NCJ Number
50915
Journal
POLICE LAW QUARTERLY Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (1977) Pages: 36-40
Date Published
1977
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THE CHINESE POLICE SYSTEM AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN REFERENCE TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IS DISCUSSED WITH THE INTENTION OF FACILITATING UNDERSTANDING OF CHINA.
Abstract
COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING THERE IS LITTLE CRIME IN CHINA DESPITE THE RELATIVE LACK OF VISIBLE POLICE. THE CHINESE CITY STRUCTURE HAS THE FOLLOWING AUTHORITATIVE ORGANIZATIONS: REVOLUTIONARY COMMITTEES, DISTRICTS, NEIGHBORHOODS, STREET COMMITTEES (PRIMARY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT), AND RESIDENTIAL COMMITTEES. THE COUNTRYSIDE, WHERE 80 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION RESIDE, HAS A PUBLIC SECURITY STATION WITH A SPECIAL AGENT ASSIGNED TO SURVEIL 2 OR 3 COMMUNES. SECURITY IS MAINTAINED WITH THE HELP OF THE ARMY, THE MILITIA, AND NEIGHBORS. COMMUNITY AND POLICE PRESSURE ARE USED FOR IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS, AND REHABILITATING OFFENDERS. A DISTINCTION IS MADE BETWEEN COMMON LAW AND POLITICAL CRIMES, THE MOST FREQUENTLY COMMITTED CRIMES. HOWEVER, ESSENTIALLY ALL CRIMES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE POLITICAL IN CHINA. INSIGHT INTO POLICE DUTIES IS REVIEWED AS THEY ARE DETAILED IN THE PEOPLE'S POLICE ACT. THE ELEMENTS OF RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE PREVENTION, MONITORING, INVESTIGATION, APPREHENSION, TRAFFIC CONTROL, CIVIL ORDER AND SAFETY, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND COMMUNICATION. REFERENCES OR NOTES ARE NOT PROVIDED. (JCP)