BEIJING, May 27 -- China's community correction centers had received more than 1.84 million offenders nationwide by the end of February since tryouts were launched 11 years ago, official data showed on Tuesday.

Among those offenders, about 1.14 million have already been released from the centers, according to a statement issued by the Supreme People's Court, Supreme People's Procuratorate, Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Justice at a conference.

Chinese Justice Minister Wu Aiying said the community correction system had made positive contributions to social stability in the country.

China first launched community correction tryouts in 2003 in six cities and provinces, including Beijing and Shanghai, and has extended the scheme to other parts of the nation ever since.

The correctional program has been imposed on offenders including people under surveillance, on probation, parole, and those temporarily out of prison. Social workers and volunteers are often invited to assist.

Wu urged the nation to carry out community correction in an all-around way and upgrade its service.