The formation and development of detachment (otryad) system in Soviet and Russian correctional institutions

Abstract

The article focuses on the formation and development of the detachment (otryad) system for the maintenance of convicts. The author discusses the specificity of the organizational structure and its functioning of correctional institutions of the USSR and Russia. The structure of labour associations of prisoners, which was used during the construction of the White Sea-Baltic Canal, had significant shortcomings: many convicts, who did not belong to workers and peasants, found themselves outside the educational influence. Therefore, labour associations, which played a positive role at a certain stage, were substituted with construction teams and labour colonies as more progressive organizational structures. The detachment consisted of brigades and included 300-600 people, depending on the production type, scope of work, and available living space. The head of the detachment was appointed from among the prisoners of the detachment and, in case of release, had the right to remain in this position for free employment. The newly arrived prisoners were to undergo the sanitation and quarantine, after which they were enlisted in the existing detachments or formed new ones. The head of the detachment was the assistant foreman for the organization of labour and the deployment of the workforce. This person managed the detachment with the help of an assistant chief for everyday life (also a supply manager), two educators (a senior and a regular educator for a detachment of more than 400 people), a senior worker and supervisors. The detachment had its own household services within a special staff.