China: Allows filming to control police

Chinese citizens can film police to control the behavior of these authorities.

China's Ministry of Public Security has issued new regulations allowing the filming after a Beijing resident died in custody two months ago, sparking accusations of police brutality.

Chinese police at a traffic stop in Beijing. Photo: AFP

SCMP said the new regulation allows people to film police, as long as this action does not hinder the police from performing their duties. The new regulation is said to control the behavior of police, avoiding excessive violence and other inappropriate behavior.

“Police should accept public supervision and get used to enforcing the law under camera surveillance if public filming does not affect law enforcement,” state broadcaster CCTV quoted the new regulation as saying.

The latest move comes after 29-year-old environmental activist Lei Yang died 50 minutes after being detained by plainclothes police for questioning about his papers. Police initially said he died of a heart attack, but a forensic examination showed he suffocated from a stomach ulcer.

Public opinion then reacted to the police's handling of the case. Two police officers were arrested over the incident.

Chinese police are now required to state their names and circumstances clearly when approaching people. They are also required to use mobile cameras to record evidence during the entire process of performing their duties.

China is currently facing a series of protests, in which people often record police beatings. Under new regulations, plainclothes police are required to show their police badges when approaching people. Police in uniform only need to show their badges if asked.

The new regulations also require police to politely release people if they find no problems after inspection.

In traffic accidents, police are required to control their emotions to avoid heated arguments and to keep their distance from those they approach.

According to Zing