The Chinese public security system is planning to convert a portion of its auxiliary police officers (contractors who perform/assist police duties) into officially registered civil servants over the next two years. Several experts view this as a significant signal that the authorities are seeking to strengthen their state control system in response to potentially increasing social risks. However, they caution that it may ultimately lead to bureaucratic bloating and more government spending.
The Ministry of Public Security led the conversion effort and will implement it in phases, with the goal of completing the reclassification and partial conversion nationwide by 2027.
Data from the Ministry of Public Security showed that by the end of 2024, there were over 1.2 million auxiliary police officers in China, accounting for 46 percent of frontline police personnel. However, due to poor compensation, lax management, and low loyalty, they are increasingly unable to meet the Chinese Communist Party’s political priority of stability.
Public reports indicate that Shanghai completed the first pilot program to convert 5,000 auxiliary officers in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Earlier this year, China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security officially included “auxiliary police” in the national occupational classification catalog, categorizing them as “security and fire protection support personnel.” The Ministry of Public Security classified the auxiliary officers into four categories: administrative support, law enforcement support, technical police work, and special positions. The ministry also introduced job-based salary structures and performance evaluations to improve standardization and management.
Source: Epoch Times, June 3, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/6/3/n14523333.htm