There primary functions were Population Security, Trade inspection, epidemic Service, fighting against alcoholic products, Fire Fighting, construction inspection, and crimes investigations.
In 1918 under the militsiya, the central investigations department (уголовного розыск) was introduced.
In 1934 the police were called MKVD of Mordovia, and in 1946 they were renamed to Ministry for Internal Affairs (MVD).
In 1987 various special units were formed, as OMON (отряд милиции особого назначени), with special functions as public order and aid to the municipal authorities in case of Emergencies.
In 1989 The Sixth Department for combating Organized Crime was established.