Police-Public Relations — A Chinese View

Abstract

Since the 1950s, police departments have been concerned with police public relations. In order to improve these relations, the Ministry of Public Security did a lot of work. In the 1950s and early 1960s, the relations were more harmonious. Since the 1980s, the relationship has got worse. The main reasons are: (1) The serious social security order situation has forced police departments to distance themselves from the public; (2) Police are forced to do non-police work; (3) Social changes also serve to further distance police from the public; (4) Police departments cannot adjust themselves to the needs of the current situation; (5) Police misconduct is the most important factor to harm the relations in China. In response to these problems police departments have taken the following measures: (1) Strengthened education and training; (2) Improved regulations and discipline to control police conduct; (3) Reinforced inspection and supervision of police; (4) Persistently launched anti-corruption campaigns; (5) Delivered good services to residents.