It is primarily involved in restoring the public order and serving as the main riot police force equipped for riot control as well as critical infrastructure protection.

[3] Similarly to gendarmeries in other states, VST is a paramilitary organization which has greater combat capability than the regular police.

During the state of war, VST becomes directly subordinate to the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

[4] The origins of the special purpose law enforcement can be traced back to the armed formations of the Lithuanian Tribunal in the 17th century, specifically the Infantry Company of the Lithuanian Tribunal.

[5] The modern precursor of the institution was the Brigade of the Local Army (Lithuanian: Vietinės kariuomenės brigada) established in February 1920, but disbanded a few years later.