Beijing police launched their Olympic security training programme in April. Part of the city's Olympic security scheme, the programme involves more than 100,000 police, armed police, security guards and volunteers. It will run until July 2008, finishing in good time for the Olympics opening ceremony.

Zhao Yuan, chief of Education and Training Division of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, who is in charge of the implementation of the programme, said that as follows:

How will the training programme be carried out?

The programme is divided into three phases. The first phase, from April to December 2006, is focused on basic skills. The second phase will last throughout 2007, when police will receive training in simulated conditions. The last phase, between January and July of 2008, will carry out field exercises in real conditions.

The programme includes a wide range of different subjects, such as protection of VIPs, security for large-scale gatherings, anti-terrorism and anti-riot exercises, information collection, foreign language and foreign culture training, social etiquette etc.

We have both strategic training outlines for each year, and detailed monthly drill plans. Each training section has a specific timetable.

How many government departments and people will take part in the training programme?

The work units involved include the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Beijing Municipal Firefighting Bureau, the Ministry of National Security, the Headquarters of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), the armed police forces, security departments of embassies and customs. More than 100,000 people, including police, armed police, security guards and Olympic volunteers, will receive training over the next two years, and nearly 1,000 drill masters will provide different courses.

What's the security plan for sports venues?

We have drafted different plans for each venue. These plans are marked by A, B, C, and D levels with security standards from high to low. The four levels require different numbers of police and quantities of equipment. Training courses for venue security will be carried out based on different plans and we have both individual and comprehensive drills. Every risk and emergency that we can predict will be covered in our training.

How does the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau co-operate with foreign counterparts in Olympic security training?

We follow the principle of "going out and inviting in" in security training, learning from successful experiences and the usual practices adopted by our foreign counterparts whose cities have hosted the Olympics.

For example, experts engaged in Olympic security training from the United States, Australia and Greece have visited Beijing many times and given lectures about their experiences. Experts from Germany who took part in the security training for the World Cup have also provided many good suggestions. We also send police officers to the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries to learn about advanced security ideas and working methods.

How about the foreign language training programme?

The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau launched a foreign language training programme in 2001 with the aim that more than 60 per cent of Beijing police will be able to talk with overseas visitors in basic foreign languages. Besides English, some other major languages such as French, German and Arabic will also be taught.

By the end of 2005, about 17,500 police had been awarded the Beijing Oral Foreign Language Certificate, nearly 40 per cent of the total number. It is estimated that by the end of 2007, more than 60 per cent, or nearly 30,000 police, will have received the certificate.

We have also sent a number of police to study abroad. So far, 46 officers have earned master degrees from Westminster University in Britain, another 47 officers have received master degrees from the University of Canberra in Australia. Other officers have studied in universities in Germany and France.

We have noticed that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers have participated in the training. What role will the PLA play in the Olympic security scheme?

The PLA is the task force in combating terrorist attacks. Anti-nuclear and anti-biochemical drills are included in this year's training. Besides the PLA, some police officers will also take such training.

How about the air police patrol?

Beijing police is preparing an air task force to help deal with terrorist attacks and other security emergencies. We are also planning to build aircraft parking areas near venues.

(China Daily July 14, 2006)