China: "China targets drunken, gun-toting police "

[cuchulainn]

from the Borneo Bulletin

http://www.brunei-online.com/bb/fri/nov21w24.htm

China targets drunken, gun-toting police

BEIJING (AFP) - Some 587 Chinese police are under investigation for drinking on duty, drinking and driving or carrying firearms while under the influence of alcohol, state press said Thursday. So far 250 have been sacked since new regulations against such behaviour were enacted earlier this year, the Beijing Star Daily said.

The disciplinary actions come after the Public Security Bureau enacted the "five prohibitions" on the police force in January that outlawed gambling, drinking during work hours, drinking and driving, carrying firearms while inebriated and violating gun use rules.

One of the first officers disciplined was Yu Weitao from northeastern Jilin province who had been decorated repeatedly but was dismissed in April for carrying a weapon while drunk and driving his car without a driver's license.

Following the beating to death of a migrant worker while in police custody, Minister of Police Zhou Yongkang called for stronger implementation of the new rules.

Copyright © 2003 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

from China View

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2003-11/20/content_1189920.htm

More than 250 policemen fired for poor conduct

BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Police chiefs have announced that 587 Chinese policemen have been investigated and prosecuted -- including 259 who have been sacked -- since the beginning of 2003 when the Ministry of Public Security promulgated its new conduct code.

On Jan. 22, the Ministry of Public Security officially promulgated the stringent new code, known as the "Five Prohibitions", which stipulated that police officers were forbidden to gamble, drink alcohol during work hours, drink and drive, carry firearms under the influence of alcohol, and violate gun use and management rules.

Violators of the "Five Prohibitions" are eligible for harsh penalties, including dismissal and expulsion from the police, saida source with the Ministry.

One day after the promulgation of the conduct code, Zhou Yongkang, Minister of Public Security, urged all the country's public security bodies to strictly implement the "Five Prohibitions", and to resolutely investigate and punish violators.

The ministry soon dispatched 15 inspection teams throughout thecountry to check daily activities and publicize the "Five Prohibitions" among the entire force.

The campaign to clean up police forces has continued across the country.

Copyright ©2003 Xinhua News Agency