A Beijing SWAT officer supervises a toddler as he looks through a rifle scope during a police open day at the unit's headquarters in Changping on Wednesday. [Photo/China Daily]

Security chiefs play matchmakers during annual police promotion

Residents got a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Beijing's SWAT unit on Wednesday - and police chiefs are hoping it is a case of love at first sight.

To mark Police Open Day, the armed tactical response department's headquarters in Changping district held a day of activities, which this year featured a matchmaking project aimed at helping its young officers find partners.

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"The police officers are very busy every day. They get few days off and have little contact with the world outside their unit," said officer Wang Na, who was part of the organizing committee for Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau. "It's not easy for SWAT personnel to find girlfriends or boyfriends."

Basic details and pictures of 54 unmarried recruits - including five women - were posted on large boards in the station for potential suitors to note down. Visitors could also leave their contact information for candidates, who are all aged in their 20s.

"I have my eyes on No 10. He looks good," said Li, a 24-year-old singleton who did not want to give her full name. "My childhood dream is to marry a policeman as the job has a sense of honor. I know he'll probably work long hours, but he's keeping the country safe."

While young women and men copied down the numbers of their favorites and pictures, parents were also busy collecting contact sheets or scribbling down phone numbers.

"I find this activity very good because it offers more choice to the girls," said Wang, a 35-year-old woman who married a police officer and is now looking for a boyfriend for her friend's daughter.

Wang Na said the matchmaking activity will be repeated in the future. Yet, it was not the only success during the open day. More than 5,000 visitors, including kindergarten children, college students and public safety enthusiasts, attended the open day, with many expressing their delight at being able to see and even use specialized firearms usually kept under wraps.

A total 31 weapons and pieces of equipment were put on display, ranging from anti-riot vehicles and bomb disposal robots to radioactive examination devices and a high-tech police helicopter.

In addition to performances by the anti-terrorism team, there were 19 interactive activities for visitors, including shooting pistols and machine guns, rock climbing and self-defense courses on how to overpower assailants with one move.

"It is so vivid; shocking even. Their moves are so fast," said Xing Jingjing as he watched an abseiling display. A freshman at Beijing Sport University, he said he plans to apply to the police force after graduation.

Wu Tao, publicity director for the SWAT team, added: "By displaying equipment and skills, as well as introducing safety tips and knowledge, the open day can help promote police efforts in cracking down on illegal activities."