A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday urged public security departments across the country to strengthen their abilities so as to better safeguard social security before the Lunar New Year holidays next month.

Luo Gan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Committee for Comprehensive Management of Public Security, made the remarks at a meeting to highlight the committee's work this year.

Luo urged Party and government officials to work harder to build up a sound public security management network and work out new methods to combat crimes.

He listed work report on the reeducation of newly-released prisoners, juvenile delinquents and minor criminals as well as the management of migrant population, all major tasks for China's public security departments.

He required the public security departments to rely on the general public for building up a safe social environment, adding that efforts should be made to the formation of a contingent of professional public security workers in communities.

He also required to enhance work during the Spring Festival holidays, which falls on Feb. 9.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2005)