China’s Cops On Rollerblades And High Heels
Tianfu Square in Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan and the economic center of southwest China. It is also of the largest cities in China fraught with urban beauty and unfortunately some degree of urban crime.
Although very trendy, Tianfu Square with its spectacular fountains that dance to flowing music with multi-colored lights has become a magnet for pickpockets and drunks who prey on the many tourists that flock to the area.
They come to behold the huge statue of the former leader, Mao Zedong, to enjoy the wonders of Sichuan Science and Technology Museum and to shop at the many charming stores, boutiques and restaurants that line the streets of the district.
To cope with the growing influx of street crime and be kind to the environment at the same time, a new squad of no-nonsense, roller-blading policewomen has been launched to chase down crooks at a speed of 25 mph.
These ladies are synchronized, know what they are doing and enjoy their work. When they are not on skates, they quickly change into 3-inch high heels because officials believe the shoes give them “ an elegant authority.”
“I like watching the policewomen in the Hong Kong TV series very much… So when I saw the advertisement for roller skate police, I had to have a try. It’s so cool,” says police recruit Chen Fengyu, aged 19
The squad’s organizer, Song Bin, believes this squad will make a difference in both fighting crime and protecting the environment. The skates are not only efficient; they are also kinder to the atmosphere than patrolling the area in cars.
Roller skate police are also popular in Israel, although who got the idea first, Israel or China, may be up for grabs. Check out this video below about roller skates and police in action.
(Link)
By MDeeDubroff on 15-08-2011
