Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions and answers are typical of the many received by the Public Information Section of the RIF.

Is the RIF a military unit ?

No, unlike some paramilitary forces in Europe such as the French Gendarmerie and the Italian Carabinerie, the RIF is a police unit under the command of the Ministry of the Interior.

Is the RIF a reservist unit ?

No. All RIF members are regular police officers. Police reserve units have a separate structure and chain of command that is not linked to the RIF.

Are all Police who wear camouflage uniforms in the RIF ?

No. All Macedonian Police officers, including reserve officers,  possess a camouflage uniform, which is worn according to the operational and tactical situation. The RIF do wear camouflage uniforms on a regular basis due to the nature of their mission.

Do you have to be a member of a political party to be in the RIF ?

No. Recruitment and selection to the RIF is based upon individual qualities such as fitness, aptitude and determination. Politics, ethnicity, race or gender are not considered during the selection process.

Do the RIF carry out training or are they just sitting in barracks all the time waiting to be used ?

The RIF battalions are constantly training and re-training. They have an intensive programme of both classroom and field training to prepare all the unit for the diverse tasks that they can be called upon to perform.

Does the RIF have combat aircraft, artillery and tanks like the Army ?

No. The RIF is lightly armed and has no aircraft, helicopters, tanks or artillery. If an operation should require such equipment, the Macedonian Army would provide such support.

Is the RIF a “SWAT” team ?

No. The only Macedonian Police unit that could be described as a “SWAT” team is the Special Police Unit, known as the “Tigers”.

Are there any ethnic minority members in the RIF ?

Yes. All ethnic groups in Macedonia are represented within the ranks of the RIF.

How do I contact the RIF for more information on the unit ?

A postal address and email address is to be found on this web site.