Preventing custody deaths a top priority

Preventing "unnatural deaths" of inmates and removing safety risks in detention houses are a priority for the police this year, the Ministry of Public Security said.

A series of custody deaths threatens the removal of police control over detention centers.

In a statement published on the ministry's website late on Thursday, chief police inspector Zhu Chunlin said law enforcement practices by police officers shall be further regulated to achieve "harmony between the police and the people".