Beijing police establish public relations office, microblog
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The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau established a public relations office Tuesday and said it will institute a series of measures, including the opening of a microblog, to enhance transparency and interaction with residents.
The office will interact with residents, build the image of the bureau and deal with public relations issues.
Besides regular press releases, the office will solicit public opinion by opening a microblog, consult "opinion leaders" and interact with citizens online.
It would also produce videos and appoint promotion ambassadors to boost its public reputation.
The municipal police bureau has ordered all police bureau branches in Beijing to establish their own public relations office.
The public relations services will cover permanent residents, migrant workers and foreign residents in Beijing.
"With the aid of modern technology, we hope to communicate with residents and vulnerable groups with frankness and sincerity, as well as promote the publicity of social justice," said Fu Zhenghua, head of the bureau.
While some residents appreciate the open attitude of Beijing police, some expressed concern.
"They have good intentions, but I wonder whether the service will become merely a formality," said Yu Yian, a reporter with Beijing-based Health Times.
"I hope the microblog can be fully utilized, unlike those badly maintained administrative websites," said Liu Juan, an employee with a IT company in Beijing.
Wang Yukai, a professor with the Chinese Academy of Governance, said public relations services provide residents with an easy and more effective access to police affairs.
On the other hand, police can learn more about public opinion and social conflict, Wang said.
He said Chinese courts and procuratorates could also open microblogs, which may help solve conflicts caused by miscarriages of justice.
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