BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security on Monday instructed police departments nationwide to step up effort against assaults on police officers.
The ministry responded to several assaults on police officers on regular duty in central China's Henan and Hunan provinces and east China's Shandong Province recently, said a ministry press release.
"A few civilians disobeyed police instruction, insulted or assaulted police officers and some spread rumors that undermined personal safety and reputation of officers," the statement said. "This behavior threatens law enforcement and social order."
The ministry dispatched teams to Shandong, Henan and Hunan and instructed local police departments to take measures to curb such offences and protect rights and welfare of officers.
Local police departments are also urged to introduce more training to help officers handle contingencies and defend themselves.
