Photo report from rappelling training of Moscow Police Department Special Police Unit OMSN. Moscow OMSN is the oldest special police unit in Ministry of Interior of Russia, it was founded in November 9, 1978 for the anti-criminal and counter-terrorism tasks and duties during the Olympic games in Moscow. At the present time, in connection with the reform of the Interior and renaming to Police, OMSN was renamed to OSN (Special Purpose Unit). In accordance with the order of Moscow Police Department on June 29, 2011, OSN (former OMSN) and OON (former OMON) were reassigned to the newly created "Special Purpose Center of Rapid Reaction Forces of Moscow Police Department". So currently OMSN has the right designation "Special Purpose Unit of Special Purpose Center of Rapid Reaction Forces of Moscow Police Department". Sounds quite long and unusual, that's why I will use the old name OMSN in the report, it is more familiar.
(Officers had the training in typical four-storey rappelling tower)
(Preparing the equipment).
(One officer has Glock, another uses Yarigin Pistol. Glocks in the unit are widely used for all duties)
(The bag on the left leg is used for the rope and hidden rappelling)
(Black suits were developed by OMSN officer)
(I asked about the balaclava, they told me it is typical moto helmet balaclava. Very comfortable and better then ordinary balaclava for protective helmet)
(After the training one of the officers showed us some rappelling tricks. It was hard to use in ordinary tasks, but was quite impressive to watch. You can watch the video of that officer here.)
(One of the sleeve patches of Moscow OMSN)
