DECENTRALIZATION OF THE ORGANS OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS IN THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

How did the organs of internal affairs in the Socialist Republic of Croatia and in socialist Yugoslavia develop, what did they actually do, what changes occurred with respect to them, and why? During approximately the first two decades of socialist Yugoslavia, issues related to police and state security - or, as they were officially called, the organs of internal affairs - were, like most other matters in the country, heavily centralized. However, there are indications that 1966 may not have been as significant a watershed moment as is commonly thought, and that some important changes were accelerated rather than triggered after the ouster of Rankovie. This article is primarily based on sources from 13. maj, the official journal of the Federal Secretariat for Internal Affairs (SSUP). A careful reading of this journal reveals very detailed articles dealing with legal, conceptual, technical and practical issues affecting policing. The journal is therefore a good place to gather information for a better understanding of policing and internal affairs in Yugoslavia. This article examines and analyses the beginning of decentralization of internal affairs in Croatia, above all with regard to public security bodies.