The long arm of the law is going undercover in Beijing to ensure people are safe in the city's many public places. In a determined effort to combat street crimes such as theft, fraud and drug dealing a 1,200-strong plainclothes police team was officially established yesterday by Beijing's public security bureau. 

 

The officers wearing everyday clothes will be deployed across the city but especially in public places such as railway and bus stations, hotels, restaurants and busy business districts. However, their movements could be changed in response to reports made on the 110 emergency hotline.

 

Ma Xichu, deputy director of the bureau's criminal police unit, said Beijing had a comparatively low crime rate but did witness a significant number of street crimes. "This special team will be an essential supplement to the city's existing police force," he said. "It'll help reduce street crime as offenders won't be able to identify plainclothes officers."

 

Ma said the team would assist during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum next month. He said more than 4,000 foreign guests would gather in Beijing for the event and ensuring their safety was the bureau's responsibility.

 

Currently Beijing has around 600 plainclothes officers. The new team marked the establishment of systematic policing in Beijing by plainclothes officers, said Ma. All those involved were required to have at least three years' city police experience and would also undergo special training before joining the team. Ma explained that when necessary the officers would be permitted to carry firearms.

 

The team has received a positive response from residents. Seven out of 10 people surveyed by China Daily said the initiative would make them feel safer.

 

However, one resident surnamed Zhou, questioned whether the officers might be tempted to abuse their power. "The bureau should issue detailed supervision regulations for plainclothes officers," he said. "And the current number of plainclothes policemen is far from enough for a city with over 10 million inhabitants."

 

(China Daily October 18, 2006)