NCJ Number
144170
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: special issue (July 1993) Pages: 316-336
Date Published
1993
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article describes the emergence of specialized forms of policing for special professions, special populations, and crucial areas in the People¦s Republic of China.
Abstract
During the 1980's, the country experienced a significant increase in crime, together with an increase in the fear of crime in the general population. The Chinese government leadership initially responded to this situation through mass campaigns in policing. These campaigns involved short, sharp efforts addressed to particular types of crime for very limited time periods. These campaigns were often accompanied by specialized, more draconian legislation enacted to facilitate the effort. The adoption of this campaign style of policing foreshadowed a more fundamental change in the nature of policing in China. Social control efforts shifted from a focus on target crimes to a focus on target areas and then to a focus on constant surveillance of crucial groups of people. The newer form of policing arose from demands for security in the economic reform period, but it ultimately threatens the reform program by establishing extralegal forms of control. 34 references (Author abstract modified)