Chengguan try to boost image
Source: Xinhua |
November 6, 2011, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
DOGGED by criticism over their use of excessive force and questionable tactics, China's urban management authorities are trying to improve their image and enforce the law in a more friendly fashion, including hiring more women to patrol the streets of urban centers.
Urban management officers, known as chengguan in Chinese, are charged with enforcing city regulations and preventing or stopping minor crimes. However, they have gained a reputation for being overly violent and cruel in enforcing the law.
Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, has trained a team of 52 female chengguan to patrol for illegal street side vendors and prevent other minor crimes.
"Violently enforcing the law and using administrative force are not suitable in today's society. Female inspectors take a softer approach," said Deng Riming, chief of the Guangzhou Urban Management Bureau.
The female officers were selected based on their appearance, age and education. The officers are required to be at least 160 centimeters tall and speak at least one foreign language, according to Deng.
Zhang Yang, one of the team's leaders, said: "We feel proud to be part of the team. Not everyone can be selected."
Urban management authorities in other cities are also making changes. In one district in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, one unit is now made up entirely of women.
The hiring of more women comes after a string of controversial incidents in which urban management officers have used excessive force to apprehend violators.
In January 2008, a bystander in Hubei Province was beaten to death by urban management officers after he used a video camera to film them physically abusing street side vendors.
Urban management officers, known as chengguan in Chinese, are charged with enforcing city regulations and preventing or stopping minor crimes. However, they have gained a reputation for being overly violent and cruel in enforcing the law.
Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, has trained a team of 52 female chengguan to patrol for illegal street side vendors and prevent other minor crimes.
"Violently enforcing the law and using administrative force are not suitable in today's society. Female inspectors take a softer approach," said Deng Riming, chief of the Guangzhou Urban Management Bureau.
The female officers were selected based on their appearance, age and education. The officers are required to be at least 160 centimeters tall and speak at least one foreign language, according to Deng.
Zhang Yang, one of the team's leaders, said: "We feel proud to be part of the team. Not everyone can be selected."
Urban management authorities in other cities are also making changes. In one district in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, one unit is now made up entirely of women.
The hiring of more women comes after a string of controversial incidents in which urban management officers have used excessive force to apprehend violators.
In January 2008, a bystander in Hubei Province was beaten to death by urban management officers after he used a video camera to film them physically abusing street side vendors.
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