China's police chief Friday urged officers to improve transparency of police work and to ensure the public's right to know the truth.

Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu asked police officers to be aware of the challenge they faced in maintaining social stability in the information era at the closing ceremony of a training program for police spokespersons held Thursday in Beijing.

He hoped them to smooth communication with the public and improve understanding, according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security on Friday.

To reach the goal, Meng said the police must pay more attention to requests and feelings of the people. They should try their best to inform the public of their work, so long as they did not jeopardize investigations.

He called on police officers, especially those in higher ranks, to maintain close contact with the common people and to turn to the Internet to gauge public opinions.

In dealing with emergencies, Meng asked the spokespersons to follow the latest developments and release the information as soon as possible. They should also sharpen their communication skills with the media and public.

Meng's remarks followed several mass incidents that exposed problems in law enforcement procedures.

Last Saturday, two officials, including one in charge of law enforcement work, were removed from their posts for "mishandling a mass incident" triggered by the death of a man in Shishou city of central Hubei Province.

A 24-year-old chef, Tu Yuangao, was found lying dead at the entrance of a hotel in Shishou on June 17. Police concluded he committed suicide, but Tu's family and the public were not convinced and online rumors emerged.

The police and government kept silent for more than three days, fueling rampant rumors that led to angry locals blocking two streets, burning the hotel and smashing vehicles.

In February, the public also voiced discontent with the police reaction to the death of a suspect in a detention center in southwestern Yunnan Province.

Later investigations found he died after being assaulted by another inmate, but police initially claimed he died in an accident while playing a game.

Source: Xinhua