Youth volunteers in Xuhui District, Shanghai will work with police officers to conduct various tasks such as patrolling the streets and carrying out publicity campaigns involving public security.

More than 100 volunteer representatives made a solemn vow at the Grand Gateway Plaza in Xujiahui yesterday afternoon, marking the commencement of the volunteer service campaign organized by Xuhui Public Security Bureau and the district's Youth League Commission.

To celebrate the start of the monthly event, school students, Youth League members and police officers later staged a show at the plaza that included singing, dancing and a performance of fighting skills.

The volunteers were also put to work, distributing about 3,500 leaflets on public security to pedestrians outside some large shopping malls around the commercial center.

"From now on they will perform the duty in some busy commercial areas, residential communities and schools throughout the district," said Pan Weilei of the Xuhui Public Security Bureau.

He said all the volunteers are under the age of 30 and come from all walks of life. "They are teachers, doctors, office workers and bank employees," Pan said.

"A sound social environment calls for the cooperation and effort of every citizen," said a volunteer surname Xu. "The volunteer campaign offers us a good platform to make our due contribution to a peaceful living environment."

(Shanghai Daily December 21, 2005)