The upper house of the Russian parliament, the Federation Council, on Wednesday passed a bill prohibiting anyone with a criminal record from serving in the police.

The bill also includes those whose criminal prosecution has been halted due to an expiry of limitation periods or a conciliation of parties. Existing police officers who do not meet the new requirements can be dismissed.

The Federation Council also imposed tougher punishment for police officers found guilty of committing crime, including longer sentences for cops than for civilians who have committed similar crimes.

The new legislation is part of wider efforts to improve the reputation of Russia's police forces. Russians were outraged when the former head of a Moscow police station, Maj. Denis Yevsyukov, went on a drunken shooting spree in a supermarket in April 2009.

President Dmitry Medvedev ordered a major overhaul of Russia's police forces, including personnel cuts by 20% and higher salaries for remaining staff.

The president also urged new anti-corruption measures and tighter selection procedures.

MOSCOW, July 14 (RIA Novosti)