Painstaking efforts must be made to construct computer networks for public security, said Chinese Vice-Premier Huang Ju in Beijing on Tuesday.

Public security officials at all levels should make more contributions to the construction of computer networks so as to better serve the people, said the official.

The computer-based information network among public security departments at various levels, dubbed "Golden Shield", started operation on Tuesday. The networks will significantly help criminal investigations, internal administration and management.

It is also one of the country's 12 major projects using computer networks in the management of government.

The authority will also speed up building a database that covers massive public security information to realize resource sharing among judicial and public security departments as well as serving public users in 2005.

Experts believe the establishment of the networks will improve the ability of police to fight crime, and help modernize and standardize applications of information technology.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2003)