Korrakaitse

Korrakaitse is an Estonian term meaning “order protection” or “public order maintenance.” It has been used to describe groups or units tasked with preserving law and calm in society, ranging from formal police structures to volunteer or paramilitary formations that supported order during crises or unrest. The concept encompasses activities aimed at preventing crime, managing crowds, maintaining traffic discipline, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Historically, korrakaitse appeared in the early 20th century, particularly around Estonia’s period of independence, when various civilian and paramilitary bodies supported state authorities in enforcing laws and safeguarding public order. In the interwar era, the term was common in descriptions of order-maintaining forces, which could include volunteer corps or auxiliary police. Over time, organizational reforms and changes in policing reduced the prominence of the term in official nomenclature, though it remains part of historical accounts and political discourse.

In contemporary Estonia, public order is primarily the responsibility of the Police and Border Guard Board (Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet). Municipalities may employ local policing units or inspectors to enforce local regulations, but these bodies are usually described using current administrative terms rather than the historical korrakaitse label. The term may still appear in historical writings, legal texts, or discussions of Estonia’s law-enforcement history.

Functions commonly associated with korrakaitse include maintaining public order during events, crime prevention, traffic regulation, protection of public safety during emergencies, and supporting civil defense efforts when needed. The concept highlights the evolving organization of public security and the balance between centralized state policing and local or voluntary efforts.