More than 2,000 newly recruited police officers have completed a one-month training course and begun working in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to beef up local security.

The 2,360 new recruits, consisting of new graduates and decommissioned soldiers, will serve alongside special police officers seconded from other provinces for the first four weeks, by the end of which they are expected to patrol independently.

They are the first of a planned 5,000-strong "special police" force to tighten security and combat crimes in Xinjiang, said Fu Qiang, a senior official in charge of political and legislative affairs.

They were recruited after a strict screening procedure, which included written exams, interviews and physical fitness tests, he said.

A month-long intensive training, aimed at enhancing their ability to combat tough climate, as well as cope with high tensions and physical pains, ended Thursday.

Fu said the new recruits would be employed by the Xinjiang Regional Public Security Bureau, and their areas of operation would cover the whole region.

In China, special police units are responsible for combating terrorism, maintaining public security, and dealing with violent crimes and emergencies.

In Xinjiang, special police forces are also responsible for helping prevent unrest such as the devastating riot of July 5 last year.