The mainland is experimenting with policing reforms in several regions, hoping to make its public security forces more efficient and accountable.
In a pilot programme in Jilin that could extend to the entire province, the city of Liaoyuan has abolished police bureaus in two districts, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.
The streamlined system has seen the percentage of the force's officers on the street jump from 48 per cent to 90 per cent. Police patrols now report directly to a new monitoring agency under the municipal police department's direct control.
As a result, more than 450 police officers who spent most of their time behind desks have been redeployed to street duties, where they are most needed.
Wang Yong , a professor at the Chinese People's University of Public Security, said: 'After a long period of consideration, Chinese police have found that - just like in other countries - putting officers on the street is the best way to prevent crime.'
The Liaoyuan police reform has received positive feedback from the central government, with Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang suggesting that the rest of the country should follow suit.