diff --git a/pkg/services/policer/check.go b/pkg/services/policer/check.go
index 3e536f105..7df372476 100644
--- a/pkg/services/policer/check.go
+++ b/pkg/services/policer/check.go
@@ -110,6 +110,7 @@ func (p *Policer) processRepNodes(ctx context.Context, requirements *placementRe
 
 	// Number of copies that are stored on maintenance nodes.
 	var uncheckedCopies int
+	var candidates []netmap.NodeInfo
 	for i := 0; shortage > 0 && i < len(nodes); i++ {
 		select {
 		case <-ctx.Done():
@@ -125,8 +126,8 @@ func (p *Policer) processRepNodes(ctx context.Context, requirements *placementRe
 			if st == nodeDoesNotHoldObject {
 				// 1. This is the first time the node is encountered (`!st.Processed()`).
 				// 2. The node does not hold object (`st == nodeDoesNotHoldObject`).
-				// So we leave the node in the list and skip its removal
-				// at the end of the loop body.
+				// So we need to try to put an object to it.
+				candidates = append(candidates, nodes[i])
 				continue
 			}
 		}
@@ -152,12 +153,9 @@ func (p *Policer) processRepNodes(ctx context.Context, requirements *placementRe
 		default:
 			panic("unreachable")
 		}
-
-		nodes = append(nodes[:i], nodes[i+1:]...)
-		i--
 	}
 
-	p.handleProcessNodesResult(ctx, addr, requirements, nodes, checkedNodes, shortage, uncheckedCopies)
+	p.handleProcessNodesResult(ctx, addr, requirements, candidates, checkedNodes, shortage, uncheckedCopies)
 }
 
 func (p *Policer) checkStatus(ctx context.Context, addr oid.Address, node netmap.NodeInfo) (nodeProcessStatus, error) {