Remarks on China (2005) by Lori A. Harris, Police Chief, Windcrest Police Department
Invitations
were sent out to attend the Asian Association of Police Studies annual
conference in China and to enjoy some sight seeing along the way. I didn't
hesitate and called the university to indicate a strong interest in attending
the conference. Once the arrangements and documents were in order I was
ready to travel.
The itinerary included the conference, some banquets, many luncheons and
dinners, and tours to points of interests. We visited Beijing, Shanghai
and Hong Kong. The itinerary included some site seeing tours of the Great
Wall, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. The banquets, luncheons
and dinners were full of authentic Chinese foods that were very different
and much better than the typical Chinese food you find at home. I even
became quite adept at utilizing the chop sticks. The sites, sounds, tastes,
and aromas are beyond description and need to be experienced first hand
in order to gain a true appreciation for the rich culture and history
of the country.
Interacting and speaking with the various officials, professors, and students
helped me to gain an appreciation for the country's attempt at professionalizing
the police profession. I wasn't surprised to discover some interesting
criminal justice differences. I learned that in order to become a police
officer a person must first attend the university and obtain a degree.
I noticed that the police cars were not equipped with a cage or divider.
I was told that one was not needed since arrested persons went with the
police when told to do so. I noticed that the officers did not carry any
type of hand guns and was told that only the "armed" police
carried hand guns. I also found out that a person can be apprehended and
held for a few days without being told what they were being suspected
of. I was told that if an individual were scheduled for court it was basically
to learn their sentence because they were already deemed to be guilty.
I was advised that the police, attorneys, and the judge all work together
so that if a person were to go to court all the evidence that has been
uncovered has indicated their guilt. some police officer even see the
case to the end to include helping the convicted whey they are incarcerated
through their rehabilitation process and finding them a job once they
are out. I was told this practice has helped keep the recidivism rates
very low.
China has some very different and interesting practices in their criminal
justice programs and in speaking with some officials it appears that they
are interested in learning from other countries on how to improve their
entire system. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad
or participate in a similar program to do so. You will definitely get
your money's worth and then some. The experiences and memories are truly
priceless.
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