'Angel squadron' wins halos for gritty work on the streets
October 29, 2011, Saturday
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Print Edition
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A squad of policewomen has been praised by parents as they help ensure students get to school safely. It's tough work but the women say it is rewarding because they know they are making a difference in the community.
Shanghai's traffic is bad and getting worse, worse, making it painstaking and sometimes dangerous for pedestrians to cross the streets.
In Minhang, a special team of policewomen has been assigned to cut paths through the fumes and noise to ensure that children get to and from school safely.
The Xinzhuang Primary School on Xinxi Road S. was in need of such assistance. Located in an area of residential communities, vehicle maintenance shops, grocery markets, construction sites and bus stations, the school sits 50 feet from the Xinxi Road S. tunnel. In short, it's a heavy traffic area.
Starting in March, seven policewomen from the Minhang traffic police squadron were assigned the responsibility of directing traffic and escorting students across busy thoroughfares.
They range in age from women in their 20s to women in their 50s and have won the moniker "angel squadron" from grateful parents, students and teachers.
Theirs is not an easy job. Where once they had comfortable desk jobs in police offices, the women are now out on the front line, enduring summer heat and winter cold, auto fumes and blaring horns.
Since they assumed their new duties, traffic congestion in front of the school entrance has disappeared and no traffic mishaps have befallen students or faculty.
Zhang Huifang
"Some students are still devouring breakfast as they are cross the street in a hurry because they are late," said 47-year-old Zhang Huifang, one of the traffic policewomen. "That can be very dangerous."
She lets students collect in groups on the curb before stopping vehicles to let them pass. At the same time, Zhang is very conscious of the fact that she must disrupt traffic flow as little as possible.
"The school has some mentally challenged children, and we must make extra efforts to ensure their safety," Zhang said.
She also makes suggestions where she sees room for improvement. In the past, for example, there was a guardrail near the sidewalk that often forced pedestrians to cross at a driveway. The guardrail was dismantled on Zhang's advice.
She is also keen to raise awareness of traffic safety. That includes encouraging people to abandon jaywalking habits.
Zhang's day doesn't end on the pavement. She also has heavy family responsibilities. Her husband is in the army and has little time to spare, so she looks after her son and his grandparents.
She gets up at 6am and is at work on the streets at 7:15am. After the morning shift ends, she rushes home to her family responsibilities. At 4pm, she returns to work in front of the school.
Ni Huijuan
Another of the policewomen is Ni Huijuan, who is in her 50s and will retire next year. She is a great favorite because of her warm-hearted, patient personality.
Ni's traffic-control gestures are clear and forceful. Her whistle-blowing lets everyone know who is in charge. She started working about 35 years ago, and when not on traffic duty, works at a window in the district's passport and permit application center.
It's a 45-minute walk between jobs. During the way, Ni said she often chats with joggers along her route.
Li also talks to students as she guides them across the road. "Study diligently, and you will have a bright future!" she tells them.
Yang Defang
Yang Defang is another member of the "angel squadron."
"The spot is not for parking! Please move on! Be careful when you cross the street!"
Watching Yang handle pedestrians and drivers like a seasoned pro, it's surprising to learn that she has been in traffic work only three months.
After she was deactivated from the military, Yang went to work in the traffic violation trial division. At the time, she had no experience in traffic management and accident response. But she was a quick and dedicated learner.
"Although I am not as familiar with traffic management as others, I believe I can do well if I put my mind to it," she said confidently.
Yang lives in the city's northeast Hongkou District. Getting to work in the city's southwest means she has to get up 90 minutes before her shift starts. It's a long day but she says she enjoys very much.
The work of the "angels" does not go unrecognized.
Tan Liang, mother of a grade three student, said she appreciates the team's efforts. "Thanks to them, I don't need to worry about my daughter's safety if I don't have time to accompany her to school," Tan said.
Shanghai's traffic is bad and getting worse, worse, making it painstaking and sometimes dangerous for pedestrians to cross the streets.
In Minhang, a special team of policewomen has been assigned to cut paths through the fumes and noise to ensure that children get to and from school safely.
The Xinzhuang Primary School on Xinxi Road S. was in need of such assistance. Located in an area of residential communities, vehicle maintenance shops, grocery markets, construction sites and bus stations, the school sits 50 feet from the Xinxi Road S. tunnel. In short, it's a heavy traffic area.
Starting in March, seven policewomen from the Minhang traffic police squadron were assigned the responsibility of directing traffic and escorting students across busy thoroughfares.
They range in age from women in their 20s to women in their 50s and have won the moniker "angel squadron" from grateful parents, students and teachers.
Theirs is not an easy job. Where once they had comfortable desk jobs in police offices, the women are now out on the front line, enduring summer heat and winter cold, auto fumes and blaring horns.
Since they assumed their new duties, traffic congestion in front of the school entrance has disappeared and no traffic mishaps have befallen students or faculty.
Zhang Huifang
"Some students are still devouring breakfast as they are cross the street in a hurry because they are late," said 47-year-old Zhang Huifang, one of the traffic policewomen. "That can be very dangerous."
She lets students collect in groups on the curb before stopping vehicles to let them pass. At the same time, Zhang is very conscious of the fact that she must disrupt traffic flow as little as possible.
"The school has some mentally challenged children, and we must make extra efforts to ensure their safety," Zhang said.
She also makes suggestions where she sees room for improvement. In the past, for example, there was a guardrail near the sidewalk that often forced pedestrians to cross at a driveway. The guardrail was dismantled on Zhang's advice.
She is also keen to raise awareness of traffic safety. That includes encouraging people to abandon jaywalking habits.
Zhang's day doesn't end on the pavement. She also has heavy family responsibilities. Her husband is in the army and has little time to spare, so she looks after her son and his grandparents.
She gets up at 6am and is at work on the streets at 7:15am. After the morning shift ends, she rushes home to her family responsibilities. At 4pm, she returns to work in front of the school.
Ni Huijuan
Another of the policewomen is Ni Huijuan, who is in her 50s and will retire next year. She is a great favorite because of her warm-hearted, patient personality.
Ni's traffic-control gestures are clear and forceful. Her whistle-blowing lets everyone know who is in charge. She started working about 35 years ago, and when not on traffic duty, works at a window in the district's passport and permit application center.
It's a 45-minute walk between jobs. During the way, Ni said she often chats with joggers along her route.
Li also talks to students as she guides them across the road. "Study diligently, and you will have a bright future!" she tells them.
Yang Defang
Yang Defang is another member of the "angel squadron."
"The spot is not for parking! Please move on! Be careful when you cross the street!"
Watching Yang handle pedestrians and drivers like a seasoned pro, it's surprising to learn that she has been in traffic work only three months.
After she was deactivated from the military, Yang went to work in the traffic violation trial division. At the time, she had no experience in traffic management and accident response. But she was a quick and dedicated learner.
"Although I am not as familiar with traffic management as others, I believe I can do well if I put my mind to it," she said confidently.
Yang lives in the city's northeast Hongkou District. Getting to work in the city's southwest means she has to get up 90 minutes before her shift starts. It's a long day but she says she enjoys very much.
The work of the "angels" does not go unrecognized.
Tan Liang, mother of a grade three student, said she appreciates the team's efforts. "Thanks to them, I don't need to worry about my daughter's safety if I don't have time to accompany her to school," Tan said.
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