Obezzhie Golovy

police officials in large Russian cities in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were usually appointed by the voevodas (military governors) from among the gentry and deti boiarskie (lesser nobility). In Moscow they were appointed by the Razriadnyi Prikaz (military department). The ob”ezzhie golovy were assisted by strel’tsy (musketeers), street watchmen, and gatekeepers.