As he assessed the crime rates in Russia the head of state noted the visible decrease in the number of serious and very serious crimes. However, the time required for investigating criminal cases and delays in preliminary investigations which violate the rights of the accused remain causes for concern. Taking into custody should be used only for particularly dangerous suspects, Dmitry Medvedev stressed.
The President gave instructions that the activities of the interdepartmental group on the prevention of economic crimes be stepped up and talked about the need to take special measures to oversee the control of budgetary funds designed to support the real sector of the economy.
On the topic of the global financial crisis the President pointed out the need to prevent any crisis-related attempt to redistribute property and to prosecute those who spread false rumors about the status of banks.
Ongoing economic controls by law enforcement agencies are necessary, but their number should be reasonable, the President said, as he cautioned against unfounded checks.
Priorities remain combating corruption, any manifestations of extremism and xenophobia, as well as containing the terrorist threat.
The President instructed the leadership of the national anti-terrorism committee, the Prosecutor General's Office, the FSB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate the act of terrorism that occurred the day before in North Ossetia and report on the results of the investigation as soon as possible.