Prudence must be given to evaluate arming police

Source:Global Times Published: 2014-4-22 0:08:03

Starting April 20, Shanghai police officers began carrying revolvers on patrol, making Shanghai another Chinese mainland city where police carry guns under normal conditions. It is common across the globe that police carry pistols or even bigger firearms. Now China is going that way.

The public has mixed feelings toward the idea of armed police. Supporters hope the armed police can effectively deal with extreme cases such as the terrorism attack in the Kunming railway station on March 1, while opponents are concerned about the security of gun management and whether police officers know exactly when to fire.

That police officers patrol with guns is based on China's reality. But as society hasn't reached a firm consensus on this policy, other cities should not blindly follow.

The Kunming attack shocked society. Armed police will enhance public confidence toward social security and stability. In recent years, despite the societal security improving, the number of extreme cases has risen, especially cases of individuals aiming revenge upon society.

But the complexities behind the policy are not as simple as handling extreme criminals. Examining the experience of countries like the US, it is difficult to completely eradicate the possibility of police shooting the wrong person. Once that happens, society will react much more fiercely than if it were to happen in the US. Authorities must take this risk into consideration.

Weaponized police means enlarging their law-enforcement rights. But society doesn't want to see their rights enlarged, except in handling terrorists. The police do not have a favorable public image, and authorities must have a clear understanding that the Chinese public is less supportive of the policy than the Western public.

It is an important step for the rule of law to make police officers carrying guns a normal practice. It needs careful planning for the police as well as support from society. It will add a sense of security to most people, while they also need to share the risks with the police, if there are any.

As China is a socialist country, internal conflicts among people are the major domestic problem. Chinese police officers should take a more cautious attitude than their Western peers when using guns. But it doesn't mean they can only use their own bodies when fighting against the mob. The new policy should not create more problems than it can solve.

Before adopting a similar approach, other Chinese cities should listen to public opinion. Police officers carrying guns concerns the interests of all citizens and all should take part in the decision-making process and shoulder due responsibilities.



Posted in: Observer

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