Comment
It is ridiculous to ban city cops from drinking off duty
By Li Zhimei (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-11 10:17
Take note: from this point on police bureau chiefs need to seek permission from their supervising officers before they drink, even when not on duty.
According to a recent report in Chengdu Daily, following a regulation announced by Anyang city police, police chiefs of counties and branches under the city's public security bureau must seek approvals from their supervising officers before they can go for a drink. All other officers in the force also need to seek permission from their chief before taking a sip.
| ||||
First, taking a break is a constitutional right of all citizens. It's against law and human nature to ask a policeman to seek permission to drink when they are not working.
Second, on what grounds would a superior officer decide to permit a subordinate to drink?
During those days off, which police officers are going to be allowed to do so? How much alcohol will be allowed? What other instructions can a supervising officer give that relate to drinking?
Third, who will be responsible for the consequences of drinking after the supervisors have given permission? Usually, during rest times, people are responsible for their own behaviors.
However, after the supervisors give their permission, should they also take responsibility if their drunken cops commit crimes or violate regulations? In the worst case, what will happen if a police officer dies while drinking with permission? Did they die in the line of duty?
As far as I can see, the regulation is illegal, unreasonable and cannot be implemented.
It is indeed a joke in a society ruled by law. What's more laughable is that our regulations can never be strictly followed.
Authorities create and announce regulations over and again until they become the laughing butts of the country!
(Excerpts of a commentary that appeared in Mirror Evening News on Dec 10)
