ZOMO
Zmotoryzowane Odwody Milicji Obywatelskiej (ZOMO) (Motorized Reserves of the Citizens Militia), were paramilitary riot police formations during the Communist Era, in Poland. These elite police units provided security during "large" events, but are most notably known for their bloody actions in quelling civil rights protests and riots in the 1980s.
History
ZOMO units were created and first used in 1956, under the direct command of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Communist Party in Poland. Their mission statement was defined as "the protection of the nation," and their main role was as a rapid-response police force similar to the SWAT teams in the US. As opposition to the Communist Government in Poland grew, the units were expanded to counter the growing unrest, and their role became more of anti-riot police. They were equipped with APCss, tear gas and firearms as well as various types of riot equipment such as batons, plastic shields and helmets. They gained international fame during the Martial Law in Poland (1981-1983). During this time period their brutal actions against peaceful protesters, and the subsequent lack of prosecution of those responsible for civilian deaths, were major factors in bringing down the communist regime. The units were disbanded in September 1989, and the Communist Government in Poland fell soon afterwards. The word, however, remains a pejorative term used by some to denote all kinds of riot police in Poland. See also: History of Poland
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