Policing the police is good only in theory

As of May 9, Beijing residents can report to the Municipal Bureau of Public Security any police cars are being used for private purposes, such as weddings and funeral ceremonies or leading the way for cars as part of a new policy introduced by the bureau. If the tip-off is verified after investigation, the informer will receive a cash reward ranging from 100 yuan to 500 yuan.

On first impression it seems that the new regulation is a step forward for local residents as it shows that local authorities are paying more attention to the public's right to be involved with government affairs.

However, on second thought, the regulation, though good, is hard to implement. Many of the articles are vaguely written. For example, one article states that residents can make a report if they discover a police car that isn't registered in accordance with the law or has incomplete plates or certificates. Yet, how can an ordinary resident know a police car is non-compliant? The police is a special profession, how can ordinary people know which police cars are on duty and which cars are just wandering for their own purpose? People can't just stop a speeding police car and ask the driver what he's doing. The act would surely be considered interfering with public service.