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Task force may expand to ensure safe Games
By Zhu Zhe (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-26 05:34
Beijing may expand the number of its special police to ensure a safe 2008 Olympic Games, senior police officers revealed on Friday during a demonstration of riot control, hostage rescue and explosions by the city's special team of crack police.
Six armoured police vans sped by, sirens blaring and lights flashing; policemen in black flak jackets advanced with guns or shields in hand, shooting at phantom terrorists; police dogs jumped into get-away cars and subdued gangsters.
Chinese police officers take part in a security exercise at a special force training base in the south of the city of Beijing, China, Friday, Nov. 25, 2005.[AP] |
The Hollywood-style demonstration was held at the police brigade's south Beijing's Xihongmen, which is rarely open to outsiders. Handling unexpected incidents and fighting against possible terrorists are major tasks for this 150-person special force.
As Beijing vows to ensure a safe and peaceful Olympics, Xue Xiaoming, deputy director of the patrol brigade, said they are considering enlarging the number of special police in the capital.
"Beijing is an international metropolis with a low crime rate," Xue said. "But to prevent and handle unexpected incidents that may happen during the Games, we need a strong force."
Chinese police and special forces take part in a security exercise at a special force training base in the south of the city of Beijing, China, Friday, Nov. 25, 2005.[AP] |
Members of this special force are experts in martial arts, counter-terrorism, riot control and hostage rescue. Each one has to receive two years of training, Xue said.
With fewer than 1,000 days to go before the Games, special programmes have been added to the training of this force, focusing on physical strength, tactics and skills.
Chinese police and special forces take part in a security exercise at a special force training base in the south of the city of Beijing, China, Friday, Nov. 25, 2005. [AP] |
But Xue admitted that improving the force's ability to handle unexpected events at the site is still the most difficult part, and "needs experience in actual combat."
He said about 40,000 policemen are currently on duty in the city and asked that residents "have trust in us that we will bring the world a safe Games."
Ma Zhenchuan, chief of the Beijing Public Security Bureau, also told a press conference on Friday that international co-operation is a key to success.
"All advanced safety devices will be in use at the Beijing Olympics," he said, "but only if they are reliable and practical."
(China Daily 11/26/2005 page2)
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