Police urged to brace for challenges in 2009

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Chinese media) -- Senior party official

Zhou Yongkang urged police officers nationwide to be ready for challenges next

year at a meeting here Friday.

"In the year 2009, the country will face severe

challenges in economic and social development," said Zhou, a member of the

Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC)

Central Committee.

Police officers will have to work with stronger

resolution and a firmer fist and do a better job than the year 2008, he said.

Zhou appreciated their performance this year in face

of "serious challenges one after another".

He promised more investment in local police stations

to improve their facilities, hire more officers and increase their salary and

improve welfare.

Local police organs shall also improve their own

capability to protect security and stability as well as handle accidents, he

said.