see a future where community policing becomes even more integrated with local initiatives. Strengthening partnerships with community organizations and utilizing modern technology can enhance our effectiveness. The goal is to create a safe, informed, and engaged community, where everyone plays a part in public safety.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights with us today, Sergei. Your commitment to your role and the community is truly inspiring.
Ekhalkin: Thank you for having me; it’s always a pleasure to discuss the important work we do in law enforcement.