Police chiefs have announced that 587 Chinese police officers have been investigated and prosecuted -- including 259 who have been sacked -- since the beginning of 2003 when the Ministry of Public Security promulgated its new conduct code.

On Jan. 22, the Ministry of Public Security officially promulgated the stringent new code, known as the "Five Prohibitions", which stipulated that police officers were forbidden to gamble, drink alcohol during work hours, drink and drive, carry firearms under the influence of alcohol, and violate gun use and management rules.

Violators of the "Five Prohibitions" are eligible for harsh penalties, including dismissal and expulsion from the police, said a source with the Ministry.

One day after the promulgation of the conduct code, Zhou Yongkang, Minister of Public Security, urged all the country's public security bodies to strictly implement the "Five Prohibitions", and to resolutely investigate and punish violators.

The ministry soon dispatched 15 inspection teams throughout the country to check daily activities and publicize the "Five Prohibitions" among the entire force.

The campaign to clean up police forces has continued across the country.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2003)