Members of the Schutzpolizei (Schupo) stationed at Drohobycz (then in the Government General of Poland, now in Ukraine), probably 1941-'43.  Members of Special Police/Special Reserve Police units supplied much of the manpower for security operations in occupied and rear areas, including camp and Jewish ghetto security and manpower for "special actions".  The somewhat sub-optimal physical standard of men in such units (at least for this particular period) is suggested by this photo.  JR.

Ordinary men ?

Kameraden

Schutzpolizei (Schupo) men stationed at Drohobycz, probably 1941-'43.  The uniform is standard for armed Polizei of the period; all are of enlisted/non-commissioned rank.  The man furthest left has the Polizei rank of Meister (equivalent of SS-Sturmscharfuhrer); the pair to the right appear to hold the rank of Wachtmeister (equals SS-Unterscharfuhrer); the fourth man, behind the Meister, is a Hauptwachtmeister (SS equivalent Hauptscharfuhrer).  The relatively elderly profile of personnel in Police/Special Police units deployed in occupied territories and rear areas is reflected in this image.  JR.